Darien Arts Center Kicks Off the New Year with Creative Adult Workshops

Darien, CT — The Darien Arts Center (DAC) is welcoming the New Year with a lineup of engaging adult workshops designed to inspire creativity, encourage relaxation, and foster meaningful connection through the arts. Open to beginners and experienced artists alike, these workshops offer a refreshing way to unwind and explore new artistic mediums in a welcoming, community-focused environment.

The first workshop, Art and Sound Meditation Retreat, takes place on January 12 from 7–9 p.m. Participants will explore water-based art techniques while creating an original piece with artist Karen Siegel, followed by a guided sound meditation led by wellness practitioner Lisa Cooper. Using calming tones and instruments, the meditation is designed to reduce stress and promote overall well-being, offering a restorative and energizing reset for the New Year.

On January 16 from 7–9 p.m., adults are invited to a Watercolor Sip & Paint Greeting Card Workshop, where participants will create six custom watercolor greeting cards perfect for sharing with friends and family. The workshop introduces foundational watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry, allowing colors to blend and flow naturally. All materials are provided, complimentary Pinot Grigio will be served, and guests are welcome to bring additional refreshments. This social and creative evening is ideal for artists of all levels.

Rounding out the winter offerings is the Encaustics Expansion Workshop on February 4 from 7–8:30 p.m., an engaging introduction to encaustic (hot wax) painting. One of the world’s most ancient and durable painting methods, encaustic art creates richly textured, vibrant works using heated wax and pigment. Participants will learn to work on larger surfaces and experiment with specialized tools such as heated irons, heat guns, and styluses. Each attendee will complete both a small and a larger encaustic painting, with all materials included. Wine and snacks are welcome.

“These workshops are a chance for adults to slow down, try something new, and reconnect with their creativity at the start of the year,” said Lisa Koorbusch, Visual Arts Director at the Darien Arts Center. “They offer a relaxed, inspiring way to begin 2026 with intention and artistic exploration.”
Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

To learn more, visit darienarts.org or call 203-655-8683.

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.