We were thrilled to celebrate the region that has supported our gallery for the past 25 years with our Local Favorites exhibition. This is the first show of its kind from our gallery, and we were so pleased with the turnout and support for the show. 

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   In “Local Favorites,” 9 Delmarva artists brought the Lewes and Rehoboth area to life through paint. The exhibition featured 46 original works that captured the vibrancy and beauty of the region through traditional and contemporary styles. Each artist brings their own vision to memorable subjects throughout Lower Delaware, such as architecture, boats, social life, and isolated serenity.

 

    Among the participating artists was Al Barker, who focuses on the tranquil and ever-changing skies of the Delaware shorelines. Doris Ingram, a long-time Lewes resident, recreates scenes of local life in watercolor, from the hustle and bustle of downtown to rustic hidden treasures. Jane McElvany Coonce exhibits views from docks along the Lewes Canal, including one shot of the picturesque Overfalls lightship. Jim Rehak brings to life the seasonal changes of the Delmarva Peninsula through a combination of impressionistic and realist landscapes. Janet Raesly’s seascapes and dune paintings are often referred to as expressionistic realism, finding beauty in simple landscapes. John Eiseman explores rural and coastal environments and subverts them to capture the natural phenomena and mood of the moment. Michelle Marshall paints beaches and marshes in a contemporary way by using extraordinary color palettes and elements of abstract expressionism, keeping her work fresh and spontaneous. Rick Phillips uses his background in illustration and advertising to produce a collection that spotlights the historic cottages and charming streets of downtown Lewes. Jacalyn Beam’s plein air impressionistic paintings show the buzz of the Rehoboth boardwalk and docked boats.

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   Each artist on show has a special relationship with Lower Delaware, using their passion and lived experience to create works that reflect why this area is a little slice of paradise.