Wilmington, Del. (November 30, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2023 Artist Fellow Lauren E. Peters’ exhibition, “Art Monster,” on view between December 1-29, 2023. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, December 1 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Lauren E. Peters is a visual artist working with the concepts of identity and gender through self-portraiture. “Self-portraiture came to me by way of a painting by Chantal Joffe, a female figure in a drippy red dress whose identity was both obscured and attempting to assert herself,” says Peters.

The artist started changing her appearance using wigs and costumes as armor, projection, mirage. She created source photos by taking selfies with her cell phone and used them as the base material upon which she adds and subtracts layers of meaning. She hopes that the oil paintings join the legacy of portraits trying to stake a claim in existence, “I am running full force, smashing my body into my own stories and a shared history to see what sticks.”

The theme for this show was inspired by Peters’ recent reading of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and builds on the term “art monster” penned by Jenny Offill. In this series of paintings, Peters explores identity, societal pressures, and transcending conformity as ways to free herself and become her own creature. Peters says, “Choose your own adventure. We are both Frankenstein and monster. Creator. Created.”

Peters began painting self-portraits for a small exhibit in 2016 after an extended hiatus from painting. She continued to develop this body of work and in 2018 was awarded the Delaware Individual Artist Fellowship in painting for her self-portraiture.

In 2021, Peters curated a group exhibition, “Appearances,” at The Delaware Contemporary with 16 other artists creating a piece based on an early self-portrait. She saw the public installation of her portrait of “Wilma,” the namesake of a new restaurant/bowling alley in downtown Wilmington. In 2022 Peters attended the Soaring Gardens Residency and will attend a residency at the Vermont Studio Center in the spring of 2024.

Peters is currently the recipient of the 2023 Established Fellowship in Painting from the Delaware Division of the Arts. She lives and works in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. 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. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Wilmington, Del. (November 1, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2023 Established Fellow Ron Meicks’s exhibition, “Encaustic Constructions,” on view between November 3-24, 2023. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, November 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Meick’s latest series of artworks, abstract wooden sculptures called “constructions,” are painted with encaustic (wax) pigments. The work is informed by both Russian constructivist art of the 1920s and the natural world. “I was a beekeeper for over ten years, which is how I got interested in encaustic sculpture/painting,” finding that the accumulation of wax provided him with “an enticing material.”

Meick creates wooden constructions that range in size from miniscule (8 inches) to monumental, some as tall as 6 feet. After they’re built, he paints them with a veneer of hot encaustic paint composed of beeswax, damar resin and infused with pigments. This wax application softens the hard-edge structures and presents color references to connection points, elements in the composition, ending points, weighting of mass, balance, and reflection of color. The counterpoint of color and space increase the layers of meaning and emotional content.

His recent work is strongly guided by contemporary current events or relevant political issues.  The war in Ukraine, a country “being dismantled by destruction,” is the visual basis for this latest sculptural series.  Meick finds his biggest challenge to be “making objects that are relevant in concept, visual, and emotional terms.” As well, he finds challenges in “the physical effort of making objects.”

Originally born in Sidney, Nebraska, Ron Meick received his BFA in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design. Ron Meick is currently an artist with the Washington Printmakers Gallery, Washington, DC, and in October 2023 he had a solo show featuring large scale prints. He has also shown his work throughout the U.S. and is in many private collections along with The Library of Congress. He currently resides and works in Arden, Delaware.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. 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. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

STATEWIDE, Del. (September 29, 2023) – The 2023 Delaware Arts Summit proudly presents an exceptional lineup of speakers who will inspire and enlighten 200 attendees. This year’s summit, taking place on October 9, promises to be a gathering of visionaries and enthusiasts in the arts and culture sector. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and creativity, the summit aims to foster conversations that will shape the future of Delaware’s vibrant arts community.

The five speakers at the 2023 Delaware Arts Summit are:

Roberto Lugo – Ceramicist, Artist, and Social Activist

Featured Artist at the Conference

Roberto Lugo, a multi-talented artist, poet, and educator based in Philadelphia, has masterfully combined classical pottery forms with themes of urban life, poverty, inequality, and racial justice. His work reimagines traditional ceramics with a 21st-century street sensibility, featuring iconic portraits of historical figures and his own family members. Lugo’s art is showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

Dori Kelner – Principal, Insightful Culture

Topic: “The Art of Stress Transformation”

Dori Kelner, a seasoned tech professional turned corporate wellness advocate, brings her wealth of experience in the high-pressure tech industry to help individuals and organizations achieve holistic well-being. In her interactive session, “The Art of Stress Transformation,” attendees will explore the profound connection between stress reduction and professional creativity. Kelner will guide participants through creative activities that enhance self-awareness, fuel innovative thinking, and unlock fresh perspectives within the workplace.

Rebecca Mwase – Theater and Performance Artist, Cultural Organizer

Topic: “Relationship Building as Praxis; one conversation at a time”

Rebecca Mwase is a multi-disciplinary artist, ritualist, and community builder, known for her transformative ceremonial processes that promote healing and self-realization. In her session, “Relationship Building as Praxis,” attendees will learn the four C’s of Community Building: connection, communication, curiosity, and care. These principles can be applied to any sphere of life, fostering deeper connections and community engagement.

