New Canaan Comes Out To Celebrate Dazzling Grace Farms

NEW CANAAN, Conn. — Grace Farms is a welcoming new place in New Canaan, where a building designed by SANAA is integrated into 80 acres of open space for people to experience nature, encounter the arts, pursue justice, foster community, and explore faith.

Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices, featuring Tony Award-winning performers and renowned dancer Matthew Rushing, draw large crowds to the sanctuary all afternoon at Community Day at Grace Farms in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Visitors explore the grounds at Grace Farms in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Part of the sprawling Grace Farms center for arts and faith, located on 80 acres in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Part of the sprawling Grace Farms center for arts and faith in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The entrance to the sanctuary at Grace Farms in New Canaan holds its grand opening. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A coffee shop serves up treats in the Pavilion at Grace Farms in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Umbrellas (available for sale) in a stand at Grace Farms in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

An outdoor seating area at Grace Farms in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

One of the food spots at Grace Farms during the Community Day events on Saturday in New Canaan. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

10/12/2015 5:30 a.m.

At Saturday's Community Day, visitors got their first chance to experience the stunning, winding, glass-walled, River Building. It is the work of Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa — also known as SANAA.

The Community Day events included a rousing performance from Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices, featuring Tony Award-winning performers and renowned dancer Matthew Rushing. The performance drew standing ovations from the packed house in the sanctuary.

There were also poetry readings, various discussion groups, live music, art exhibits and a community barbecue.

For more info on Grace Farms: www.gracefarms.org.

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