The typical greeting of, “How are you doing?” meets with a variety of responses these days. None of us is at a loss to share the hardships we’ve confronted over the past nine months. Everyone is struggling to adjust, get by, and come out the other end, as unscathed as possible. In many cases, we’ve had to spin like a top…pivot seems too gentle a word… just to make ends meet. And even then, some fall short.
What is reassuring to me is how so many people have rallied to provide aid in so many ways, from philanthropic organizations and social service agencies, to individuals chipping in to assist neighbors in need. Our first responders, health care workers, long-term care facilities, grocery clerks, delivery people...they all have been risking their own health to ensure our own and to keep supply chains running.
The arts sector is no different. It has faced, and continues to face, almost insurmountable challenges. Some have been able to shift gears and provide programming in new and unique ways. Others, by the communal nature of their art form, have been less able to do so. In all cases, the impact on arts programming has been felt by artists and audiences alike. It is cliché to say we don’t really appreciate what we have until we lose it. Remember in years past when we would recognize a “day without art.” That seems quaint in retrospect.
Nevertheless, at a time when the arts strive against all odds to provide sustenance and meaning, we celebrate what the arts bring to our lives: joy, fellowship, and shared experience. There are many examples, as DelawareScene.com shows, where that is happening, even now. We encourage you to explore and experience the arts. Heaven knows we all need our spirits lifted. Join with us as we affirm the importance of the arts through participation and proclamation. |
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SMU DataArts' Arts Vibrancy Index Report |
Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ has been named the 6th most arts-vibrant medium-size community in the United States, making the list for the first time in the history of this annual report.
The Arts Vibrancy Index Report ranked more than 900 communities across the country, examining the level of supply, demand and government support for the arts in each city. This report is based on 2019 data and does not reflect the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but its findings help illustrate the critical role of the arts, both socially and economically, in cities and towns around the nation. At this historic moment, the report serves as a pre-pandemic benchmark of where the most arts-vibrant communities are located and may offer cause for celebration during these difficult times.
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National Arts & Humanities Month |
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National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is an annual coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. It’s a chance for communities across the United States join together to recognize the cultural gems surrounding them.
Five Action Steps for Arts & Humanities Month
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Established Professional, Visual Arts: Works on Paper |
Working in pastels, painter Nicholas Serratore portrays the myriad changes taking place even as he looks on. “There is transformation in every moment of the natural world,” and the artist observes and captures the way “light changes a leaf from yellow in the morning to bright green in the afternoon to deep violet by nightfall. Read more
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Emerging Professional, Visual Arts: Painting |
In her studies, Constance M. Simon was influenced by painter William Bailey and printmaker Peter Milton, as well as Persian and Indian miniature painting and illuminated medieval manuscripts. As her practice developed, these interests fused with American Op-Art (“with its geometry and spatial illusions”) and her fascination with textiles. Read more
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On the Mezzanine: Aaron Paskins |
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A New African Experience, an exhibition of sculptures by Aaron Paskins will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from now through October 30, 2020. Paskins is the recipient of a 2020 Artist Fellowship in Sculpture from the Delaware Division of the Arts. A free opening reception is being planned for Friday, October 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. For those unable to visit the Gallery in-person, a virtual gallery is available at the link beow..
The exhibition features African-inspired indigenous works with a contemporary flair and African-themed fantasy works. Paskins says, “My goal is . . . to create works that electrify, inspire, unify all people, and leave the world with some added beauty.”
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Paskins starts a sculpture with a series of drawings in which he develops the concept and draws the final designs from various viewpoints. He then creates a three-dimensional maquette, or model, for the sculpture. After the full-size version is created, Paskins applies multiple layers of different coatings to achieve unique finishes and metallic patinas for his sculptures. He frequently adds adornments such as beads, jewelry, and feathers to his work.
Paskins works out of his studio in Dover. His work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and at nationwide art festivals such as the Palm Beach Fine Art Show, Baltimore Art & Antique Show, and Essence Festival.
"Chikulu," 2019, resin, wood, granite, mixed media, 30" H x 23: L x 12" W.
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Works on Paper
by Kim Klabe
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November 6, 2020 to
January 8, 2021
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The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located in the
Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.
Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance
from other individuals not in their household.
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Award Winners XX: It's a Wrap!
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Thank you to our partners, Biggs Museum of American Art and CAMP Rehoboth. This year, Cab Calloway was unable to host Award Winners due to the virtual start to the 2020-21 school year.
The 2020 Fellows were honored in a small outdoor event in September. View the full program above or the photos here. |
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Each month we'll feature a handful of arts and community-based organizations and their programs and projects funded by the Delaware Division of the Arts. Funding for Division of the Arts grants is provided by the Delaware General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. To view past grants awarded (2000 to present), please visit our Grants Awarded page. |
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Delaware Celebration of Jazz
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
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University of Delaware, REP
Dracula: Audio Drama
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DE Relief Grants give Delaware small businesses and nonprofits access to funds to cover expenses to provide relief related to COVID-19.
The program, which has at least $100 million in funds available, is a joint initiative from the State and New Castle County.
The next grant application goes live October 1, 2020 for the second round of $30 million available. Before the application opens, businesses and nonprofits should gather the following documents: 2019 tax return, receipts for qualifying expenses, and Delaware business license.
Please read the guidelines and eligibility requirements here. |
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Gathering Update: Events Over 250 Individuals |
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Governor Carney issued a revision in September, to the Omnibus COVID-19 order. In this revision, any event over 250 individuals must now submit the event plan for approval to HSPContact@delaware.gov. This will streamline the review process with Division of Public Health Officials. |
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Call for Artists: Carvel Building |
The Division of Facilities Management is looking for image submissions reminiscent of Delaware with an emphasis on color from a graphic designer or photographer that will be transformed into a mural that will be displayed in a newly renovated Café that will be open to the public on the mezzanine level of the Carvel State Office Building. Learn more
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We remind and recommend that organizations, businesses and individual artists, submit their remaining 2020 and 2021 events as soon as they are scheduled, and no later than the recommended deadlines below: |
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Event Date
November & December 2020
January & February 2021
March & April 2021
May & June 2021
July & August 2021
September & October 2021
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Submit before
As soon as possible
November 15, 2020
January 15, 2021
March 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
July 15, 2021
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Ongoing Division Grant Deadlines |
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Artist Opportunity: deadline 1/1/2021, for activities happening between 2/15/2021 - 5/15/2021
Artist Residency: rolling deadline, submitted at least 6 weeks prior to start of scheduled residency
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The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278. |
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