Carriage Barn Arts Center

08/31/2026

EXCITING NEWS! Courtyard Enhancement Project Underway…

Work has just begun to renovate and enhance the outdoor courtyard of the historic Carriage Barn building and create additional space that will serve our active arts hub for the community. The project is funded through the Good to Great 2.0 grant program, through the State Historic Preservation Office of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development, in partnership with CT Humanities. The Carriage Barn, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was one of just 34 institutions awarded the grant designated for arts, cultural and historic organizations to enhance visitor experience and share Connecticut’s rich cultural history.
The project is being administered and managed by the Town of New Canaan, and landscape design work was completed by Keith Simpson & Associates. The town and Carriage Barn are also contributing funds for the project.
“Transforming the courtyard space from “good” to “great” will allow for more connections between exhibits within the gallery and the exterior landscape,” says Hilary Wittmann, Executive Director. “It will further link the arts center to Waveny Park and draw in park visitors to engage in artistic programming.”
The new courtyard and entryway will become a space for outdoor installations, performances, public programs and classes as well as a hub for impromptu meet-ups or gatherings, and a destination for entertainment, inspiration and learning. The enhancements include replacing gravel with bluestone paving, excavation and drainage work, a lighting and sound system, landscape enhancements and outdoor furnishings. Work is expected to be completed by late September.

08/27/2026

08/23/2026

CHOOSE JOY! Join us for a Midweek Reset presented with LightenUp Life Now — when was the last time you gave yourself permission to simply play, laugh, dance, and reconnect with joy?
August 27 join an uplifting evening of laughter, movement, connection, and lighthearted play for women and girls (10+) to pause, reconnect, and fill your own cups.
An invitation to let go of stress & open your heart — dance instructor Rhei C will lead a joyful session to move freely and celebrate the simple joy of being fully alive.
Come with your mom, daughter, sister, friend or simply by yourself — you’ll be welcomed into a community where meaningful connections are made across generations.
💜A portion of proceeds supports the DVCC, helping bring hope and healing to women and families in our community. SIGN UP NOW at carriagebarn.org

08/22/2026

WEDNESDAY - A few spots open to Visit Nantahala, North Carolina join our tour & lunch!
MANITOGA / The Russel Wright Design Center in Garrison, NY presents and interprets Manitoga as the Wrights’ inspiration and design achievement as a leading center for innovative and sustainable design, architecture, and landscape.
Group guided tour of MANITOGA, the House, Studio and Woodland Garden of pioneer industrial designer, Russel Wright (1904-1976). Experience Dragon Rock, the experimental home which Wright built onto the rock ledge of an abandoned quarry while masterfully orchestrating the surrounding landscape into a series of outdoor rooms of varying character and delight. After the guided tour we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds.

07/31/2026

TWO opportunities to experience this exhibition at The Met with art historian Page Knox:
Zoom lecture Tuesday 8/18 at 6:30pm
Guided tour Tuesday 9/1 at 1:30pm
The exhibition focuses on cross-cultural encounters in Europe and the Middle East during a period of growing imperialism and colonialism. Orientalism: Between Fact and Fantasy presents works of art traditionally identified as Orientalist in conversation with objects from the Middle East, fostering a deeper understanding of the contexts of exchange between cultures, beginning with Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt in 1798 and culminating in an exploration of the French- trained Ottoman painter Osman Hamdi Bey (1842–1910). It highlights the traditions of Islamic art and culture that transfixed 19th-century audiences alongside European and American creations, exploring complex issues surrounding influence and cultural appropriation. The exhibition is the first at The Met dedicated to Orientalism, and the first major collaboration between the Departments of European Paintings and Islamic Art.

07/31/2026

TWO Amazing opportunities to experience this exhibition at The Met with art historian Dr. Page Knox.
Zoom lecture Tuesday 8/18 at 6:30pm
Guided tour Tuesday 9/1 at 1:30pm

The exhibition focuses on cross-cultural encounters in Europe and the Middle East during a period of growing imperialism and colonialism. Orientalism: Between Fact and Fantasy presents works of art traditionally identified as Orientalist in conversation with objects from the Middle East, fostering a deeper understanding of the contexts of exchange between cultures, beginning with Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt in 1798 and culminating in an exploration of the French- trained Ottoman painter Osman Hamdi Bey (1842–1910). It highlights the traditions of Islamic art and culture that transfixed 19th-century audiences alongside European and American creations, exploring complex issues surrounding influence and cultural appropriation. The exhibition is the first at The Met dedicated to Orientalism, and the first major collaboration between the Departments of European Paintings and Islamic Art.

07/09/2026

🌘 The New Moon is the darkest night of the lunar cycle - and the most powerful moment to begin again. Join for a gentle evening for women to release what’s heavy, get quiet, and plant one clear intention for the month ahead.
Start with Breathe & Be Still practice of guided meditation led by Sister Indra, close with Play & Express practice of intention-setting ritual. You will leave feeling lighter in your body, clearer in your mind, and connected to a community of women who are doing this work alongside you.
Tuesday July 14, 6:45-8pm. Tea, water & light snacks will be served.

06/17/2026

Have you spotted these pieces in the windows downtown? Go find them & so many others on your next New Canaan shopping trip 🛍️🖼️ Togs CT Eyes On Elm | Dr. Considine Luscious & Co. New Canaan The Whitney Shop Pennyweights Pam Robinson Nantucket Monogram & Design Francos Wine Merchants

06/05/2026

SPECTRUM WONDERLAND: Tea And Lemons and Fishes With Friends by in the gallery through 6/19.
Picasso once said,
“It took me years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” As a former teacher, my students were playful and fearless in their approach. Their broad strokes and bright palettes were charged with energy and a joy to behold.
Now in my second career, I incorporate a creative energy and playfulness with line, shape and bold colors. The solitude of the pandemic gave me the opportunity to explore and surround myself with joyful still-life paintings using whimsical flowers, wine and food- some of my favorite things!
Working with children has allowed me to see the world through their lens, and my work reflects my positive outlook on a colorful world. It gives me much fulfillment to create and share these playful still life works which are true to my aesthetic.

06/04/2026

🖼️ The ART is going in the WINDOWS in downtown New Canaan! Head downtown to shop & for the full reveal Friday
🧡Art sales support local artists and the Carriage Barn Arts Center!
Thanks so New Canaan’s wonderful merchants for supporting this exhibition each year!