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Darien Arts Center Celebrates the Holiday Season with Festive Holiday Workshops for All Ages
From wreath-making to watercolor cards, the DAC invites the community to get creative this holiday season.
Darien, CT — The Darien Arts Center (DAC) is celebrating the holidays with a festive lineup of creative workshops designed to bring the community together through art, imagination, and holiday cheer. From encaustic painting and apron decorating to watercolor cards, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, there’s something for everyone this season at the DAC.
The season begins on Tuesday, November 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with the Encaustics Exploration Workshop, an engaging introduction to the ancient art of hot wax painting. Participants will learn how to use heated wax mixed with pigments to create five small paintings with a textured, luminous finish. All materials are provided, and attendees are invited to bring wine or refreshments to enjoy while they create.
On Thursday, November 20 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., children in preschool through grade five can join the Kids Apron Decorating Workshop at NAYA, led by DAC instructor Lisa Koorbusch. Perfect for little artists who love to help in the kitchen, this workshop lets kids design their own personalized aprons using fabric paints and embellishments. Afterward, participants will enjoy a NAYA “Little Habibi” Kids Meal, featuring a choice of base, protein, toppings, and drink.
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Next, on Tuesday, December 3 from 7 to 9 p.m., adults can enjoy a relaxed evening of painting at the Holiday Watercolor Card Workshop. Participants will create original watercolor cards to share with family and friends, using simple step-by-step guidance and personal photos for inspiration. Open to all levels, this workshop provides all materials and a creative, BYOB-friendly environment.
A DAC holiday favorite returns on Thursday, December 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. with the Holiday Wreath Workshop. Guests will craft their own festive wreaths in a fun, social setting, complete with light bites from NAYA. All materials are provided, and participants are encouraged to bring extra decorations to personalize their wreaths, along with wine or refreshments to share with friends.
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The holiday fun continues for families on Saturday, December 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. with the Gingerbread House Workshop in the DAC Visual Arts Studio. Children ages two to eight (with a caregiver) can decorate pre-built gingerbread houses with a colorful variety of candies and enjoy hot chocolate while creating their masterpieces. It’s a festive, mess-free way to celebrate the holidays together. (Note: There will be no nuts in the studio, but gingerbread and some candies may be made in facilities that are not nut-free.)
Workshops will take place in the Darien Arts Center Visual Arts Studio at 2 Renshaw Road, unless otherwise noted. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. To register or learn more about DAC’s seasonal workshops and programs, visit darienarts.org.
About the Darien Arts Center:
Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, promoting and providing the means of artistic expression in dance, music, visual arts and theatre for members of the community of all ages. The Darien Arts Center is funded exclusively by tuition, ticket sales and donations. Please support the arts in Darien by making a donation to the Darien Arts Center, volunteering on committees, participating in our programs and attending our events. To learn more, email info@darienarts.org visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683.
