Guilford Art Center's annual Artistry Holiday Sale of Fine American Craft features handmade works by more than 300 artists from across America, including pottery, jewelry, glass, fiber, ornaments, accessories, toys, specialty foods and more. New works are added throughout the course of the event, encouraging visitors to return to find one-of-a-kind finds. Support American artists, the arts, and small businesses.

This mixed media exhibition will be held at the Center Stage, Shelton, from November 30 through January 12, 2013.  It opens with a reception on Friday, November 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the first performance of, “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.”  Admission to the reception and exhibition is free.

Open during Box Office hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Closed Sunday and Monday

 Have you resolved to get in shape for the New Year? Learn a new instrument or skill? Perfect a creative technique? Let the Darien Arts Center help. Nestled behind town hall, the DAC teaches more than you might think, with classes available for all ages and skill levels in Theatre, Art, Dance and Music.

Dance offerings help class members keep in shape from challenging Pilates to elegant ballet and balance the physical and mental in Martial Arts for the whole family. Many classes still have openings for dancers of all ages. A new class called “Just Beginnings” welcomes those who were too young in the fall and turn 3 by January 1^st.

Following the success of new group classes for Birth through Pre-K, the Music department is happy to announce group guitar and ukulele lessons and a new Preschool drop-off class. A new performance group, the DAC Children’s Chorus is seeking young vocalists aged 9-13. Registration is ongoing for one-on-one lessons for voice, piano, guitar and more.

Theatre classes create confidence that carries over into all aspects of a child’s life, as well as giving them an outlet for creativity outside of school. Each class culminates in a performance for friends and family. The newest offering, Think on your Feet: Intro to Improv, helps children apply quick thinking and adaptive decision making to the world of acting. These classes begin in mid-February, but early registration is recommended: classes can fill up!

Attend a visual arts class or workshop and unleash your creative spirit in a relaxing way. Whatever your medium of choice is, or whatever you’d like to explore, the DAC offers something for everyone. Both children and adults can make a semester long commitment to learn, or take one of our special workshops.

Information regarding all programs may be accessed on the DAC’s website at arts.darien.org, or by calling the office at 203-655-8683.