December’s Indoor and Outdoor Arts Events Offer Holiday Inspiration
The Delaware Art Museum’s December calendar is brimming with rich activities for people of every age. The annual Winter Arts Festival brings regional artisans together in an al fresco market. Visitors are invited to enjoy the performance “Celebrate! Pyxis at the Holidays” inside the Museum, and to watch a livestream of highlights of Wilmington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” from home. Family 2nd Sunday engages children and their families with free artmaking in the studios.
On Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 8:30 p.m., the Museum will livestream portions of “The Nutcracker” for subscribers and other viewers for a cost of $5. Ahead of its December 17, 2021 opening at The Playhouse on Rodney Square, the Wilmington Ballet and guests will perform a half hour preview of the beloved seasonal ballet. Performing with the backdrop of the Delaware Art Museum’s Fusco Hall will help Wilmington Ballet build excitement for the company’s 53rd year of performing this winter classic. For information and tickets, visit Wilmington Ballet’s website.
On Thursday, December 9, 2021, 8 p.m., DelArt presents “Celebrate! Pyxis at the Holidays” with the Museum’s classical ensemble-in-residence. Luigi Mazzocchi (violin), Jennifer Jie Jin (cello), and Hiroko Yamazaki (piano) will play as a trio in Fusco Hall, exploring a wealth of classical and contemporary piano trio literature, including instrumental versions of Gustav Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song,” Paul Schoenfeld’s “Café Music” and Astor Piazzolla’s “Cuatro Estacionas Porteñas” (also known as “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires”). Guests may arrive early for a 7:30 p.m. curator talk prior to the 8 p.m. concert. Tickets are $30 for Members and $35 for Non-Members.
On Saturday, December 11, 2021, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Museum offers shopping and seasonal festivities such as strolling carolers, for its Winter Arts Festival, which once again takes place outdoors in the Copeland Sculpture Garden. For the first time, a trackless train and conductor will glide through the festival grounds, providing rides for children. Regional artisans and quality jewelers will offer gifts for sale. Gourmet food sponsored by ShopRite, as well as hot and cold soft drinks and cocktails, will be available for purchase. In addition, the warm and welcoming Museum Store will offer literary and artistic gift ideas, with special festival discounts.
Vendors as of the date of publication include:
Classic Elegance – Quality Hand-made Leather Gifts and Seating
Sassy Bee Honey – Raw and Infused Honey, Natural Bath, Body and Beard Products, Beeswax Candles and Bee Hotels
Olga Ganoudis Designs – Jewelry
East Coast Sweets – Handcrafted Artisan Chocolates
Fusions Taster’s Choice – Ultra Premium Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars
Linda Majewski, Paper Greenhouse – Paper Botanicals
Luxe Charcuterie – Custom-made Charcuterie Boxes and Boards
Evon Brumberger – Tote Bags
Kelly Martin – Paper Hibiscus – Paper Quilling & Paper Clay
Anna Biggs Designs – Hand Carved Gold and Silver Jewelry
Angela Colasanti of Life Artfully Told – Sterling Silver Jewelry and Pewter Keepsakes
Samara Weaver – Ceramics, Porcelain Jewelry and Fine Art
Hope’s Caramels – Soft, Artisan Caramels and Other Caramel Products
Blue Jar Studio – Photography, Visual Arts
Nodajs Touch – Soaps, Bath Bombs, Scrubs, Beauty Products
SunSobo LLC – All Natural Hibiscus and Ginger Tea
HEOS Ceramics – Ceramics
Meaghan Paige – A Women’s and Kids Clothing Brand
The festival is free for Members and $5 for Non-Members, with limited reserved timed tickets available. Admission to the festival includes entry to the Museum the day of the event. In case of inclement weather, festival activities will move inside.
Sunday, December 12, 2021, 10 a.m. — 1 p.m., the Museum welcomes children up to 12 years of age and their families to experience Family 2nd Sunday in the Children’s Studio. Each month, guests explore a new medium or technique from a professional teaching artist. Guests create a work of art inspired by a piece in the Museum’s collection. While the event is free, registration (including for adults) is strongly recommended due to limited seating.
On-site event capacity is limited, and either registration for every event is required. Register at delart.org.
Adults will be asked to provide proof of vaccination to visit indoors; all children ages 2-17, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings inside the Museum and studios. Social distancing of 3 feet should be maintained between parties. Masks should be worn by all guests during group gallery tours and indoor family and youth programs. The Museum’s full COVID-19 policies are listed here.
The Winter Arts Festival is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware, Shoprite, and Delmarva Power. This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Wilmington Ballet “The Nutcracker” Livestream
WHEN: Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Online
COST: $5
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: “Celebrate! Pyxis at the Holidays”
WHEN: Thursday, December 9, 2021, 8 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. curator tour
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, Fusco Hall
COST: $30 for Members, $35 for Non-Members
INFO: “delart.org”
WHAT: Winter Arts Festival
WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2021, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum grounds
COST: Free for Members, $5 for Non-Members, timed tickets required
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: Family 2nd Sunday
WHEN: Sunday, December 12, 2021, 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum Children’s Studio
COST: Free, registration required
INFO: delart.org