BY AMY ALLEN
The Darien Arts Center is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015. As part of the year-long recognition of this milestone, several special events are planned for the fall of the celebratory year, including a Birthday Bash, a digital photo contest and several dance, music and theater performances, including a new production from DAC Stage and the holiday favorite, “Scenes from the Nutcracker.”
- Amy Allen
Steadily growing since its beginnings in 1975, the DAC has expanded its offerings in visual arts, dance, music and theatre over the years. Today, more than 6,000 individuals, from toddlers to seniors, attend programs and performances annually.
Significant contributions to the Darien Arts Center”™s growth include receiving funds from Marion and Dennis Weatherstone in 1994 to renovate its space and create the DAC Weatherstone Studio. The large, professionally equipped mirrored room doubles as a black-box theater and dance studio. Another significant change came to the DAC in the form of a grant from the Darien Foundation for Technology and Community in 2012 that allowed the installation of a state-of-the-art audiovisual system in the theater. The new technology enhances both performer and audience experience at all events.
At 40, the Darien Arts Center continues to grow its programs. More than 600 students benefit from its dance program, one of the largest in Connecticut and the number of music students has recently doubled, necessitating expansion of classroom space. Hundreds of local artists showcase their work at the Annual Art Show and Sale, now in its 57th year. The 15th Ginny Wright Scholarship is given annually in honor of Virginia Wright ”” talented artist, dedicated volunteer and generous benefactor, to a graduating Darien High School artist. DAC Stage, its recently revamped community theater group, continues to gain recognition for critically acclaimed shows.
The nonprofit currently depends on more than 150 teen and adult volunteers to fulfill its mission and is solely funded by private donations, grants, tuition fees and ticket sales. The Darien Arts Center continues to make Darien a more vibrant community. To find out more, visit darienarts.org or call 203-655-8683. The DAC is at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Darien Town Hall.
Amy Allen is executive director of the Darien Arts Center, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
