Art Trails

PORTALS TO THE ART WORLD

Article & Photos by Anne Jenkins

The vibrant members show

A lively beach town with a loyal following, Rehoboth, Delaware, boasts a high number of art galleries, lots of bars and restaurants and the Clear Space Theater Company - a very cool operation indeed. But one institution stands out above all - the venerable Rehoboth Art League (RAL).

The State of Delaware is very supportive of the arts and nurtures an excellent arts environment and culture. RAL can arguably be labeled as one of the big dogs on this art block. It's been around for 74 years and has established a formidable reputation.

And as an arts organization, it has to have one of the best locations imaginable. Nestled on a secluded campus in the off-the-beaten-track Henlopen Acres neighborhood of Rehoboth, it ranks way up there in the exceptions list.

Arch and pathway in the grounds

I'd heard a lot about RAL as an organization, how professional they are and what a high standard of art instruction they offer. But as I drove towards the canal along streets of lovely homes, I wondered what to expect since this out of town setting was so surprising. I pulled in to the parking lot and just said, "WOW" - that's me, such a wordsmith. I sat and stared at the beautiful 3-acre tree-filled campus dotted with historic houses with amazement. Later when I marveled at the trees and peaceful setting with their dynamic director, Sheila Bravo, she smiled contentedly before saying, "Every season is beautiful. It's so tranquil - last week we had a buck and doe here."

Paynter's Studio - the original arts classroom

I can totally understand why the league is such an inspiration - the creative vibe of it's surroundings wraps around you immediately. The historic buildings - the 1780 Paynter's studio, plus Chambers - for art classes, the large pottery classroom, children's studios and a newer structure housing offices and 4 galleries for exhibits and the sale of art - blend perfectly with the woody grace of the campus.

Portion of the Homestead from the formal back gardens.

Dominating all is the town‘s oldest building, the Homestead, an elegant 1743 farmhouse with a formal back garden similar to many I've seen at English manor houses. During the summer they hold exhibits there and it also houses a permanent collection of well known Delaware artists work, when the collection is not on tour to institutions like the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover or hanging in the Delaware Governor's mansion.

One of the green signed doors. Photo courtesy of Rehoboth Art League

One very fascinating feature is the three signed doors, originally housed in the small Paynter's Studio, they're now housed in the Homestead. These doors literally tell the story of the RAL. Each green door is signed by visiting and local artists - some well known, some obscure and by notable visiting dignitaries, like Governors and various celebrities. This tradition started back in the 1930's and the league published a book, "Doors to History," chronicling the signers. I must point out here - I have not seen the actual doors. The Homestead was closed for the season and I hadn't allowed enough time, I kicked my ankles for not giving myself more time in my schedule. But I got a brief glimpse of the book. I am determined to return, buy this fascinating story and spend some time communing with the green doors. I have already fixed them in my brain as, "the portals to the art league in Rehoboth." I look forward to a thoroughly delightful afternoon visiting with the green doors and their signatures.

Wes Stack of the Rohoboth Art league gives a tour of the pottery classroom.

I ran in to member Wes Stack when I wandered over to the potters area. He kindly showed me around the light-filled classroom as he told me about the lessons they give. He pointed out rows of pottery along one wall which is traditionally donated by instructors at the end of courses. He also mentioned how they have been helping a local charity. His quiet pride in the organization and their work was evident.

It also doesn't take long to figure out this league does an amazing amount of work - and over it's long history has evolved in to the behemoth driving the arts and arts education in Southern Delaware. Now under the guiding hand of Bravo, they not only host a variety of art classes in all mediums throughout the year, and are increasing collaborations with other agencies and organizations, but they have also started a visual arts outreach program sending artists out to rural areas with less access to the arts.

The arch and path leading to the pottery area and the Chambers classroom.

"The aim of the outreach program is to get to kids in rural areas of Sussex County," Bravo said. "This year we operated in around seven locations."

RAL also hosts exhibits for their membership, solo artist shows, juried shows and an open air two weekend art fair on the grounds in August. During my too-brief visit they were showcasing a retrospective of Delaware native, Jack Lewis. It was a visual treat, I wished I had more time to enjoy his work. Note to self, more kicking of ankles.

When you go to Rehoboth - whether for a frivolous fun weekend or a long vacation, do whatever you wish, but do not miss this flagship of the arts. Don't be surprised if you find me sitting talking to green doors. But, please, give yourself lots of time. Or your ankles are going to be sore like mine are right now.

For more info:

http://www.rehobothartleague.org

http://www.artsdel.org

http://www.biggsmuseum.org

Click to learn about Anne Jenkins