For generations, the Carriage Barn Arts Center has been a cornerstone of New Canaan’s cultural life. Nestled in Waveny Park, the historic space is operated by the New Canaan Society for the Arts (NCSA), a nonprofit founded in 1895 by artists and art lovers seeking to celebrate creativity and enrich the community.
That mission remains unchanged more than 125 years later: to promote visual and performing arts, foster education, and provide cultural experiences for all. “The Barn is where art and community come together,” says longtime supporters, pointing to both its storied past and its ever-evolving schedule of exhibitions, tours, and programs.
A Legacy of Creativity
Originally active at the turn of the 20th century, the NCSA fell dormant for decades before being revived in 1977 by local residents determined to restore the town’s artistic hub. Volunteers transformed a 100-year-old carriage house on the former Waveny Estate into a gallery and gathering place for artists of every discipline. Two decades later, the Carriage Barn became home to the New Canaan Sculpture Group, which converted the basement into a working studio and continues weekly sessions there.
Today, the Carriage Barn’s Betty Barker Gallery hosts eight major exhibitions annually, including four juried shows that draw artists from across the region. Seasonal programs like Art in the Windows — a spring collaboration with downtown businesses — and a high school student showcase further extend the Barn’s reach beyond its walls. Admission to the gallery is free, with a suggested donation supporting ongoing programs.
What’s Ahead: Tours, Lectures, and Exhibitions
The coming months promise a robust lineup of tours, lectures, workshops, and performances designed to engage both seasoned art patrons and newcomers alike. Highlights include:
The Frick: Small Group Tour with Professor Page Knox – Wednesday, August 6 at 1:30 p.m.
Art historian Page Knox leads a guided exploration of Old Masterworks by Bellini, Duccio, Rembrandt, and others inside the iconic Gilded Age mansion.
Fee: $110 members / $125 non-members
MoCA CT Lunch & Tour: Tod Papageorge “At The Beach” – Friday, August 22 at 1 p.m.
Lewis Dérogène, MoCA CT’s Head of Exhibitions, guides visitors through Papageorge’s vivid images of 1970s and 1980s Los Angeles beach life.
Fee: $40 members / $55 non-members
The Armory Show Tour – Friday, September 5 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Contemporary art specialist Lauren Gargiulo provides insider insights at this major international art fair at the Javits Center.
Fee: $110 members / $125 non-members
The Frick Reopens: Virtual Lecture with Page Knox – Wednesday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m.
An online presentation covering the museum’s expansion and newly reopened galleries.
Fee: $15 members / $20 non-members
Chelsea Gallery Walking Tour – Wednesday, September 17 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Art critic Merrily Kerr leads a tour of premier Chelsea galleries followed by a casual walk along the High Line.
Fee: $85 members / $100 non-members
Workshops, Music, and Family Programs
In addition to tours, the Barn’s fall calendar offers immersive workshops and performances:
Watercolor Botanical Painting – Saturday, July 19, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Learn watercolor techniques and complete a botanical painting. Fee: $75/$90
Summer Evening of Chamber Music – Tuesday, August 5, 7–8:30 p.m.
Charles Ives Music Festival artists perform works by Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, and more. Tickets: $25 adults / $15 seniors / $10 students
Smart Marketing for All Creatives! – Saturday, September 20, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Workshop with Lauren Clayton on practical strategies to promote your work. Fee: $40/$60
Art As Identity: Multimedia Workshop – Saturday, September 13, Noon–3 p.m.
Explore the intersection of art and self-expression with instructor Isadora Gacel. Fee: $75/$90
Abstract Painting: The Art of Letting Go – Saturday, October 4, Noon–3 p.m.
Melissa Benedek leads an intuitive approach to abstract art. Fee: $135/$150
Exploring Your Vision in Paint with Jonathan McPhillips – Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A full-day workshop with the renowned landscape artist offering demos and personal guidance.
The Carriage Barn also continues its popular youth programs, including musical theater camps, summer art adventures for grades K–4, and a fall after-school art series beginning September 4.
Supporting the Arts
As a nonprofit, the NCSA depends on memberships and donations to sustain its programs. Its fiscal year ends July 31, and community support helps ensure the Carriage Barn remains a vital space for exhibitions, performances, and educational opportunities.
For more details on membership, event registration, or volunteer opportunities, visit carriagebarn.org.
