Spotlight on the Arts

CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of the Community

DDOA XXII Award Winners 

Make plans to stop by CAMP Rehoboth and see the Delaware Division of the Arts’ Award Winners XXII before it closes on September 5. There’s some amazing art in this exhibition and you do not want to miss it.

Images by Delaware Division of the Arts XXII Award Winners
Top Row: (L-R): Satellite, Satoshi, Situation, oil on board by Mia Muratori; French Fop, clay, underglaze, acrylic paint by Gail Husch.
Bottom Row: Stereo Pair 17-62, palladium print by Roger Matsumoto

More Than the Average Bear 

CAMP Rehoboth is hosting an exciting bear-friendly art exhibition—More Than the Average Bear—September 10 to October 8. This juried exhibition will showcase works by artists from Washington DC to NYC, as well as local artists. Pictured: Stained Glass by Jeffery Moore.

Tom Wilson 
Don’t miss Tom Wilson: Super-Realist/Surrealist at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, on display through October 15. Complimentary passes are available for CAMP Rehoboth members—just stop by the office to pick up your pass.

CAMP REHOBOTH highlights our community’s unique history and culture, and serves to further diversity, equity, and inclusion, by building unity and understanding. Exhibits may be viewed Monday-Friday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and Saturday (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). You may view and purchase the art on the CAMP website under the “SHOP” heading.

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.​

Artist Spotlight: Lorraine Leavel

Doug Yetter: When did you become interested in theater and where did you receive your training?

Lorraine Leavel: I became involved in theater in junior high. I am a bit of an introvert and theatre provided an opportunity to express myself in new ways. I received my BFA in musical theater, and BMT in music therapy at Shenandoah University concurrently. I find the arts very therapeutic.

DY: You’re a true triple threat! You sing, dance, and act….

LL: I consider myself a singer/actor/mover. I have sung for as long as I can remember, and acting has fascinated me through the years. I love creating a character, putting myself into someone else’s shoes, and seeing the world through another lens. 

DY: What have been your favorite roles—and why?

LL: I want roles that challenge me vocally or emotionally. Mother in Ragtime is a favorite—the story brings me to tears and reminds me how far we still have to go. I loved playing Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd—the score is delightful and she’s a lot of fun—ruthless, yet cheerful! Margaret White in Carrie is a role I would play again and again. It’s a joy working alongside amazing casts and creative teams.

DY: You’re also a remarkable costumer. How did that evolve?

LL: My mother and grandmother taught me to sew, and I started by making little clothes for my Barbie dolls. I loved my college costuming classes and worked for a summer as a costume shop assistant. When theaters found out that I sew, it naturally evolved into helping with costumes. It’s fascinating how much of a character can be found through the clothing they wear. 

My costuming skills also allowed me to work as wardrobe assistant for Paul McCartney at Firefly a few years ago. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working with clothing in the entertainment industry.

DY: You also teach?

LL: I am starting my 18th year as an arts educator, teaching theater to grades K-8 at the Southern Delaware School of the Arts in the Indian River School District. I can’t think of a better way to spend my days then sharing my passion for theater with younger learners and watching them grow and discover.

DY: What’s your favorite part of being an artist? 

LL: Knowing that something I’ve created can make an impact on others. Cheer them up, make them laugh, give them something that challenges them.

DY: Your least favorite?

LL: Deadlines—LOL! And the arts being undervalued by society.

DY: Your husband, Cody, is also a graduate of Shenandoah and has become a well-known jazz saxophonist on Delmarva. Other than both of you being outrageously talented, what traits or talents of his did you find most attractive?

LL: Honestly, I’m in awe of his talents. His understanding of music and the complexity of jazz is intimidating—in a good way. And I love that he puts his whole self into his music—it is his passion. What I love the most is how he always tries to do the right thing and he makes me laugh. Who could ask for anything more?!

DY: How do you define success?  

LL: Putting in the work every day, doing the best you can, knowing that you may not always be perfect, but continually growing. Most importantly—treat others with kindness. I’ve always felt most successful while lifting others up.

DY: Any last thoughts?

LL: I’m very grateful to work with so many wonderful arts organizations in Southern Delaware! ▼

Doug is the Artistic Director of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Minister of Music at Epworth UMC. You can contact him at dougyetter@gmail.com.