Opening January 22 at the Delaware Art Museum, the exhibition features portraits of 160 outstanding women from across the state.
A special exhibition featuring 160 members of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame opens January 22 at the Delaware Art Museum. To mark the 40th anniversary of the prestigious award, the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy commissioned Delaware artist Theresa Walton to create portraits of every woman inducted. The exhibition celebrates the tremendous achievement of women from across the state in a variety of professional fields.
Portraits of Hall of Fame inductees include, former Governor Ruth Ann Minner, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester, Delaware Children’s Theatre founder Marie Swajeski, educators Dr. Jill Biden and Dr. Reba Hollingsworth, and community leader Maria Matos, among others.
“The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and this exhibition both celebrate and teach visitors about women’s contributions to our state, while inspiring the next generation of Delawareans to positively impact our society as artists, athletes, community advocates, military personnel, public servants, scientists, teachers and more,“ says Melanie Ross Levin, Delaware’s Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these brilliant women and partner with the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy on their important work,” says DelArt Executive Director Molly Giordano. “This exhibition strengthens the Museum’s efforts to expand and diversify the stories we tell with art.”. The Delaware Art Museum has long collected women artists, but recently reinstalled its galleries to put more work by women on display.
The public is invited to view the portraits of women in the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame from January 22 through March 20 at Museum. In conjunction with the exhibit, the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy has also launched a website that features all 160 portraits and accompanying biographical information.
Applications for the 2022 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame are now open and can be found at de.gov/women.
Sponsors: ‘Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame: Celebrating 40 Years’ was organized by the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the Delaware Art Museum. The exhibition is supported by the Delaware Department of Human Resources and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee. Additional support is provided, 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: ‘Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame: Celebrating 40 Years’
WHEN: January 22 – March 20 during Museum open hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, Orientation Hall
COST: Free after Museum admission.
INFO: delart.org
Proof of vaccination and masks required inside the Museum; full info at delart.org.
Left to right: Muriel E. Gilman, 2005. Chandra Pitts, 2016. Val Whiting, 2007. Theresa Walton.