Orange Is the New Green
I’m fascinated as to why we have two words for the season we’re now entering. Fall and autumn were employed by virtually every English-speaking country in the world, and though both made their way to the colonies, we Americans tend to use fall more than autumn.
Though autumn has been in use since the 1300s, the season was also known as harvest—a lovely term, but most of us don’t really have much to harvest these days. Those darned 17th century British poets became enchanted by the phrase ‘the fall of the leaves’ and shortened it to fall.
I say we ditch the names the rest of the world uses and call spring “Rise,” or substitute “Hot” or “Happy” for summer, and “Cold” or “Misery” for winter! I mean we’ve already swapped British car part terms like boot for trunk and bonnet for hood, and we eat potato chips instead of crisps; their chips are our French fries, our cookies are their biscuits…it’s exhausting.
Ultimately I don’t care what you call this delightful time of year. I’m going to savor these cooler days, gaze endlessly at the leaves as they change color, pull out the sweaters, flannel shirts, and long pants, stock up on good Scotch and replenish my tea cabinet…and organize my calendar so that I don’t miss any of the arts-related bounty of the season! I urge you, gentle reader, to do the same before you autumn into binge-watching Netflix all winter. Orange is the new green. All locations are Rehoboth Beach, unless otherwise noted. ▼
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS At the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery
Imagine—New Works by Terrance Vann
Imagine opens October 1, with a reception Sunday, October 14 during the Block Party (12-4 p.m.).
Terrace Vann is a graduate of Wilmington’s Cab Calloway School for the Arts and also studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York and at the Art Institute in Philadelphia. He was a 2017 Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship recipient and is excited to exhibit his work at CAMP Rehoboth.
Vann explores the human experience by infusing elements of contemporary street culture into his work. His distinctive style calls to mind both ornate street art and surrealism. “The overall thing I’m trying to establish with my art is something I’m calling neo-Afro-surrealism,” says Vann. “We’ve seen so many art movements that have been spearheaded by different artists, but there hasn’t been a whole lot of genres that are attributed to African-Americans.
“It’s everyday city life, which a lot of people shy away from. I try to highlight what never gets highlighted, in a way that’s appealing visually but leaves questions—what neighborhood are they from? Why’s that expression on their faces? That’s what we should be asking about—the people who are going through things that we may not understand.”
Vann’s art was recently featured at the Delaware Art Museum in an exhibition called Uprising, a multidisciplinary art production that also features choreography by Ashley SK Davis. He is excited to announce he has been selected to participate in the Ante Art Fair, one of the biggest new art fairs across the pond in London!
CAMP Rehoboth’s October 14 Block Party is a wonderful community celebration that includes the arts! Stop by the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery to see Vann’s exhibition, and visit with the many artists and arts organization who will have booths along the block. ▼
CAMP Rehoboth Hours
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 4 pm
Here’s Some Show Biz
Our very active theater community appears to have not only next season on their minds, but a heap of brick and mortar as well! All four of our local groups—Clear Space Theatre Company, Milton Theatre, Second Street Players, and Possum Point Players have announced plans to remodel, renovate, or re-locate.
Second Street closes mid-December for a major renovation; Possum Point is working toward a renovation of their lobby; Milton Theatre has announced a capital campaign to buy the property and make significant renovations; and Clear Space (as reported in the Cape Gazette) may be looking for a new space in the next few years and has begun their own capital campaign.
This is an excellent indicator of the growth of our arts community. While fundraising can be a daunting journey, I predict success for each organization—but only with your assistance! You’ll find links to all four groups listed under Performing Arts, and I’m certain you can navigate to their donation page. It’s time to be as generous with our resources as they have been providing us with bountiful entertainment. ▼
PERFORMING ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-5620) begins rehearsals on October 1 for their President’s Day Weekend 2019 presentation of Seasons of Love—celebrating their first decade of making music. The Chorus was founded by Bill McManus and our own Fay Jacobs in 2010, and has grown from 27 voices to 93! Since many of us don’t have our 2019 calendars yet, put a post-it on the ‘fridge to remind you to get tickets early, as last season’s concerts were completely sold out.
Capital Ringers start rehearsals for their holiday concerts soon and are always looking for “ringers.” Contact them if you’re an English handbell ringer or support them as a fan by attending their touring performances.
Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270) produces the winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize—David Lindsay-Abaire’s drama Rabbit Hole. Trust me, it’s a life-changer! September 21-October 7. Next up: Heathers—the “killer” musical based on the classic 1989 film, with music by my talented Broadway buddy Laurence O’Keefe! On the Clear Space boards October 19-31.
Mercy’s Well—Epworth UMC (19285 Holland Glade Rd.; 302-227-7743) welcomes Mercy’s Well—one of the country’s most talented Gospel/Contemporary Christian trios on September 29 (7p.m.). Tickets are available at the door or in the main office during business hours. The concert benefits Epworth’s Christmas Joy 365 Ministry which provides assistance to needy families at the holidays.
Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Road in Georgetown; 302-856-4560) presents A Night of Motown Hits starring a talented cast, directed by Claudius Bowden and Lillian Blake. October 27 (7:30p.m.) and October 28 (2:00p.m.). The show is a fundraiser for the Possum’s lobby refurbishment and includes a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, Chinese auction, and baked goods.
Premier Centre for the Arts at Milton Theater (110 Union St., Milton; 302-684-3038) “keeps Milton weird”! September 21: Psychic Deanna Fitzpatrick; September 22: The Ultimate Robin Williams Experience; September 23: Singer/Songwriter Evening featuring Sol Knopf, Ed Shockley, Keith Mack & Cliff Hillis; September 28/29: Assisted Living the Musical—How the Older Half Lives!; September 30: Christine Havrilla and Gypsy Fuzz, Porter & Sayles; October 4: Wall of Cain; October 5: Joey Callahan Comedy; October 7: Delmarva Big Band; October 12: Delaware Comedy Theatre; October 14: Abbamania; October 18: Revival House film They Live; October 19: Magnolia Applebottom’s Night of the Living Drag; October 20: Milton Zombie Fest (matinee)/Rocky Horror Picture Show (evening); October 25: Kirtan: Transcendental Jam Session; October 26: Dynamo; October 27: Divine Hand Ensemble; October 28: Coco.
Rehoboth Concert Band (703-598-9867) is looking for new members—especially clarinet and percussion, so go buy a new reed and a set of drum sticks and join this terrific organization. They rehearse Thursday evenings (7p.m.) at the Rehoboth Senior Center.
Rehoboth Beach Film Society (17701 Dartmouth Drive, Lewes; 302-313-4032) screens the best new Independent films at their Cinema Art Theatre. Check their website for updates and show times. The Met: Live in HD fall opera season kicks off with Verdi’s Aida (October 13-16), followed by Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila (October 27 & 29). Mark your calendars for the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival—November 1-11!
Second Street Players (2 South Walnut Street, Milford; 302-422-0220/ 800-838-3006) opens their Children’s Theatre production of Rumpelstiltskin (October 5-7), followed by their holiday offering Miracle on 34th Street (November 23–December 2). The theatre will be closed for renovations through March 2019, and celebrate the event with Bryan Clark on December 7.
Southern Delaware Chorale (P.O. Box 444; 302-260-7022) performs a broad variety of liturgical and secular choral music from many traditions and genres under the direction of Dr. Colin Armstrong, and begins rehearsing for their presentation of Handel’s Messiah in September. Interested singers may contact them with the information provided.
VISUAL ARTS
Abraxas Studio of Art (515 Federal Street, Lewes; 302-645-9119) features the oil portraits and landscape paintings of Abraxas and his own style of illuminated reality.
Anna Hazzard Museum (17 Christian Street, 302-226-1119) is a captivating look at the early history of Rehoboth Beach as a religious retreat. The museum is housed in one of the original “tent” houses from Rehoboth’s 1870s camp-meeting era and is named for former owner and civic leader, Anna Hazzard.
The Brush Factory on Kings (830 Kings Highway, Lewes; 302-745-2229) an artist/craft co-op: furniture, art, clothing, antiques, and more.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) on display through September 30 is Scratched—presented in conjunction with the Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend, featuring works by area artists depicting the bear/cub community. Artists’ reception is Saturday, September 22 (4:30-6:30 p.m.). Imagine, works by Terrace Vann, opens October 1, with a reception Sunday, October 14 during the Block Party (12-4p.m.).
Cape Artists Gallery (110 W. 3rd Street, Lewes; 302-644-7733) represents two dozen artists, with much of their work focusing on beach scenes.
Delaware Art Gallery (239 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-853-5099) offers new and classic Delaware photographs by Kevin Fleming.
Gallery 50 Contemporary Art & Frame Shop (50 A-B Wilmington Avenue; 302- 227-2050) features a variety of artworks in painting, jewelry, glass, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, mobiles, as well as special events. Sallie Otenasek opens a new show September 28.
Heidi Lowe Gallery (328 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-9203) has beautiful and unique hand-made pieces (including wedding rings!) and offers classes in jewelry making.
Painting With a Twist (17723 Coastal Highway; 302-313-5769) offers painting classes and “pARTies” for all occasions. Visit their website for details.
Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road, Lewes; 302-645-0551) presents An Hour in the Quiet featuring works by pastel artist Nick Serratore, inspired by the images of Delaware State Parks’ official photographer, April Allyson Abel. Through September 30. Opening October 6—Mutual Interests with work by Richard Calvo, Howard Eberle, and Steve Rogers. Opening reception: Saturday, October 6.
Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408) has a fantastic schedule of classes—pottery to pen and ink technique to jewelry making…something for everyone. Current exhibitions: About Face—A Members’ Showcase Exhibition (through October 31); Beach Blowout—Juried Members’ Showcase Exhibition (through December 30); and the 8th Regional Juried Biennial Exhibition (through October 13). Check their website for a complete schedule of exhibits, salons, and gallery talks.
Rehoboth Beach Museum (511 Rehoboth Avenue at the Canal; 302-227-7310) has completed renovations to their second floor and revamped their permanent collection exhibits, and is OPEN! Check their website for some great walking tours of the area and fascinating lectures.
Stuart Kingston (One Grenoble Place; 302-227-2524) is an auction house and retail store offering fine art and home furnishings.
The Studio on 24 (20231 John J. Williams Highway, Lewes; 302-644-4424) is open by appointment only, but worth it to visit with owner and artisan Deb Appleby and view her custom-made glassware.
Tideline Gallery (146 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-4444) offers unique gifts, jewelry, pottery, and art glass.
Ward Ellinger Gallery (CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, 39 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2710) features art in different mediums by abstract expressionist Ward Ellinger and Sondra N. Arkin.▼
Doug is the Artistic and Musical Director for CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, Director of Music Ministries at Epworth UMC, and co-founder and Artistic Director emeritus of the Clear Space Theater Company. Email Doug Yetter to add events to the calendar.
Images: Paintings by Howard Eberle, Kyle Hackett, Frank Williams, and Laura Hickman
CAMP Rehoboth Arts Programs are 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
