A Guide to Art in Delaware 2016 June 2016 | Page 32

A Trio of Art Museums
Delaware enjoys three top-class
institutions, the excellent Delaware Art
Museum (DAM), the edgy and innovative
The Delaware Contemporary in Wilmington
and the charming Biggs Museum of
American Arts in the Heritage Park in the
state capital, Dover.
DAM is 100 years old and is not owned
by the state. It is a private, non-profit
organization which shares its treasures
within, hosts workshops in its studios, and
extends outreach programs throughout the
state for all Delawareans.
While it has an impressive collection, it's
mostly known for its collection of British
Pre-Raphaelite art, works by renowned
Delaware artist Howard Pyle and other
American illustrators. In fact, DAM was built
on the foundation of a collection of 100
Howard Pyle paintings back in 1912.
It holds arts-related events like Art After
Dark on Friday nights, has a delightful
sculpture garden, and offers highly
regarded workshops. Their calendar is full
and locals are spoiled for choice.

The Delaware Contmeporary is located
in an old tram factory

The Chihuly installation in DAM, a favorite
with local sketchers
The Delaware Contemporary on the other
hand, is located in Wilmington’s inner city,
part of the newly revitalized riverfront area.
It explores the interplay of art, design and
technology. It is in an old renovated tram
factory and the modern meets old
atmosphere of the building complements
the art within.
Unlike a traditional museum, the center
has no permanent collection and entrance
is free. They change exhibits in all the
galleries regularly, offering as many as 30
exhibits a year.
They have 7 galleries, 26 artists studios
upstairs, auditorium, classrooms, and a
small museum shop.
One of the 7 galleries is reserved for
the studio artists, showing the work of two
artists each month. Special events are held
throughout the month.
The art is contemporary, edgy, and
exciting but it is not intimidating. The whole
atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

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