Delawareans can now easily find arts and culture events happening today, soon, and nearby with the new “What’s On” smartphone app.

“What’s On” shows an interactive map of Delaware with pins for arts events. Tapping a pin on the map shows an event’s details, contact information, driving directions, and links to the event’s website. Users can also scroll through lists of upcoming events.

The “What’s On” app was developed by Delaware’s Division of the Arts in association with the Delaware Government Information Center (GIC), a state agency charged with helping to connect citizens to government via the internet. Behind the scenes, the app is powered by data from DelawareScene.com, which has been providing arts event information to the public since 2008.

“We are thrilled with this app as it makes the arts even more accessible in Delaware,” said Paul Weagraff, Director of the Division of the Arts. “‘What’s On’ lets you see what’s happening in the arts from your smartphone. People can easily make plans to attend a performance, museum, film, concert or other arts event on the spur of the moment.”

“Many people are last-minute planners,” said Mike Mahaffie, Acting Director of the Delaware Government Information Center. “People launch apps on their phones to see which movies are playing, find places to eat, and figure out what they’re going to do. As part of the State’s eGovernment initiatives, we’re happy ‘What’s On’ makes local arts events a new option for these people.”

“What’s On” can be downloaded at no cost from the App Store and Google Play (search for Delaware What’s On) or by visiting www.delaware.gov/topics/apps.

The Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition titled Bryan Davis: Recent Work from July 11 – 25, 2014. The 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. A reception will be held for the exhibition where the public can meet the artist on Friday, July 11, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. This solo exhibition will showcase a selection of Davis’ original works, offering a range of complex visuals comprised of realistic imagery. Often the human figure is presented in dramatic, curious, and unexpected compositions. Some of his most interesting works find Davis in a vein of magic realism, using the human figure juxtaposed against a background suffused with peril. At other times, he draws from his education in illustration to communicate clearly in a straightforward manner. While some of his work is mysterious and complex, it remains accessible and relevant to a contemporary audience. Bryan Davis has had his work exhibited and collected widely throughout the region. Davis resides and works in Middletown, Delaware.

The Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition titled Fazes from June 6 -27, 2014. The 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. A reception will be held for the exhibition where the public can meet the artist on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

This solo exhibition of Reynolds’ work will showcase a large selection of portraits which portray the mystery, energy, and complexity found at a pivotal stage of life; youth coming of age. Works include specific individuals’ portraits as well as narrative pieces. Portraits of both young men and women in pastel, charcoal, and oil are included in the exhibition.

A professional portraitist for over twenty-five years, Reynolds maintains a studio and art school in Centreville. Her working method includes developing a series of sketches before deciding on a final composition. Her goal is to capture the beauty, personality, and the dramatic spectrum of moods that define the individual.

DOVER, Del., – Today, May 19th, Lt. Governor Matt Denn will welcome winners of the 6th Annual Lt. Governor’s Art Contest to Legislative Hall in Dover.

This year, the contest received hundreds of amazing entries from students all over Delaware. Each entry was truly unique and showed particular character. Art came from schools all over Delaware and was done by artists from Pre-K through 12th grade. Thirty pieces were chosen in 12 categories (1st, 2nd, 3rd places & honorable mention in elementary, middle and high school categories).

This year’s theme was “Family Fun in Delaware.” Participants created a piece of art that highlighted what family fun in Delaware means to them. Winners will have their artwork displayed in the Lt. Governor’s Dover and Wilmington offices for the entire year following the contest.

The winners and their families will attend an art reception in Legislative Hall, where their artwork has been beautifully displayed by the Department of State’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. The Lt. Governor will make remarks, hand out awards, and take pictures with the artists and their families. This year’s winning artwork comes from 7 schools (sorted by district):

Appoquinimink School District:
• Middletown High School
• MOT Charter School

Capital School District:
• Central Middle School

Milford School District:
• Milford High School

Caesar Rodney School District:
• Major George Welch Elementary School

Indian River School District:
• Millsboro Middle School

Red Clay School District:
•Cab Calloway School of the Arts

Art Contest Reception
Monday, May 19, 2014
6:00pm
Legislative Hall
411 Legislative Avenue
Dover, DE 19901
*Doors open at 5:15pm; remarks by Lt. Governor at 6:00pm.

The Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition titled Continuum from May 2- 30, 2014. The 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. A reception will be held for the exhibition where the public can meet the artist on Friday, May 2, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

This solo exhibition of Olga Nielsen’s work will showcase a selection of figurative sculpture and works on paper. Though her interest in the natural world extends beyond the human form, the majority of her work is focused on portraiture and representations of the feminine figure. It is through figurative subjects that Nielsen has found an avenue to express and examine her own personal experiences as well as themes which are universal and common to all.

Originally from Russia, Nielsen received her primary classical education at the Moscow School of Fine Arts in the late 1970s. More recently she has pursued additional training in sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Nielsen is an instructor in figurative work at numerous area institutions. She serves as a faculty member at DCAD and also the Center for Creative Arts in Yorklyn, Delaware. Her work has been widely exhibited, commissioned, and collected throughout the region. Nielsen lives and works in Wilmington, Delaware.

20% of each sale of work from this exhibition will be donated to the Friendship House Women’s Day Center. This program, located in Wilmington, provides resources and support to women who are encountering difficult times.