Fairfield is one of the most beautiful towns in Connecticut. Its Victorian houses, busy main streets, and stunning art scene make this area so worthwhile. And one of the best places to view art in Fairfield at Quick Center for the Arts.
Located at Fairfield University, the Center boasts many events. Some of these attractions include popular and classical music, dance, and theatre. There are even programs for young audiences.
So, stop by, enjoy some fine art or live performances, and be transported into different worlds.
What is the Quick Center All About?
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts aims to create a visual and performing arts center that inspires the community. It encourages curiosity, broadens perspectives, and transforms interactions.
The high-caliber artistic programs invite inquiry, experimentation, and reflection. The Quick Center for the Arts seeks to unite with dynamic performers, artists, and experts. Their goal is for individuals to inspire, engage, and involve audience members.
Quick Center Exhibitions
Quick Center galleries have gorgeous art from incredibly talents artists. Their interests range from Asian, European & American studies to Modern & Contemporary art. They also house pieces from the John Rogers Statuary Groups. New art is installed on an ongoing basis in Quick Center galleries.
Featured installations are also established on a rotating basis year-round. And the good news is that the galleries are open to the public for free.
Performing Art Series
For the most incredible live performances, check out the Quick Center’s annual performing arts series. This event is held in conjunction with the Olean nonprofit organization Friends of Good Music. The highlight of the series is that it features live performances of classical and international music, theater, and dance.
While season subscriptions are available, they’re not always accessible to everyone. The good news is that discounted single-performance tickets available to students.
Check out the Arts Education Programs
Quick Center strongly focuses on inspiring and encouraging the next generation to create art. So, what better way to inspire students than to teach them?
Their programs include annual juried art exhibitions for schoolchildren. There are even special performances for young audiences and visits to schools across the region. For art teachers, professional development days are available to inspire growth and learning.
You can learn more about their programs here.
What is Quick Live?
Quick Live made its name in the fall of 2020 and has since featured over 450 programs. These features have brought forth talent from expert speakers and Fairfield University faculty. They also love to highlight leading social voices, and gifted artists.
Partners of Quick Live include:
- The Fairfield University Art Museum
- The Fredrickson Family Innovation Lab
- The Inspired Writers Series
- And more
If getting to Quick Live often isn’t possible for you, don’t worry about it! While they have incredible live shows, you can browse their archive online to see what’s going on from the comfort of your home. This feature allows you to listen or watch while making dinner, taking a lunch break, doing some work, cleaning the house—whatever it may be.
Who Are the Senior Fellows?
Nora Chipaumire
Third-year senior fellow and Zimbabwe-born Nora Chipaumire has challenged and embraced stereotypes. Having worked for over two decades, she dedicates her work to concepts dear to her heart. They specifically highlight those stories of Africa and the Black performing body. Her work critiques colonialism, spectatorship, and authority. She views the human body as a means of self-invention and self-determination.
During the 2023-24 fellowship, Chipaumire will work in residency to present “NOT waiting…”
This will be created alongside Senegalese choreographer Germaine Acogny. This work will not be a recreation; instead, it will be an original work focusing on women’s relationships.
Michael Keegan-Dolan
Michael Keegan-Dolan (Micháel MacAodhagáin-Ó Dobhailen) founded Teaċ Daṁsa in 2016. Its first production, Swan Lake / Loch na hEala, is just one of its incredible works. The show was awarded the Irish Times Theatre Award in 2017 for best new production. It was also awarded the U.K. Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for best production in 2018.
MáM, created in 2019, was the first performance entirely envisioned, rehearsed, and created in the West Kerry Gaeltacht. This show was nominated for an Olivier Award for best new production in 2020 and two U.K. Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards in 2022.
Michael Keegan-Dolan and other company members will work with faculty members through the Humanities Institute and Irish Studies program. Their goal is to formulate unique work that stays with audience members for a long time.
Melanie Hoopes
Multi-faceted performer and creator Melanie Hoopes is credited to many productions. Some of these include:
- Kindness Committee, Six Feet: A Play About What’s Between Us (RiverArts)
- Murder Birds! (or Suspending Tati Copeland) (Rivertowns LAB)
- Lethal Lit (IHeartRadio, EEP)
- One Giant Leap: The Apollo Moon Landing 50 Years On (New York Times)
- Bloodline (Netflix)
She founded the long-running New York-based episodic stage show Laurie Stanton’s Sound Diet. This production is a haunting, contemporary take on Prairie Home Companion. She is also the producer and host of Yesteryear: Stories from Home. She manages the podcast about the history of a small village on the Hudson River. Hoopes has also worked with the spectacular This American Life and Studio 360. In addition, she has written and performed four solo shows on issues varying from obesity to aging.
Who Are the Current Artists in Residence?
Emily Coates is an incredible performer who has worked internationally on beautiful projects.
Some of these works include:
- The New York City Ballet
- Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project
- Twyla Tharp
- Yvonne Rainer
Incredible partners have commissioned and presented her choreographic work. Some of these names include Baryshnikov Arts Center, Carnegie Hall, Danspace Project, Quick Center for the Arts, and many more.
Emmanuèle Phuon started her training in Phnom Penh at the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. She then graduated from the Conservatoire National de Danse in Avignon, France. In New York, she performed with the Elisa Monte Dance Company, Martha Clarke, Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, and Yvonne Rainer.
Keep exploring Fairfield, Connecticut
The Quick Center for the Arts is one draw, but there are plenty more reasons to explore charming Fairfield, Connecticut.
For fans of the arts, a few more stops to include on your CT day trips itinerary exploring things to do in Fairfield County, CT are:
- Fairfield University Art Museum, another fixture on campus
- PT Barnum Museum in nearby Bridgeport, CT
And be sure to read our full guide to attractions, activities, and things to do in Fairfield, CT!
FAQ
Where is the Quick Center Located?
The Quick Center is located at 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824.
Does Quick Center Have a Phone Number?
Quick Center has three phone numbers. To reach the box office, call 203-254-4010. For the toll-free number, you can reach 1-877-ARTS-396. For administration, dial 203-254-4242.
What’s the Quick Center Email?
You can reach Quick Center at quickboxoffice@fairfield.edu.
