From Windmills to Whippoorwills - The Biggs Reveals Rembrandt/ Audubon Silver Anniversary
From Governors Castle to Carney, All Five Governors Join the Silver Honorary Committee!
Surely, in our 25th year, The Biggs could focus solely upon the founding of the museum, where former First Lady Elise du Pont worked hand in "white curatorial glove" with Sewell C. Biggs to relocate his personal collection onto the grounds of the state capitol and nestle it next to Legislative Hall. We could herald the fact that it's just steps from where Governor Jack Markell famously signed our gay marriage rights into law—and that our human rights champion, Drew Fennel, serves on our board. Or we could recount the musings of Drexel Davison of Bad Hair Day, who served as docent at the governor's mansion steps away "back in the day."
Or we could focus solely on the collection—indeed, one of the finest collections of regional and American art from the 1700s to the present. Perhaps we could explore how our expert curator, Ryan Grover has masterfully added to Mr. Biggs collection over the past 15 years to truly paint a vivid picture of Delaware history, art, and culture over three centuries.
But when Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-69) and John James Audubon (1785-1851) literally come into the picture, it tends to eclipse even the heartiest of historic Delaware stories. The placement of blockbuster traveling exhibitions attracts a much wider pool of arts patrons, and the director of the Biggs, Charlie Guerin has mapped out a strategic exhibition plan that has spiked attendance over the past two years. Of particular note was the Ansel Adams exhibition last year which, alone, brought nearly 9,000 new visitors across the threshold. "These exhibitions attract the broader community while simultaneously introducing new visitors to the permanent collection which is on display year-round."
In 2018 Biggs Blockbusters take on a whole new level of interest when combining our silver anniversary with iconic exhibitions and an honorary committee that includes all seven governors since our founding. From our founding under Governor Castle to our presiding Governor Carney, every governor since 1993—Tom Carper, Ruth Ann Minner and Jack Markell—have signed on to our honorary committee, spanning a quarter-century of sharing art with Delaware and the region.
"The Rembrandt Opening has been staged for May 12 to coincide with our annual Gala Dinner, and that spectacular showing adds luster not only to the gala, but also to the reunion of governors, legislators and philanthropic and business leaders who have contributed to our success," offers board president, Marcia DeWitt of Rehoboth Beach. "Given our joint mission of community-building, we were thrilled to host the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors to our 2017 gala and we plan to continue that tradition in this very special silver anniversary year."
Rembrandt and Audubon anchor a year of other not-to-be-missed 2018 exhibitions:
- Aina Nergaard-Nammack, Classical Abstractionist, February 2-March 25. Renowned Lewes Artist, Nergaard-Nammack is best known for her massive bright color abstractions painted to classical music.
- Michael Galmer, Contemporary Silversmith, April 6-May 10. Tiffany and Co's designer, Galmer, a legendary jeweler, is perhaps most famous for designing the renowned Preakness Trophy.
- Rembrandt, May 12-July 8
- Biggs Gala, May 12 (includes the opening of Rembrandt—tickets available at biggsmuseum.org).
- Audubon, August 4-November 2
- Biggs Holidays, November-December. The return of the perennial favorite, Delaware By Hand Juried Exhibition
- Sussex Country Salons and Lectures will be planned throughout the year—some at CAMP Rehoboth. Look for future scheduling in Letters.
For more information about the Gala or specialized group tours, contact Brent Mundt.