Spotlight on the Arts
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of Our Community
Traveling Visionary Peace Youth Art Exhibition
Peace in the Afternoon Reception: Sunday, 12/17, 2-3 p.m.
In the November issue of Letters, Executive Director Kim Leisey reflected on the meaning of the Peace Pole with its message of “May Peace Be in Our Communities.” She noted CAMP Rehoboth’s ongoing commitment to build peace in the community, including the transformation of its many community spaces for learning and gathering.
The CAMP Rehoboth Gallery is one of those spaces, and in December, we invite you in for a time of quiet reflection and a chance to view art that is part of the Pacem in Terris Traveling Visionary Peace Youth Art Exhibition. On display are 13 works created by young Delaware artists, aged five to 18, who have answered the question, “What does peace mean to me?” In addition to reflecting on peace, this exhibition provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the talent and creativity of these young artists.
On Sunday, December 17, from 2:00-3:00 p.m., CAMP Rehoboth will host an exhibit reception, Peace in the Afternoon. Enjoy light refreshments, the art, and an opportunity to explore what peace means to you.
At this exhibit, visitors are also invited to share their vision of a peaceful world on a Community Peace display board, or through social media.
Pacem in Terris is a grassroots organization committed to building relationships that transform minds to foster healing and peace, and it shares a goal with CAMP Rehoboth—that of working to make the world better together.
We can learn from these young artists and benefit from the time of quiet reflection. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the exhibition by December 22—CAMP Rehoboth will be closed the week of December 25. ▼
In January 2024, we will be taking a month off as the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center undergoes renovations. But we will be back in February with an exceptional lineup of exhibitions, programs, and activities.
If you are an artist who would like to be kept informed about CAMP Rehoboth’s visual arts and opportunities to exhibit, please email artshow@camprehoboth.com and your email will be added to the artist list. Informative emails, including calls for artists, are distributed about six times per year.
If you are an artist who has an idea and would like to be considered for an exhibition at CAMP Rehoboth, please scan the QR code, review the information, and complete the Solo, Duo, or Group Exhibition Proposal.
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
Doug Yetter
In February, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus will once again take the stage, treating their audiences to their signature energizing, fun concerts—the perfect antidote to mid-winter doldrums! CAMP Rehoboth talked with Doug Yetter, the Chorus’s Artistic Director, to discover what’s in store….
CAMP Rehoboth: Tell me about the upcoming (February 16-18, 2024) concert. Will it be largely full-chorus? Include a few (or many) solos? Duets? Trios? How about the ensemble—will it make an appearance?
Doug Yetter: Our February concert will be the fullest chorus ever—102 voices. There are several solo/duet opportunities, though we haven’t held auditions for those yet. The ensemble will be featured in three numbers.
CR: 102 voices! Do you have a waiting list?
DY: Yes, we had a good-sized waiting list, which included several singers from past seasons. We encourage new singers to submit an application well in advance of the season to help them secure a spot.
CR: To what do you attribute the chorus’s popularity?
DY: Our reputation for presenting consistently entertaining concerts composed of popular music from the recent past attracts a wonderful mix of singers. Though I demand a high standard from them, rehearsals are always fast-paced and fun—as are our shows.
CR: The concert band—lead by David Zipse once again, I presume? Who else will join?
DY: Dave will be at the keyboard and leading the merry band—reeds, trumpet, guitar, bass, and percussion. (Not sure of the players, though I’m certain it will be the usual suspects.)
CR: The ensemble—I’ve seen the ALLIANCE name, all in upper case. Is it an acronym? If so, for what? How did the name derive?
DY: You’re not the first person to ask if the name is an acronym. The 18-voice group is roughly half gay/half straight, but after some discussion, we realized we are allies—standing tall. Thus, the reason for ALL CAPS.
CR: Given the concert is “The British Are Coming!,” can I look forward to a cameo from Paul Revere and the Raiders?
DY: Well...no. The concert features only music by British composers and artists—the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Adele, Elton John, Queen, Bee Gees, Foreigner, Fleetwood Mac, George Michael, Spice Girls...even Herman’s Hermits.
CR: Do you have a special Union Jack spangled jacket on order? (I hope so...) How about other folks—what’s “costume” look like, this year?
DY: If I told you what I was wearing, it wouldn’t be a surprise! It’s a safe bet there will be one stone of sequins. My suggestion for the chorus’s apparel is 60s hippie. More likely our audience will see hippies IN their 60s.
CR: What music is proving the most challenging to work with? How about the most fun?
DY: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is easily one of the more challenging pieces in the concert. We’re using the GLEE arrangement—soloists with full chorus AND backup chorus. There are a LOT of arrows and notations in my score. I’m really way out of my comfort zone on this show. Probably ⅓ of the music are tunes I’ve heard, but certainly couldn’t just sit down and play. I shouldn’t admit this, but my favorite pieces are by Adele and the Spice Girls.
CR: You’ve been leading the Chorus for many years. Is it still fun? Still a challenge? What do you most enjoy about it? What’s the hardest/trickiest part?
DY: Good question…. I think this is my 14th season and it’s more fun now than ever. Challenge? Absolutely! I LOVE creating something from the ground up, even though it can be incredibly difficult. My ultimate goal is to ensure the chorus feels successful—because it’s their show. I curate and guide, but I can’t do anything without them.
CR: Last year’s concert was fabulous. Can you top it?
DY: I would like to think that over the years we’ve been able to refine what we do so every new show is also the best show. That having been said, every concert is its own unique creation, which makes it nearly impossible to draw comparisons. It’s the favorite kid syndrome....
CR: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
DY: Art isn’t created in a vacuum. I thrive on feedback—good and bad—so I encourage your good readers to share what they want to see. ▼
Leslie Sinclair is a member of the Delaware State Arts Council and a passionate leader of CAMP Rehoboth’s visual arts programs. Marj Shannon is the Editor of Letters.