December’s Indoor and Outdoor Arts Events Offer Seasonal Enrichment
The Delaware Art Museum continues its winter traditions, which include an outdoor Winter Arts Festival holiday shopping experience and Family 2nd Sunday, to engage children and their families with free, indoor art activities. “Celebrate! Pyxis at the Holidays” and a livestream from Wilmington Ballet and guests, “Global Movement,” highlight the Museum’s community collaborators from varied genres. In partnership with Cityfest Inc., Cartoon Christmas Trio returns with guests, the Wilmington Children’s Chorus.
Following are details on each activity:
On Thursday, December 1, 2022, 6 p.m., the Museum welcomes the Wilmington Ballet for “Global Movement,” a virtual celebration of arts and cultural dance traditions from around the world. The stream will feature performances by Treinta Y Tres, Pieces of A Dream Inc., Flamenco Y Mas, the Wilmington Children’s Chorus and more. Tickets are $25.
On Thursday, December 8, 2022, 8 p.m., “Celebrate! Pyxis at the Holidays” as the Pyxis trio marks the opening of its 14th season as classical ensemble-in-residence at the Museum. Luigi Mazzocchi (violin), Jennifer Jie Jin (cello), and Hiroko Yamazaki (piano) will play in Fusco Hall. In conversation with the Museum’s groundbreaking exhibition, “Evelyn & William De Morgan: A Marriage of Arts & Crafts,” Pyxis will play works by another highly lauded husband-and-wife team, Robert and Clara Schumann. This joyous salute to the holidays also features seasonal offerings ranging from a traditional carol to popular mid-20th century Hollywood holiday classics, including: Frank Loesser’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” Kim Gannon and Walter Kent’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Dick Smith and Felix Bernard’s “Winter Wonderland,” and the traditional “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Guests may arrive early for a 7:30 p.m. talk, given by Margaretta Frederick, Curator Emerita who curated the De Morgan exhibition, prior to the concert. Tickets are $30 for Members and $35 for non-members.
On Saturday, December 10, 2022, 10 a.m.—4 p.m., the Museum offers shopping and seasonal festivities such as strolling carolers as part of its Winter Arts Festival, which is now an outdoor tradition. The Museum has established “kid-friendly” festival hours from 12—2 p.m., with activities such as a trackless train with a conductor offering rides for children. Guests can opt to take a 1 p.m. tour of the “A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: Evelyn & William De Morgan” exhibition by pre-registering. Food will be available by the Museum’s resident Kaffeina Café, and a cash bar will be open. In addition, the warm and welcoming Museum Store will offer literary and artistic gift ideas, with special festival discounts for Members and non-members. The festival is free for Members and $5 for non-members, and a ticket is required. Tickets include admission to the Museum on the day of the event. In the case of inclement weather, the full event may move inside.
Vendors as of the date of publication include:
Angela Colasanti of Life Artfully Told – Sterling Silver Jewelry and Pewter Keepsakes
The Fairy Potter – Stoneware Enchanted Cottages
Chez Evon – Handmade Bags and Totes
SunSobo LLC – All Natural Hibiscus and Ginger Tea
East Coast Sweets – Handcrafted Artisan Chocolates
Cinnamon Bun Exchange – Hand-rolled Buns, Baked with Love
Fusion Taster’s Choice – Ultra Premium Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, Olives, Cruets and More
Anna Biggs Designs – Hand-carved Gold and Silver Jewelry
Holly Whitney – Tie Dye Apparel
Sassy Bee Honey – Raw and Infused Honey, Beeswax Candles, Natural Bath, Body and Beard Products
Heather Ossandon – Ceramics
Tat’s Yummies – Bakery Food, European Specialties
Eric Zippe Art – Photography on Wood and Laser-Engraved Wood
Linda Majewski, Paper Greenhouse – Paper Botanicals
Root and Rocks by Kiya Nicole – Functional and Sculptural Ceramics
Iris and Callisto’s Apiary – Local Honey and Hive Products
Brevity Book Space – Providing All Humans of Wilmington with Woke Words & Wisdom
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 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 and 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.
Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 7 p.m., in partnership with Cityfest Inc., the Museum hosts the famed Cartoon Christmas Trio with special guests, the Wilmington Children’s Chorus. The group celebrates over 25 years as the original interpreter of classic holiday cartoon jazz. The trio was started in 1995 by bassist Rob Swanson for the sole purpose of playing music from classic Christmas cartoons, especially the music of Vince Guaraldi, composer of the “Peanuts” soundtracks. Since its inception, the trio has played hundreds of shows including live appearances on NBC, ABC, Fox, and NPR. The trio was also honored to perform in Philadelphia’s premier music venue, The Kimmel Center. In addition, the trio is actively involved in musical outreach and education through an in-school assembly program. Tickets are $15, with a $5 discount extended for children and seniors.
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’s “Global Movement” Livestream
WHEN: On Thursday, December 1, 2022, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual
COST: $25, Online Registration Required
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: “Celebrate! Pyxis at the Holiday”
WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2022, 8 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. curator talk
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. 19806
COST: $30 for Members, $35 for Non-members
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: Winter Arts Festival
WHEN: Saturday, December 10, 2022, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. 19806
COST: Free for Members, $5 for Non-members, Registration Required
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: Family 2nd Sunday
WHEN: Sunday, December 11, 2022, 10 a.m.—1 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. 19806
COST: Free, Registration Required
INFO: delart.org
WHAT: Cartoon Christmas Trio with the Wilmington Children’s Chorus
WHEN: Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. 19806
COST: $15, with a $5 discount extended for children and seniors
INFO: delart.org
Image: Orifice II, 1983. Joe Moss (1933–2018). Painted steel, 112 × 129 3/4 × 27 inches. Delaware Art Museum, Purchased with funds provided by a grant from the Longwood and Crystal Foundations, 1983. © Estate of Joe Moss.