MoCA Westport Cocktails and Conversations Series Announced

Ameen Mokdad. Contributed photo.

MoCA [Museum of Contemporary Art] Westport announces its Spring 2023 Cocktails and Conversation series on select Thursday evenings at the Museum.

The Cocktails and Conversation series is designed to present relevant and compelling speakers within the context of MoCA’s current exhibition. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore the exhibition and to purchase a drink or specialty cocktail prepared by The Cup Bearer.

MoCA Westport is currently showcasing Rainbow in the Dark, a solo exhibition featuring the works of German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle curated by Emann Odufu, on view through May 28, 2023. 

“We’re excited about the momentum our Cocktails and Conversation series is experiencing,” noted Liz Leggett, MoCA Westport’s Director of Exhibitions. “The response from the community has been very strong and we look forward to continuing to provide a forum for these visual and performing arts discussions.” 

Upcoming Cocktails and Conversation event are as follows: 

Thursday, April 20 at 6 PM: Artist Talk Featuring Robert Chaplin

Artist Robert Chaplin’s talk will include a storytime performance and touch on the importance of artistic license, creative synthesis, and notions of copyright, all without the benefit of AI. The conversation will include images from his divergent practice, and a few physical samples. The event will be moderated by artist and entrepreneur Sandra Botnen. MoCA Westport thanks The Union House for their generous funding of this event.

Thursday, April 27 at 6 PM: Creativity and Climate Action 

Join MoCA for an introduction to The Carbon Almanac and a conversation between four Bridgeport artists— kHyal, Karl Heine, Finoula Breen-Ryan, and Richard Killeaney—focusing on working toward a better world. See the projects they’ve created and how they are connected. Participate in a lively Q&A and learn how you can get involved.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to purchase selected products created by the participating artists, including sustainably produced custom notebooks, luxury handbags, totes and accessories crafted from post-consumer leathers.

Thursday, May 4 at 5 PM: The Wellness of Style With Gayle Perry, moderated by Marysol Castro*

Join MoCA for a discussion about The Wellness of Style featuring Gayle Perry, a stylist and content creator whose philosophy is to break style barriers, enabling every woman or man no matter body type, budget, or age to feel their best and do great things. Broadcast journalist Marysol Castro will guide a dynamic conversation with Gayle, exploring the noise that our clothes and spaces create for us, either positive or negative, and advise on how to enhance the positive.

The event will also include 15-minute style sessions; sign-ups are available on a limited basis. Event hosted by JL ROCKS, DEVON WOODHILL, and WEST. 

*Special event timing and pricing will apply 

Thursday, May 11 at 6 PM: Ameen Mokdad

Engage in conversation with Ameen Mokdad, an Iraqi multi-instrumentalist, who will also be performing in concert at MoCA Westport on Friday, May 12.

Mokdad will speak about Iraqi musical traditions and their lineage throughout history, including the attempted eradication of these traditions by extremist groups. He will speak from his own personal experiences as a musician in the cities of Mosul and Baghdad during ISIS occupation.

Thursday, May 18 at 6 PM: Rainbow in the Dark Curator Talk accompanied by NYC-based Punk band Darling

Don’t miss a conversation with Emann Odufu, the curator of Rainbow in the Dark, followed by a 30-minute concert by rock band Darling, as they play their new album! Newark, NJ-based Odufu is an art activist, independent filmmaker, producer, screenwriter and digital media specialist. He is best known for his work that explores the genre of Afro-Futurism within black cinema.

Thursday, May 25 at 6 PM: Barbara Sallick of Waterworks and Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs

Join MoCA for a special Cocktails and Conversation focused on female entrepreneurship, home design trends, and the blending of function and style. The conversation features Barbara Sallick of Waterworks and Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs, moderated by Jen Berniker, content creator and founder of Designport.

The majority of events are free for MoCA Members and $10 for non-members; pricing will vary for special events as noted on the Museum’s website. Advance event registration on mocawestport.org is requested. For more information on Cocktails and Conversation events, visit mocawestport.org or call 203/222-7070.