Grace Farms

Closed
2026-06-20 - 2026-06-21 | Grace Farms, CT

Closed
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-26
Grace Farms is closed Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26

Life Worth Living 5-Week Course
2026-06-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-01 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
What is the shape of a flourishing life?
Join Rev. Dr. Drew Collins, Associate Research Scholar and Lecturer at the Yale Center for Faith & Culture, for a 5-week course drawing from a range of philosophical and religious traditions to inspire thoughtful conversation on questions of meaning and purpose in our lives.
Each week, read a set of religious and philosophical texts that offer distinct perspectives on what it means to live well. During class, enjoy a cup of Grace Farms coffee or tea and discuss the assigned readings — putting Confucius in conversation with Oscar Wilde, or Friedrich Nietzsche in dialogue with the Buddha — to better understand the stakes, insights, and trade-offs within each tradition’s approach.
Class meets on Wednesdays, in-person at Grace Farms, located at 365 Lukes Wood Road New Canaan, CT. Readings will be provided, and are no more than 30 pages.
learn more about the sessions and readings below

Open Arts Studio | Architectural Drawing
2026-06-27 10:00 - 14:00
Let imagination take the lead in this hands-on design adventure! Inspired by Dancing Trees, our new seating in the plaza, and our theme We All Build, children will explore how ideas become real by using fun architectural drawing tools to create their own one-of-a-kind designs.
Children will sketch, experiment, and bring big ideas to life using chalk on blue paper — just like creating a real blueprint from the past. It’s a playful way to learn how architects imagine, plan, and build the world around us.
Open Arts Studio is a site-specific creative exploration for younger audiences to engage in open-ended inquiry and reflect on the building, its shapes and designs, and its ideas. This ongoing series, offered weekly, is led by Grace Farms Arts Educator Nancy Jameson. Recommended for ages 4-11 with adult caregivers.

Photography Intensive with James Florio
2026-06-27 10:00 - 14:00
How does photography dissolve the boundaries between building and landscape?
Join Grace Farms Artist-in-Residence and renowned photographer James Florio for an immersive four-hour photography intensive that deepens your ability to see — and capture — the relationship between land, light, and architecture.
This extended session includes lunch in the glass-enclosed Commons, offering time to reflect, connect, and continue learning in community.
Through a combination of guided instruction, on-site exploration, and thoughtful conversation, investigate how form, shadow, and natural surroundings intersect across the River building and landscape. At the conclusion of the workshop, print and review your photography with Florio.
Please bring your own camera.

Grace Farms Tour
2026-06-27 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-11 10:30 - 12:00
This comprehensive tour invites a closer look at the architecture of the River building and Barns. Take in 360–degree views of the surrounding landscapes while exploring the building’s sustainable design, curated interiors, and materials choices. During the tour, sample a cup of tea from Grace Farms Tea & Coffee, a Certified B Corp that demonstrates and educates about ethical and sustainable supply chains.
The River building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning firm, SANAA, holds LEED Gold certification for Building Design and Construction. A demonstration of our continuing efforts to be as sustainable as possible, in 2024, we were awarded Gold certification for Building Operations and Maintenance, building on our LEED Silver certification in 2019.
The River building was awarded the prestigious 2014/2015 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP), in addition to the AIA National 2017 Architecture Honor Award and AIA Connecticut 2016 Design Honor Award.
Approved for AIA CES 1.5 LU

Pop-up Talk | Noticing Nature: Nests
2026-06-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-06-28 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-06-30 13:00 - 13:30
Learn more about the landscape surrounding the River building!
Join a Grace Farms Educator in the Commons, near the SANAA-designed Vitra flower benches, and pick up a pair of binoculars to take a close look at the plants, animals and birds that make their homes in our meadows and woodlands. Use natural materials to construct a safe and warm nest, and consult resource books to discover even more about the life flourishing just beyond the glass walls.
About Pop-up Talks
Pop-up talks are led by Grace Farms Education Team members and designed to scale for all ages and levels of experience. These drop-in talks are included with daily registration. Times and locations of all talks are subject to change. Please learn more about what’s offered on the day of your visit upon checking in at the West Barn.

Materials Studio for Children
2026-07-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-15 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a playful, hands-on exploration of the building materials featured in our With Every Fiber: Pigment, Stone, Glass exhibit. Families are invited to dive into the surprising properties of pigment, stone, glass, and more — experimenting with how these everyday elements can be shaped, transformed, and reimagined.
Play, build, deconstruct, and discover alongside the Grace Education Team as you explore the life cycle of the materials that make up our built environment and see how imagination can turn even everyday objects into something extraordinary.

Studio Beginnings
2026-07-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-16 10:00 - 12:00
Our youngest artists, designers, and builders are invited step into the arts studio to have fun making art inspired by the River building and surrounding landscape! Think, play, create, and experiment with texture, form, line, color and space.
This session is recommended for ages 1-5 and their caretakers.

