Spotlight on the Arts
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of the Community
Renewed Perspective on Glass
What could be more fun than mermen, mermaids, and martinis? Not much! In his new solo show, artist Richard Thibodeau revives a century-old technique of reverse painting on glass, with added detail in vibrant stained-glass paint.
“We are thrilled that Richard will bring this exquisite art form to CAMP Rehoboth,” says Arts Director Leslie Sinclair. “His under-glass technique provides a unique depth and luminescence to each piece.”
His delightfully playful art is on display July 5-28, with an artist’s reception on Saturday, July 9 (5:00-7:00 p.m.). ▼
Upcoming Exhibit: DDOA XXII Award Winners
Each year the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) creates an exhibit representing Delaware artists selected for their outstanding quality of work. This year’s exhibit (now at the Biggs Museum in Dover) features 25 artists who represent a variety of art forms including paintings, fine art crafts, literature, performances, videography, sculpture, photography, multi-media works, and more. Selected pieces from the exhibit will travel from the Biggs Museum to CAMP Rehoboth and will be on display from August 1-September 5, with an Award Winners Reception August 5 (6:00-8:00 p.m.).▼
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.). View and purchase art on the CAMP Rehoboth website under “SHOP.”
Images by Delaware Division of the Arts XXII Award Winners
Above: Splitting Headache by Maia Palmer, Sao Padaek by Leanna Thongvong; Sasha by Stephanie Boateng
Artist Spotlight
Spotlight on Colin Armstrong &
The Southern Delaware Chorale
I’ve known Colin Armstrong—Artistic Director/Conductor of the Southern Delaware Chorale—since he and his partner, Ralph, relocated to the beach in 2016. But I thought it was time to know him a bit better.
Doug Yetter: Give us the Readers’ Digest version of your life before the beach.
Colin Armstrong: I was born in Vancouver, lived in Alberta and Calgary, moved to Edmonton to pursue my master’s degree, then Quebec City before moving to the US for my doctoral studies. I taught at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania and Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York before moving here. Ralph and I celebrate our sixth anniversary this month, though we’ve been together almost nine years.
DY: Who are/were your biggest influences?
CA: My father played Bach and Vivaldi at home, I had wonderful music teachers, and have worked with some of the best conductors, teachers, authors, and historians.
I grew up playing trumpet, but that changed after hearing the National Youth Choir of Canada in 1990. That night, I heard “the sound” that has inspired and guided me ever since. I love Renaissance and Baroque choral music.
DY: What’s your history with the Southern Delaware Chorale, and how’s the 2022-2023 season shaping up?
CA: I began as Artistic Director in January 2018. Our season starts with “Classical Holiday Favorites” in December, a Black History Month concert with guest choirs in February 2023, and culminating with “A Spring Bouquet,” in April.
DY: What’s your favorite part of being a musician? Your least favorite?
CA: My favorite part is the rehearsal process. The challenge of “triaging” what I hear is incredibly exciting. After singing a section and stopping to fix things, I decide which issues are important and which can wait. Keeping things rolling while maintaining a sense of fun is always my goal, and I am able to achieve this because the singers in the Southern Delaware Chorale are truly a great bunch of people!
My least favorite part of being a musician is fundraising. It’s incredibly important for all arts organizations, but more difficult during a pandemic and high inflation.
DY: The pandemic brought choral singing to a grinding halt. How are you dealing with it?
CA: We had to completely suspend all in-person activities in March 2020. We were in rehearsals for our spring concert, which was canceled, as well as the following December and February events. We started in-person, socially distanced, and masked rehearsals in March 2021, with a vaccine mandate in place for all who wished to participate in rehearsals and concerts. We are anticipating a return to a full season in 2022-2023, always following guidelines and mandates.
DY: Last question…. Looking for singers?
CA: We’re always looking for singers of all voice parts to join us! We rehearse Tuesday evenings at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown. Email us at: choir@southerndelawarechorale.org or go to our website: southerndelawarechorale.org. ▼
Tom Wilson: Super-Realist/Surrealist
At the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover—July 1-October 15
Wilson painted many portraits but is best remembered for his large, bold floral still lifes, many painted from his own garden in Lewes. His photorealistic architectural studies of Sussex and Kent counties are notable for depicting bright coastal sunlight. He highlighted a wide swath of under-represented populations: people of color, farm laborers. and the LGBTQ community.
Wilson grew up in Georgetown and studied painting at the Rhode Island School of Design. After graduating, he started a portrait painting studio in Paris. Wilson returned to Delaware where he met and moved in with Leo Medisch—co-owner of the Back Porch Café in Rehoboth Beach. Wilson died at 49 in 1995 from complications due to AIDS. ▼
Doug is the Artistic Director of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Minister of Music at Epworth UMC. You can contact him at dougyetter@gmail.com.