For more than 50 years, the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) has been a community cultural hub providing an accessible environment for the exchange of arts-related ideas. RAC’s open and airy building on the scenic banks of the Five Mile River is the setting for monthly exhibits and receptions, classes and workshops for artists at all levels, lectures, musical events and other activities that attract participants and visitors from Connecticut and New York. RAC now has more than 400 members, including nationally-recognized professionals, talented amateurs, beginners and non-artists from Fairfield County and beyond.

RAC is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to the arts through opportunity, education and outreach. RAC’s programs are supported by modest membership dues, class and workshop fees, commissions on sales, and donations from generous individuals, public-spirited foundations and civic-minded businesses.

Moving beyond our own membership, RAC reaches out to the community through arts-related activities, sometimes in cooperation with other organizations such as local libraries, historical societies and The Maritime Aquarium. In June, we invite everyone to join in the free community plein-air painting competition and show with an opening reception that features live music and refreshments.

RAC’s community outreach includes underwriting an eight-week program for 9- to 11-year-old boys and girls who participate in the Expressive Arts Therapy Group at the Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk. Each year’s program culminates in a show at RAC of artwork created by the youngsters.

"Children and adolescents often have a very hard time putting their emotions into words. Using art gives them the opportunity to improve their language of emotional expression through positive social interaction, and to help them develop social skills. Self-esteem in young people is built by learning new skills, discovering exciting and creative aspects of themselves, and having the satisfaction of a finished product." - Elizabeth Murdoch, Director of Behavioral Health, Family & Children’s Agency