Grace Farms Tour
2026-07-02 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-09 10:30 - 12:00
This comprehensive Grace Farms Tour invites a closer look at the architecture of the River building and Barns. Take in 360–degree views of the surrounding landscapes while exploring the building’s sustainable design, curated interiors, and materials choices. During the tour, sample a cup of tea from Grace Farms Tea & Coffee, a Certified B Corp that demonstrates and educates about ethical and sustainable supply chains.
The River building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning firm, SANAA, holds LEED Gold certification for Building Design and Construction. A demonstration of our continuing efforts to be as sustainable as possible, in 2024, we were awarded Gold certification for Building Operations and Maintenance, building on our LEED Silver certification in 2019.
The River building was awarded the prestigious 2014/2015 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP), in addition to the AIA National 2017 Architecture Honor Award and AIA Connecticut 2016 Design Honor Award.
Approved for AIA CES 1.5 LU

Open Arts Studio | Build a Model
2026-07-02 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-09 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00
Explore the magic of design in this playful, hands-on workshop! Inspired by handcrafted models of Dancing Trees, the new seating in the Plaza, created by Kazuyo Sejima & Associates, children will embark on a scavenger hunt — searching the Plaza to match each miniature model to its full-sized sculptural bench.
After discovering how designers turn ideas into form, participants will head into the studio to create their own original model out of clay — shaping, molding, and transforming their ideas into something they can hold. It’s a creative adventure that brings architecture to life for young makers.
Open Arts Studio is a site-specific creative exploration for younger audiences to engage in open-ended inquiry and reflect on the building, its shapes and designs, and its ideas. This ongoing series, offered weekly, is led by Grace Farms Arts Educator Nancy Jameson. Recommended for ages 4-11 with adult caregivers.

Mocktails
2026-07-02 18:30 - 19:30
Kick off the holiday weekend with a creative evening crafting delicious seasonal mocktails. In this special Fourth of July-themed class, follow Chef Leah’s recipes to mix vibrant and refreshing beverages inspired by Grace Farms Tea & Coffee. When you’re done mixing and mingling, bring home the evening’s recipes to make at your next summer celebration. For ages 21+.

Closed
2026-07-03 - 2026-07-05
Happy Independence Day! We will re-open on Tuesday, July 7.

Bunny Book Group
2026-07-10 11:00 - 11:30
Listen to stories from our curated collection of books and take part in an arts and crafts activity. For up to age 5 with adult caregivers.
Capacity is limited. Early arrival is encouraged.

Jumpin' Jams at Grace Farms
2026-07-11 10:30 - 11:15
Experience the joy of music this summer with Jumpin’ Jams, a beloved live music and movement program for young children. Led by professional musician Jason Pharr, whose unique and memorable songs nurture early language development and spark curiosity about the world, this upbeat session gets little ones singing, dancing, and exploring rhythm in a fun and supportive environment.
Recommended for ages 9 months to 4 years with adult caregivers.

Image credit Vanessa Van Ryzin/Mindful Motion Photo

Yoga and Movement with Pilin Anice
2026-07-11 10:30 - 12:00
Experience movement and music in the light-filled Court with renowned mindfulness and wellness expert, Pilin Anice. This invigorating class takes participants through a breath-centered yoga practice while incorporating live music.
These movement and meditation classes are for ages 18+ up. Accessible for all levels, no prior yoga or meditation experience is required. Participants may bring their own mats, towels, props, and water.

Learning with Nature | Tomato Loves Basil
2026-07-11 13:00 - 14:30
Discover the delicious world of tomatoes — from heirlooms to hybrids — and learn which varieties will thrive best in your garden. Grace Farms Horticulture Specialist Michael Poulin will share his favorite picks and provide expert growing tips including all you need to know about planting, pruning, and harvesting at peak flavor.
Cap off the experience with a small seasonal treat of a caprese skewer, then take home your choice of a tomato or basil plant to jump-start your summer garden.
This program takes place rain or shine; please dress comfortably for time spent both indoors and outdoors.

Nature Studio for Children
2026-07-14 10:00 - 12:00
Discover the tiny wonders of nature!
Using a digital scope and projector, look at monarch and white cabbage moth caterpillars, ladybugs, wildflowers, and other small creatures in incredible, larger-than-life detail. Children will love spotting colors, patterns, and movements not visible to the naked eye.
With friendly guidance from our Education Team, families will discover how these little creatures help keep the Grace Farms ecosystem healthy. This fun, hands-on exploration of the natural world is the perfect activity before or after walking the surrounding gardens and trails. Recommended for ages 4 – 11 with adult caregivers.

Journey Into the World of Tea | Tea 101 & Tea Diplomacy
2026-07-15 15:00 - 16:30
Discover the global story of tea in this immersive tasting experience inside the glass-enclosed Pavilion. Tea enthusiasts and curious beginners alike are invited to sample notable varietals from around the world while learning how tea has shaped culture, diplomacy, and human connection throughout history.
Journey Into the World of Tea offers a tranquil, in-depth exploration of tea traditions through guided tastings, demonstrations, and engaging conversation. This six-part series is led by Tea Expert and Educator Frank Kwei, who brings decades of knowledge to each session.
