Rowayton Arts Center | Art Exhibits, Classes & Workshops in Norwalk CT

"40 Under 40 Exhibition" - Best in Show
Drop by the RAC Gallery to view high-quality works by some of the region’s finest young artists. Juror Kevin Robinson selected high-quality works by 20 artists under the age of 40 for this new exhibition. “Truck Yard,” an oil painti [...]

About RAC

We are the only center for the arts in Norwalk and attract members from throughout Fairfield County and beyond.

For 50-plus years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a welcoming cultural hub where people of all ages meet, interact and have fun with others who create, perform and appreciate the arts.

Our former firehouse overlooking the Five Mile River features a bright public gallery where members can show and sell their high-quality artwork during 10 exhibitions each year.

In our comfortable Art School environment, children and adults, from beginners to pros, are encouraged to develop their creativity, style and skill.

We welcome groups, schools, curators, interior designers and architects for RAC Gallery tours by appointment.

Come visit, experience and enjoy!

RAC News

RAC Exhibiting Member Selection Day

Artists in all media who would like to be considered for Exhibiting Artist membership in the Rowayton Arts Center should bring a short biography and three framed works or one sculpture (together with photos or slides of other sculptured works) to the RAC Gallery on Thursday, May 24, between 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. There is no application fee. The Exhibiting Artist Selection Committee meets three times each year -- in January, May and September. For full information, download the Exhibiting Artist Prospectus from this web site.

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Congratulations to "40 Under 40" Winners!

“Truck Yard,” an oil painting by J.D. Richey (30) of New Haven, won Best in Show for “40 Under 40,” a new juried exhibition of high-quality artwork in all media in RAC's Main Gallery through May 27. Juror Kevin Robinson selected works by 20 artists under the age of 40 for the exhibition and chose the winning artwork. The other winners are 1st - Tom Reilly (36) of New Haven; 2nd – Bruce Horan (38) of Darien; 3rd Olivia Jimenez (24) of Norwalk; and honorable mention – Lara Appleby (29) of Rowayton, Spencer Brainard (32) of Darien and Renu Vora (37) of Stamford.

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RAC Job Opportunity - Interns

The RAC is accepting applications for two part-time assistants who will receive hands-on gallery management training.

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Special Events

5/17/12
Free Screening: Art21 segment - "Balance"

This free screening includes refreshments, discussion and a participatory art activity. Through sculpture, paintings and installations, Rickstraw Downes, Robert Mangold, Sarah Sze, the artists in this episode, grapple with equilibrium and disequilibrium as they create highly structured works that challenge conventional notions of perception and representation. The event is presented by RAC and the Rowayton Library, 33 Highland Avenue.

5/20/12
Open Chantey Sing

Join us to sing along or enjoy listening during this monthly celebration of our maritime heritage. Surrounded by artwork in the current exhibition in the RAC Gallery, special guests from New York and throughout Connecticut join Deirdre Murtha of The Johnson Girls and her husband, Sean, in leading rousing nautical songs. Refreshments included in $5 admission.

5/27/12
Paint Rowayton Plein Air Competition

Amateur and professional artists of all ages are encouraged to enter the 4th annual Paint Rowayton Plein Air competition at RAC. Outdoor scenes painted between Sunday, May 27 and Friday, June 1, by adults and children will be judged on Saturday, June 2. The registration deadline for adults is Thursday, May 18. Children do not need to pre-register. Paint Rowayton is sponsored by Bruce and Cheri Burton. Award winners in the following categories will be selected by Dr. Louise Flax: oil/acrylic (adults), watercolor/pastel/drawing (adults), any medium (children in separate categories for ages 4-7, 8-12 and 13-18).

During the reception, awards will be presented to winners in the following categories: oil/acrylic (adults), watercolor/pastel/drawing (adults), any medium (children in separate categories for ages 4-7, 8-12 and 13-18).

6/3/12
Reception: "Photography & Sculpture" Exhibition
Meet the artists during a free reception from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 3. Award winners for this exhibition of high-quality photography and sculpture will be announced during the reception.

6/10/12
"Looking at Photography: Contemporary Trends"

The 20th century was often defined as the century of photography. Already, the medium has seen dramatic changes in the 21st Century. In her illustrated presentation, Joan Fitzsimmons, Professor of Photography at Norwalk Community College, will examine some of the many current directions in this very diverse practice. Joan Fitzsimmons has exhibited her work nationally, internationally and on-line.

This special event compliments RAC's Photography & Sculpture Exhibition, which is on display in the Main Gallery from June 3-24.