Dream Streets: Art in Wilmington 1970–1990

During the 1970s and 1980s, Wilmingtonians witnessed a flourishing artistic community and the establishment of many of the cultural pillars that continue to support the visual and performing arts within the city today. Organizations such as the Delaware Contemporary, the Delaware Humanities Forum, and the Delaware Theatre Company were founded during this period, as well as commercial galleries and city-supported arts initiatives. This landmark exhibition plots the development of artistic trends within the Wilmington community and their relation to national creative trends during these two decades, showcasing craft and design, drawing, painting, performance art, photography, and sculpture.

Sun and Sound, 1975. Joe Moss (born 1933). Fiberglass and carbon steel, 78 x 216 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

Considering the Future,1986. Terence Roberts (born 1953). Painted photograph, 12 1/8 x 18 1/16 inches. Delaware Art Museum, Louisa du Pont Copeland Memorial Fund, 1987. ©Terence Roberts.

Sleaze Digest No. 1, 1976. Tom Watkins (born 1951). Color photocopy, 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. Courtesy of Jerry Grant. © Tom Watkins.

Southern Approaches, 1984. Kevin McLaughlin. Oil on canvas, 38 x 60 inches. Collection of Thomas C. Shea, Jr. © (2015) Kevin McLaughlin.

Scenes from Everyday Life #5, 1984. James A. Anderson. Pastel on paper, 23 1/4 x 29 3/4 inches. Lent by Catharine Johnstone. © James A. Anderson.

Wilmington, Market Street, c. 1976. Julia Gorton. Digital C print, 9 1/2 x 14 inches. Courtesy of the artist. © Julia Gorton.

40 x 40 Blue, 1985. Dan Teis (1925–2002). Mixed media on canvas, 40 x 40 inches. Lent by Wesley and Harriet Memeger. © Artist’s Estate.

The Steiner Sisters, 1977. Stephen Tanis (born 1945). Oil on canvas, 54 x 47 1/4 inches. Courtesy of the artist. © Stephen Tanis.

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Organizers & Sponsors

Dream Streets: Art in Wilmington 1970-1990 was made possible by DuPont and the Johannes R. and Betty P. Krahmer American Art Exhibition Fund. This exhibition was partially funded by a grant from the Delaware Humanities Forum, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This exhibition was 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.