Delaware Art Galleries Put Spotlight on Contemporary Works
Published Apr 16, 2004
Three of Peter Zimmermann’s works at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
A corporate patron’s generosity has allowed the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts to open its doors free to the public through March 2005 as part of its 25th birthday celebration.
The DuPont Co. provided a major donation for the celebration-year event, says Joseph Izokaitis, marketing and communications director for the center.
And there’s plenty here for all those new visitors to see.
With a schedule that staggers some 30 exhibitions throughout the year, the center showcases the work of nationally known as well as DCCA-member artists. Past exhibits have featured painting, sculpture, print-making, crafts, photography and installations.
Its 33,000 square feet make the center one of the largest professionally curated contemporary galleries in the region.
Founded in 1979 by a small volunteer group of artists and arts patrons, the DCCA promotes the growth and understanding of the contemporary arts throughout Delaware.
Outreach is a large part of the art center’s mission, Izokaitis says. Its various initiatives include the Artist-in-Residence program, pairing artists with under-served segments of the community for collaborative projects. Among those who have participated are residents of homeless shelters, HIV/AIDS patients and battered women.
The center’s Contemporary Connections program brings modern works into the classroom, linking art to traditional curricula such as social studies and math.
In its 25-year history, the center has partnered with over 58 community groups and schools.
“The DCCA continues to amaze us with its mix of exhibits and attractions that have become an arts and entertainment drawing card for the Riverfront and all of Wilmington,” says Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker.
The center features seven galleries, artist studios, teaching facilities, gift shop and more in a former industrial building on the Wilmington waterfront.
Beginning in a former sheet metal fabricating factory, the DCCA moved several times before finally finding its permanent home in 2000 in the historic Harlan and Hollingsworth building. The look has been described as “industrial chic.”
The new location and programming efforts have met with positive response from the community and prompted the Philadelphia Inquirer to describe the Center as “one of the most innovative and prominent organizations of its kind on the East Coast.”
Gallery tours are available for visitors, as are studio tours and artist demonstrations, scavenger hunts and special sales at the museum store.
The arts center also offers space for special events and catering services.
The main lobby can be used for parties, dinner dances and wedding receptions.
The center’s Wings Foundation Auditorium has theater-style seating for 110. Teleconferencing and audio-visual features are available.
Story by Bridget Huckabee
Photo by Antony Boshier
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