Arts E-News

February 1, 2016
Paul Weagraff, Director
Poetry Out Loud - State Competition

Students from 18 Delaware high schools will compete in the 11th annual  Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Finals at the Smyrna Opera House on Tuesday, February 23 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
 
The evening will be emceed by the newly appointed Poets Laureate, Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Al Mills, the Twin Poets. Learn more about the Twin Poets, by visiting our  website.
Annual Grant Deadline - March 1st
The eGrant system is now open for all FY2017 Division grant programs with a March 1, 2016 application deadline. This includes the following grant programs for Delaware-based organizations:  General Operating;  Education Resource;  StartUp;  Arts Stabilization;
and  Project Support.  For more details on all programs and eligibility, please visit the grants webpage .
Division Seeks Grant Panelists
The Delaware Division of the Arts engages Delaware citizens every year to review grant applications for state funding of the arts. The Division selects panelists based on their knowledge and experience in the arts, in business and nonprofit management, and in their community. To be considered for service, you may nominate yourself or someone else. Nominations are accepted year round; Spring 2016 panelist nomination deadline is March 4th. Please visit our website for more information.
National Arts Program - Exhibition and Reception Dates

Join us for the 5th Annual Delaware State Employee Art s ponsored by The National Arts ProgramĀ® and the Delaware Division of the Arts.  The show is free and open to the public from February 22 - March 14 culminating with a reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, March 12, 1-3 p.m. at the Art Center/Gallery, Delaware State University in Dover.

The exhibit features artwork from current Delaware State employees and their immediate family members, and is judged by professional artists and visual art professionals in several categories.

Vote for People's Choice!   You can "like" your favorite(s) starting  March 7
on Facebook. The People's Choice winner will be announced at the closing reception and awards ceremony on March 12. For more information, please visit our website.
On the Mezzanine

Spotted Algea, colored pencil drawing,
14 3/4" x 17 3/4", 2013
March
The Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of work by Susan Benarcik. Rhythmic Chaos will be on view from March 4-24, with an opening reception on Friday, March 4 from 5-7 p.m.
 
Benarcik, a sculptor and printmaker, is inspired by the rhythm, harmony, chaos and balance in the patterns and shapes designed by nature. Rather than recreating the work of nature, she borrows forms from nature and transforms ordinary materials into dimensional sculpture and patterns that possess a balance of symmetry, imperfection, and consistent 'otherness'. Benarcik's love of horticulture and design inform a series of botanical drawings of fictitious plants that are also included in the show.


Sentient Ooze, Acrylic, Ink, Latex, 4" x 4", 2015
February
Abstract paintings by Aaron Keith Hoffer.  Psychic Future will be on view from  February 5 - 26, with an opening reception on Friday, February 5 from 5 - 7 p.m. 

The Mezzanine Gallery is open weekdays from
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

The schedule of upcoming artists through August 2016 is now available  here.

Sign up here to receive Mezzanine Gallery email invitations for upcoming exhibits.
Meet the 2016 Artist Fellows
Last month we announced the 2016 Individual Artist Fellowship award winners. Each month, we will introduce new fellows and provide details about their upcoming public events.
Ramona DeFelice Long
Masters, Literature: Fiction, Newark

Writer Ramona DeFelice Long has published in regional, literary, and juvenile publications. She has participated in numerous literary events and offered writing workshops across the state for youth and adults. Long is an active member of several arts organizations, in particular the Newark Arts Alliance and the Written Remains Writers Guild, and shares work often at open mics and literary readings. In 2015, Long's response about her daily early morning writing session was featured by the NEA in their " share your arts story" campaign. 
Maggie Rowe
Established Professional, Literature: Poetry, Newark

Rowe is a writer, editor, and poetry teacher. She has been leading weekly poetry workshops for Cancer Support Community Delaware since 2006. Her poetry appeared last year in The Sun magazine, and three of her poems were shortlisted for the 2015 Irish Times Hennessey Award. In 2004, she received a Delaware Division of the Arts Emerging Professional Fellowship in Poetry. 

Upcoming Event: Long and Rowe will jointly present their readings at Judge Morris Estate in White Clay Creek on  Sunday, April 3, from 1 - 3 p.m. 
Deadline for 2017 Mezzanine Gallery Show
Visual artists who are interested in being considered for a solo exhibition in the Mezzanine Gallery next year, must submit a Visual Images Registry application by March 1, 2016. For more information and the application, visit the Visual Images Registry.

Please note: Artists who completed an Individual Artist Fellowship application back in August 2015 and selected "yes" to the Mezzanine Gallery question will automatically be considered by the Gallery Panel and do not need to complete the application.

Delaware State of the Arts Podcast
An interview with Cynthia Martin, Founder and Executive Director, Trustees of Color. ...Play this Episode >>
Arts Advocacy Day
Join Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) on March 8 as they lead the Delaware delegation to Washington, DC to meet with Delaware's congressional representatives. Join arts advocates from across the country as part of the American for the Arts' Arts Advocacy Day from March 7-8.

If you wish to join the DAA delegation, please contact Guillermina Gonzalez or Jessica Ball at 302-468-4840 or visit delawareartsalliance.org .
Opportunities (selected)
For more opportunities including grants, residencies, auditions, calls for artists, and jobs in the arts, visit the Division's  website .
International/National/Regional Grant Deadlines:
Ongoing Division Grant Deadlines:
Calls for Artists:
Professional Development & Networking Opportunities:
Find cultural events and attractions all in one place, 
now, soon, and near you. And don't forget to sign up for Scene Stealers - our bi-weekly digest of arts and cultural events delivered straight to your inbox.
The What's On app uses your location to show you arts and cultural events all  at your fingertips. Visit apps.delaware.gov to download the app on Android or iOS.
The Delaware Division of the Arts  is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit  artsdel.org  or call 302-577-8278 .