“You use a glass mirror to see your face, You use works of art to see your soul.”

George Bernard Shaw

Grounded in the belief that art is vital to the spirit, creativity and wholeness of human beings, the mission of Silvermine Arts Center is to cultivate and encourage growth through the arts; to promote and showcase artists; and to provide arts education opportunities for the greater community. Silvermine provides an environment and atmosphere in which art and artists can develop and flourish. Students, visitors, faculty and artist members can work on projects, share ideas, explore new areas and grow in their understanding and immersion in the arts.

Since 1922, Silvermine has provided art experiences that enhance and change the way we experience art. We engage individuals of all ages in creative expression and discovery through making and exhibiting art and in presenting abundant opportunities to enjoy and learn about the arts. Our award-winning School of Art is the preeminent learning destination for visual arts in Fairfield County, Connecticut with more than 1,100 courses and workshops and approximately 4,000 enrollments throughout the year —for the beginner as well as the professional. Silvermine’s five Galleries are welcoming and free to the public offering more than 20 exhibitions annually. Special solo shows, major invitational theme exhibitions and prestigious juried competitions are presented. Lectures, panel discussions and artist talks are ongoing and offer the opportunity to meet artists and broaden the viewers' understanding of contemporary art. The Guild of Artists is an association of over 300 professional artists elected to membership by a jury of peers. Widely respected and highly collectible, their multi-disciplined work can be viewed in the Galleries at various times throughout the year.

The Arts have the power to shape and strengthen every aspect of a community.

Our Community Programs reach beyond the Silvermine campus. Art Partners, our Outreach Education Program offers free, curriculum based art classes in targeted urban schools in Norwalk and Stamford. In collaboration with classroom teachers and program directors, Art Partners’ Teaching Artists create effective, transformative educational experiences for underserved students. Twenty-seven years after its inception, over 17,000 thousand students have benefited from Art Partners classes. Silvermine also partners with organizations including Creative Connections, STAR INC. and Silver Hill Hospital. All of these programs teach critical thinking, collaboration, and self-confidence transcending language and transforming lives.  

Annual Reports