Celtic Script & Knot, Sip & Paint Sunflowers, Egg Decorating

Adults may sign up now for creative classes and workshops at the Darien Arts Center, located at 2 Renshaw Road in Darien. For questions, call (203) 655-8683.

Ladies Night Out! SIP AND PAINT VAN GOGH SUNFLOWERS
Thursday, March 12 | 7-9PM
$45.00
Get into gear for spring and summer with an art filled evening where you will learn to paint beautiful sunflowers based on the paintings of Van Gogh. DAC painting instructor and artist Stephanie Lush-Mastriano will lead this vibrant and exciting workshop that is open to beginners or seasoned painters. A beautiful sunflower still life will be present, and the class will learn how to create their own interpretation of the beautiful scene. All materials will be provided, all levels welcome.
CALLIGRAPHY - THE UNCIAL HAND (Celtic script) + INTRODUCTION TO CELTIC KNOT DESIGN
Monday | 7:00-9:00PM
Mar. 9-April 20 | 6 classes | No class April 13$295 plus $35 Registration Fee
Uncial lettering was commonly used by Latin and Greek scribes from the 4th to the 8th century AD. Students may use it to write their favorite Irish proverb or even a bawdy limerick and will be introduced to Celtic Knot Design. Constructed using a grid method, ornamental Celtic knot borders and elements are typically complete loops without any beginning or end. Early on, these designs were used mainly for decorative purposes. Over time, people began interpreting them as the crossing of physical and spiritual paths, and as symbols for eternity and the endurance of life, love and faith. We will cover how to construct the basic basket-weave patterns from which students may develop their own individual designs, perhaps as decorative borders around their Uncial calligraphy to create truly unique Celtic works of art.
Ladies Night Out! “Pysanka” - UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING WORKSHOP
Thursday, March 26 | 6:30-9:30PM
$95.
A delicate craft thousands of years old, the “pysanka” is a Ukrainian egg decorated with traditional folk designs using a wax-resist (batik) method. The word ‘pysanka’ comes from the verb ‘pysaty,’ meaning “to write” because the intricate designs are not painted, but rather written on the egg shell with melted beeswax. Every symbol and color applied has its own specific meaning. It is believed that some pysanky could even protect households by trapping evil spirits deep within spiral motifs. Other geometric designs were stylized representations of wishes: pine needles for eternal youth, the sun for long life, antlered deer for prosperity, poppies for beauty, birds for fertility and wolves’ teeth zig-zags for loyalty and wisdom. Why not try your hand at making a pysanka? Join us at the table and write your own story on your own eggs! Eggs and materials provided.