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MOSAIC - THE REHOBOTH BEACH GALLERY COLLECTIVE

Article & Photos by Anne Jenkins

Gallery manager Denise DelVitto guides you through
the Anita Peghini-Räber Gallery with ease

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware's premier beach town, hums along dancing to it's own vibe. The town encompasses many different levels of pleasure and culture in a relatively small area - from magnificent art galleries, first rate theater, fine photography and superb handmade jewelry to a boardwalk with tee-shirt shops and old fashioned ice cream shops. They all happily jostle alongside each other - a something for just-about-everyone kind of town. It's friendly, a live and let live place boasting a wonderful beach and, although it can get pretty crowded at the height of summer, a seashore that gives a sense of space and big sky.

 

And they have a mighty fine monthly art walk every second Saturday: Mosaic - the Rehoboth Beach Gallery Collective. A group of 13 galleries get together to showcase local and regional talent in a well organized monthly event. For a good guide to the art walk see their website, face book page and there is a downloadable map plus an excellent brochure. A few of the galleries are clustered close to each other with a couple slightly further away. But nothing is too far apart and the walk between them all easy. I can't cover all the galleries in detail in one article, so here's a few of my favorites. If you want to begin with an interesting cluster, funky Baltimore Avenue is an excellent place to start.

Crowds of admirers at the opening show at Anita Peghini-Räber Gallery

The newest kid on the block at is the delightful and welcoming Anita Peghini-Räber Gallery. They showcase the Swiss native's bold, bright art plus a select group of local and regional artists. Her own work is passionate, sensual and whimsical.

Kevin Fleming & Friends Gallery

�Art is a deep human necessity. It takes us away from our daily grind, brings us joy and relaxation,� Peghini-Räber notes. �One of my mottos is Live with art, it's good for you.�

She describes herself as a naturalist, expressionist painter and she has gathered an interesting group of artists, some international, to complement her work. For example, Camilo Sanin, born in Bogota, Colombia, now a Washington, D.C. artist creates bright geometric abstractions. A Delaware resident, but South African born, Anne Jenkins' art varies with political statements or embraces the Delaware coast on large canvases. Renown regional artist, Brent Crothers, from Maryland creates fascinating sculptures and Elizabeth McGiff, of Middletown, Del., has an interesting take on working with clay. Steven Billups a photographer from Lewes, Del., displays beautiful and evocative nudes.

Philip Morton Gallery

 

�Rehoboth Beach has been an art destination for almost a century. I believe that the painterly US summer capital with its clean beaches is picture perfect to become more important on the East Coast and beyond,� Peghini-Raber states, �We receive international guests from all over the world.�

Gallery manager, Denise DelVitto, welcomes you in a relaxed manner and her lively personality helps make your visit a pleasure. If you are one of those people who find galleries a little intimidating, this gallery will allay all your fears. And the wide variety of excellent art in different mediums and styles will pique your interest, enhance your art appreciation and sense of fun.

Philip Morton Gallery

 

A light filled space right next door holds the Philip Morton Gallery. You are greeted with a gentle welcome to take your time and enjoy the art. Soft sensuous sculptures by Boris Kramer accentuate the displays of bright colored paintings. The art is changed around regularly with new shows to keep the displays fresh.

Whimsical decorations outside a restaurant on Baltimore Ave
MOSAIC map downloaded from their facebook page

 

Down the street towards the sea is the Ward Ellinger Gallery. The gallery is located in the Camp Rehoboth courtyard. Ellinger�s tag line on the MOSAIC brochure claims, �The process of creating is a magical and spiritual journey for me .� and you can see this in his art. Loose, relaxed and colorful pieces adorn the gallery making for an uplifting experience.

Not part of MOSAIC but these two places on Baltimore Ave are worthy of mention: Camp Rehoboth started over 20 years ago as a gay and lesbian community service organization, originally the idea was just to help create a good relationship among all the people of the Rehoboth Beach area. It has grown into a full service community center with a multitude of activities, events - arts, music and more - and help programs. It is a wonderful asset to the town, stop by and see what's happening. There's always something interesting going on. The Clear Space Theater is nearby. Try and see a show if you can during your stay. This lively, progressive troupe put on enduring classics or new works with equal aplomb and enjoyment.

Gallery 50

 

Wibergart Gallery, Paintiques are just a short walk south towards the beach. Amadeline Gallery and Juleez are paired on North First Street around the corner. Gallery 50 over on Wilmington Ave is a long established icon of the town. Unfortunately they were doing some renovations and weren't available when I visited but are a definite must visit on your tour. They represent photographers and visual artists from the region and beyond and they change shows out regularly. Be sure to include them on the tour. Thunderbird Gallery is on Rehoboth Ave around the corner from Gallery 50.

Head up Rehoboth Ave away from the beach to the gallery of one of Mid-Atlantic region's best photographers - you can hardly miss the brightly decorated Kevin Fleming & Friends Gallery. Step inside and be blown away with his perspective on local scenes, bird life in the region and more, way more. Fleming has a long distinguished art resume and recently started publishing books. The Delaware native has traveled the world as a photographer for National Geographic. Tucked around the corner from Flemings gallery is AerieArt Gallery on Lake Ave.

Heidi Lowe Gallery

Heidi Lowe creating another beautiful piece of jewelry.
Photo Courtesy of Heidi Lowe

 

Just a short way further up on the other side of the road at is Heidi Lowe Gallery, an innovative jewelry studio. A bonefide Rehoboth Beach local, Lowe was one of the founding members of MOSAIC. She creates unique jewelry, plus she showcases 25 other local and international jewelry artists. The gallery specializes in designing and creating custom pieces. Lowe also teaches private and semi-private metal smithing classes upon request.

Rehoboth Beach is a treat any time - you don't have to wait for the Second Saturday Art Walks. The Roman philosopher Seneca said, �every change of scene is a delight .' Go absorb, and enjoy, the work of these multi-talented artists. And soak up Rehoboth's relaxed attitude as you take in their great art scene. You certainly won't regret it.

For another article on Rehoboth click here.

 

Business information:

 

http://mosaicrehoboth.com

https://www.facebook.com/mosaicrehoboth

http://rehobothart.com

http://www.heidilowejewelry.com

http://www.kevinfleming.com