Patricia Rivera – CEO and Founder, Hook PR & Marketing

Topic: “How to Tell Arts Stories that Resonate Widely”

Patricia Rivera, an award-winning journalist turned PR and marketing visionary, will delve into the art of multicultural storytelling. Her workshop will equip participants with the skills to create compelling narratives that elevate arts organizations, strengthen communities, and unite people. Attendees will learn to craft stories that resonate widely, fostering authenticity and driving action.

Benjamin Wagner – Founder, Essential Industries, Inc.

Topic: “Managing Uncertainty”

Benjamin Wagner, a consultant and creative, will address the challenges of managing uncertainty in today’s post-pandemic world. With insights from integrative medicine, neuroscience, and psychology, Wagner will share practical strategies for handling everyday uncertainty. Attendees will leave with valuable tools to improve well-being and navigate a rapidly changing environment.

Performers at the Summit

In addition to these dynamic speakers, the 2023 Delaware Arts Summit will feature captivating performances by renowned artists, including:

TAHIRA – A storyteller, musician, songwriter, and 2023 Master Fellow who has performed internationally. Performing with Darnell Miller.

IVA – A versatile vocalist, songwriter, and 2023 Master Fellow recognized for her powerful voice and cinematic music. Performing with Geoff Bennington.

The 2023 Delaware Arts Summit promises to be an enriching experience, bringing together diverse perspectives and talents to inspire and empower all participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that will shape the future of Delaware’s arts and culture landscape.

Details of the event are:

• Location: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, 1301 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
• Dates: Monday, October 9, 2023, with an optional pre-conference on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
• Registration Fees: The Delaware Arts Summit is currently sold out.  To be placed on a waiting list, contact Dana Wise at Dana.Wise@delaware.gov.
• For media inquiries or further information, please contact Andrew Truscott at Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov.

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
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.

Wilmington, Del. (September 1, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents Bryant “Tee” Bell’s exhibition, “Enlightenment,” running September 1-29, 2023.  Bell is an Emerging 2023 Individual Artist Fellow in the field of visual arts: painting. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, September 8 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Art Loop Wilmington has been moved to the second Friday of September due to the Labor Day Holiday).

Bell’s artwork takes a critical view of social, political, and cultural issues regarding inclusion and representation in our society.  His work examines the reality of the American dream for different cultures and engages diverse subjects that may include Caribbean, African American, Muslim, American Indian, Caucasian, homeless and poor people, in addition to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and Veterans.  Bell’s work shares “a look at some Americans that make up the very fabric of our society, who are often unseen and overlooked in their daily struggle for equal rights, opportunity, and their piece of a dream that we call freedom in America.”

Bell’s paintings are sometimes people of color with facial features often expressing the stress and experiences of their everyday lives. Each of Bell’s projects consist of multiple ideas, using a range of different media, grouped around specific themes and meanings.  It has required him to research other artists, color choices, materials, approaches and concepts to produce new works of art.

As a painter, Bell consistently works to master new mediums, seeking to learn techniques and paint on a larger scale. He exhibits regularly throughout Delaware – frequently at the Mispillion Art League (Milford), at the Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover), and at CAMP Rehoboth. He also works to relate music, photography, sculpture, and other mediums to his practice, and he finds that meeting new artists and viewers is especially fruitful and rewarding.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Image: Joyful Noise, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. 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. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Over 200 creative professionals to convene in Dewey Beach

STATEWIDE, Del. (August 21, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts has announced that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2023 Delaware Arts Summit, a momentous gathering of Delaware’s arts community including arts professionals, artists, creative minds, and art enthusiasts. This exciting event will take place on October 8 and 9 at the Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach, Delaware, and promises to be inspirational and enlightening. To register and explore the detailed schedule of events, please visit the official Delaware Arts Summit website at Arts.Delaware.Gov/Summit.

Reflection, Renewal, and Rejuvenation are goals for this year’s Arts Summit as we move beyond the challenges of the past several years. The Summit will provide time, sessions, and experiences designed to make us stronger individually and as organizations by promoting mindfulness, stress reduction, better internal and external communications, and methods to manage uncertainty. The arts community is invited to come together to unify and strengthen our creative collective, because the stronger we are, the greater our impact!

“We are delighted to announce the opening of registration for the 2023 Delaware Arts Summit in Dewey Beach,” said Kristin Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “This summit promises to be a celebration and acknowledgement of the importance of the arts in Delaware and all who play a role in their creation and presentation. We encourage everyone to secure their spot and join us for this exceptional event.”

“Professional development opportunities play a crucial role in advancing Delaware’s creative sector, nurturing talent, and fostering a vibrant and sustainable arts community,” says Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “Such opportunities provide artists, creators, and arts professionals with access to specialized training, knowledge, and information. Workshops offered by nationally recognized speakers provide valuable learning experiences that empower individuals to assess, refine, and grow. This, in turn, enhances innovation and cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within the creative sector.”

Key highlights of the 2023 Delaware Arts Summit include:

• Inspiring Speakers: Esteemed experts and artists will share their insights and experience.
• Interactive Workshops: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate and engage with speakers and colleagues.
• Artistic Showcases: The summit will feature performances spotlighting the exceptional talent within the Delaware arts community.
• Networking Opportunities: Participants can forge meaningful connections with fellow artists, art organizations, and potential collaborators.

Details of the event are:

Location: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, 1301 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971

Dates: Monday, October 9, 2023, with an optional pre-conference on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Registration Fees: $55 for the conference, $20 add on for the pre-conference.

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or further information, please contact Andrew Truscott at Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov.

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About the Delaware Division of the Arts
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.

Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov