The Year in (P)Review
I have never been a fan of retrospectives. Why not look to the future, since that’s where we’re spending the rest of our lives? Let’s take a peek into our 2020 visions!
Since 1938, the venerable Rehoboth Art League has provided a haven for artists to teach, gather, and exhibit their work as well as nurturing artistic talents in students of all ages. The 3.5-acre campus houses galleries and studios which are home to over 20 solo and group exhibitions every year, and they offer over 150 classes in diverse disciplines including pottery, writing, photography, antique furniture restoration, painting, knitting, garden design, stained glass…something for every artistic appetite. In addition, they offer annual events like the Cottage Tour, the Outdoor Art Show, and the Holiday Fair as well as “salons” set in private homes with unique art collections.
A little trivia: The Peter Marsh Homestead, part of the Art League campus, built in 1743, is the oldest building in Rehoboth Beach still on its original foundation. The Homestead has closed for the season, but will reopen next May.
Though not in existence for nearly so long as the Art League, several other arts-based organizations will be raising the bar here in Gayberry. The Clear Space Theatre Company’s 2020 season includes Clue, Kiss Me Kate, Urinetown, Constellations, Sister Act, La Cage Auz Folles, Cabaret, A Streetcar Named Desire, Carrie, and Elf. Their Spotlight on Young Performers will present High School Musical and Honk! An ambitious season that will be presented with excellent craftsmanship, integrity, and panache.
The Rehoboth Film Society will undoubtedly WOW us all year with incredible independent films, The Met: Live in HD, National Theatre Live, the Jewish Film Festival, inebrations (the LGBTQ file festival), and still deliver another K.O. with the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival next fall. They never disappoint.
The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus has grown by 400 percent in their first decade of existence with 100 singers preparing their February concert, “Legends.” The chorus will expand its season in 2020 with a second concert in early June, and the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble will follow-up this year’s ensemble-only concert with a new concert of its own in September.
These organizations are only a small percentage of the artistic wealth in our state, and they deserve to be acknowledged and fostered. Every gallery, chorus, and non-profit listed in this column took blood, sweat, and tears to create and nurture, and we have an obligation to shield and sustain them with some end-of-year generosity. Make philanthropy a part of your holiday giving. It takes a village. ▼
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at The Heart of Our Community
Holiday Mashup
The holiday season is approaching, and I bet you’re scrambling to find the perfect gifts for loved ones and acquaintances. Fear not, gentle readers, for CAMP Rehoboth has the solution with its upcoming art show, Holiday Mashup.
The Holiday Mashup art exhibition features works by local artists and craftspeople in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery from November 23 through the end of the year.
There’s a reception and sale on Sunday, December 8 (1-5 p.m.). You’ll want to attend as there will be additional hand-crafted works by these artisans on display and for sale in the big room at CAMP Rehoboth. Avoid the crowds, sip some spiced cider, enjoy a cookie, and find the perfect gift! You’ll be supporting local artists and giving unique and beautiful gifts instead of that gift card to Red Lobster.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.
Heidi Lowe Gallery Rebuilds and Expands
For the past 14 years the Heidi Lowe Gallery has been open for business in a 450-square-foot cottage on Rehoboth Avenue. Lowe locked the door to the studio on September 24 and unlocked the plans for rebuilding upon the same property planning for a Fall 2020 reopening! CAMP Rehoboth wishes her all the best in her new endeavor. Lowe will be working on commission work and teaching classes in a temporary studio in Lewes during construction. For more information on Heidi Lowe Gallery, 328 Rehoboth Avenue, call 302-227-9203, email or online. She can also be found on Facebook and Instagram. ▼
Winter is Coming…
There’s an online petition to get a certain famous television correspondent to host the Times Square countdown on New Year’s Eve, just to hear her say, “I’m Barbara Walters, and this is 2020.”
It feels like we have a lot to live through before the end of the year, but it’ll be here before we know it. There’s no way I can list everything that’s coming our way between now and the first issue of 2020, but I’ve done what I can to keep you informed of the goings-on from now until Valentine’s Day, and it’s your responsibility not to plant your butt on the couch until spring thaw. All locations are Rehoboth Beach unless otherwise noted. ▼
PERFORMING ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) presents “Legends”—February 14-16 at Epworth UMC (19285 Holland Glade Rd.). The concert salutes legendary performers including Elton John, Madonna, Elvis, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Freddie Mercury, Frank Sinatra, Bette Midler…don’t miss it!
Capital Ringers (PO Box 35, Lewes) hits the road with “Ring, Christmas Bells”, November 23-December 14 in Milford, Newark, Lewes, Berlin, Dover, and Milton. See website for details and locations.
Cinema Art Theater (17701 Dartmouth Drive, Lewes; 302-313-4032) screens new Independent films through the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. The Met Live in HD: Massenet’s Manon, November 16; Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, November 23-26; Philip Glass’ Akhnaten, November 30-December 2; Berg’s Wozzeck, January 20-21; Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, February 8-10. National Theatre Live: Small Island, December 7-10; The Lehman Trilogy, January 25-28. Check their website for screenings and show times.
Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270) ends the year with “A Well-Strung Christmas” (two shows on November 17), followed by A Christmas Story, November 29-December 15. Their 2020 season opens with Clue (January 24-February 9). Check their website for information on 2020 season tickets.
Coastal Concerts (in residence at Bethel UMC Hall; Fourth and Market Streets, Lewes; 888-212-6458) continues their season with pianist Benjamin Hochman on November 16, and Tom Gallant and the Tesla String Quartet on January 18. Check out the rest of their fantastic season online.
Dickens Parlour Theatre (35715 Atlantic Avenue, Millville; 302-829-1071) offers magic and comedy in an intimate setting. Kevin Bethea, November 15-16; Comedy Show, November 22-30; Chris Capehart, November 29-30.
Epworth UMC (19285 Holland Glade Rd.; 302-227-7743; eumcrb.org/yule) presents “Yule Love It—Even More!”, their fourth annual Christmas spectacular, featuring the Epworth Chancel Choir with soprano Marian Sunnergren performing Joseph Martin’s Tapestry of Light—A Celtic Christmas Celebration, the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble, the Epworth Praise Team, a holiday sing-along, and special guests (like that guy in the red suit!)—December 7 (7 p.m.)
Mid-Atlantic Symphony (PO Box 3381; Easton, MD. 21601; 888-846-8600) features “Holiday Joy” with baritone Kevin Short and students of the University of Maryland Opera Studio—December 7 (7 p.m.) at Cape Henlopen High School.
The Milton Theater (110 Union St., Milton; 302-684-3038) November events: 15: Clean Stand-Up Comedy; 16: Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis; 21: Jackie Brown’s Jazz Nonet; 22: Best of Broadway with Grace Field; 23: Parrot Beach (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band); 24: Delaware Comedy Theatre; 29: Sister’s Christmas Catechism; 30: Assisted Living the Musical. December events: 1: Assisted Living the Musical; 2: Close to You—A Carpenter’s Christmas; 5: The American Rogues; 7: Peek-a-Boo Revue (18+); 8: The Everly Brothers Experience; 12: Serafin String Ensemble; 13: Simply Streisand Holiday Show/Magnolia Applebottom’s Holiday Drag Show; 14: Capital Ringers/Simply Streisand Holiday Show; 19: Chesapeake Brass; 21: The Rising. Check their website for details.
Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown; 302-856-4560) offers Christmas from the Heart as their holiday production, November 29-December 8. Their 2020 season opens with Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, January 31-February 9.
Rehoboth Concert Band presents their “Annual Holiday Peace Concert,” December 22 (3 p.m.) at Cape Henlopen High School.
Second Street Players (2 South Walnut Street, Milford; 302-422-0220/800-838-3006) has Elf: The Musical as their holiday show, November 29-December 15. Their 2020 season opens with Moon Over Buffalo, January 31-February 9.
Southern Delaware Chorale (P.O. Box 444; 302-260-7022) presents their holiday concert, “Carols and Lullabies,” December 8 (3 p.m.) at Epworth UMC (19285 Holland Glade Rd.).
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
These wonderful galleries would appreciate your business this holiday season!
Abraxas Studio of Art (515 Federal Street, Lewes; 302-645-9119) features the oil portraits and landscape paintings of Abraxas.
The Brush Factory on Kings (830 Kings Highway, Lewes; 302-745-2229) houses a co-op of 50 local artisans and merchants.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-5620) features Holiday Mashup—November 23 through the end of the year. (See listing elsewhere in this column.)
Cape Artists Gallery (110 W. 3rd Street, Lewes; 302-644-7733) is a half block from the Zwaanendael Museum and features the work of two dozen artists, with much of their art focused on beach scenes.
Delaware Art Gallery (239 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-853-5099) offers new and classic Delaware photographs by Kevin Fleming.
Gallery 37 (8 South Walnut Street, Milford; 302-265-2318) represents over 45 artists and artisans from around the country with fine art, wood-turned vessels, fibers, glass art, and more.
Gallery 50 (50 Wilmington Avenue; 302-227-2050) in addition to original paintings, offers jewelry, glass, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media.
Heidi Lowe Gallery (328 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-9203) has unique hand-made pieces and classes in jewelry making. Heidi is rebuilding the gallery and will re-open fall 2020, but is “in the studio” creating custom pieces.
Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road, Lewes; 302-645-0551) offers over 3,000 square feet of display and custom framing. Pastel artist Nick Serratore: Interpreting My Observations—through November 24. Small Jewels—a multiple artist exhibition of works limited in size and price for the holiday season—November 30-December 30.
Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408) continues Somewhere Else & Most Wanted (works by Mark Harris)—through November 24; Winter: Juried Members’ Showcase opens January 24; the Regional Juried Photography Exhibition opens January 31, and the Jewelry Trunk Show will be February 7-8. Check their website for details and class offerings.
Rehoboth Beach Museum (511 Rehoboth Avenue at the Canal, 302-227-7310) has fresh exhibits on their renovated second floor for you to enjoy, and lots of Rehoboth Beach history on the first floor. Check the calendar on their website for walking tours and special events.
Tideline Gallery (111 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-4444) offers unique gifts, Judaica, jewelry, pottery, lamps, 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. Contact Doug if you want to add your events to the calendar. Check out CAMP Arts on our website at camprehoboth.com for links to all the listed theatres, galleries and museums.