Literary Programming Returns to the Delaware Art Museum 

Partnerships with Brevity Bookspace and the National Book Foundation expand the Museum’s offerings for writers and book lovers throughout Delaware and beyond.

The Delaware Art Museum and Brevity Bookspace are teaming up to present a weekend of engaging literary programming this August, featuring the return of the virtual Wilmington Writers Conference as well as an in-person conversation and book signing in partnership with the National Book Foundation.

On Saturday, August 6th, The Wilmington Writers Conference, a signature summer staple, returns. This year’s virtual offering, which costs $10 to attend, will feature a keynote speech and writing workshop by Delaware author Ethan Joella, whose debut novel, A Little Hope, has been praised by The New York Times and The Today Show, among other outlets. Ethan will be joined by Saliym Cooper of Brevity Bookspace, who will also be teaching a special writing session.

On Sunday, August 7th, the Museum and Brevity are partnering with the National Book Foundation to host a free event welcoming National Book Award–honored authors Clint Smith (How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America) and Kali Fajardo-Anstine (Sabrina and Corina, Woman of Light) for “Rewriting American Memory,” a conversation about intergenerational histories amongst Black, Latinx and Indigenous peoples. The conversation will be followed by a book signing at the DelArt Store, where guests will have the opportunity to meet Smith and Fajardo-Anstine and purchase their books. Registration is open at delart.org.

The Store and the Foundation are also supporting a book drive for Brevity Bookspace, featuring NBA–honored titles. “The National Book Foundation is thrilled to visit Delaware for the first time through our NBF Presents national programming in partnership with Brevity Bookspace and the Delaware Art Museum,” said Natalie Green, Director of Public Programs at the National Book Foundation. “We are so excited to connect with Wilmington readers and celebrate two exceptional National Book Award–honored authors, Kali Fajardo-Anstine and Clint Smith.”

The three authors featured during this literary weekend write of hope, history and honoring ancestral roots, all of which align with the Museum’s vision of creating an inclusive community space that invites discourse and interaction between people and art. These literary events are vital to the community in many ways, offering free and low-cost opportunities for artistic practice and conversation while also highlighting the wealth of brilliant authors who live in Delaware and the surrounding region. “I am so honored to participate in the Wilmington Writers Conference this year and talk about the ups and downs of a writer’s journey and the need for hope, resilience, and a supportive writing community,” says Joella. “I am a big fan of The Delaware Art Museum Store and Brevity Bookspace and all they have done to enrich the culture and promote writing and reading in our beautiful state.”

The Museum Store and Brevity Bookspace have a long-standing history of successful partnerships that support Brevity’s mission to place more books in the hearts and homes of Delaware residents, particularly those who reside in Wilmington. What began with a pop-up at the third annual Wilmington Writers Conference has evolved to include national campaigns and partnerships. “It seems only natural to continue a partnership that has brought free books, significant smiles and literary sparkle to Wilmington,” says Saliym Cooper, owner of Brevity Bookspace. “This year we hope to usher in a new caliber of literary excellence through an experience designed to add more color, conversation and realness. If the top-tier authors slated to attend are any indication, we want all those who register to buckle up for an unforgettable literary weekend.”

Jessa Mendez, the Museum’s Lead Museum Associate and coordinator of the weekend’s events, is equally excited to bring the literary arts to Delaware once again. “This weekend is the result of many beautiful events and the Museum visitors who have supported our vision to be a community bookstore. We could not have asked for better partners than Brevity Bookspace and the National Book Foundation,” says Mendez. “Brevity and the Store have always made magic with our collaborations, and we are so excited that Ethan Joella, Clint Smith and Kali Fajardo-Anstine are joining us in our ongoing journey.”

IF YOU GO:

What: Wilmington Writers Conference
When: Saturday, August 6, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual; register at delart.org
Cost: $10

What: National Book Foundation Presents: Rewriting American Memory
When: Sunday, August 7, 1 p.m.
Where: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE. Registration at delart.org
Cost: Free

Organizer and Sponsors:

The Wilmington Writers Conference is partially funded by a grant from Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This event is sponsored by The Happy Self-Publisher. “Rewriting American Memory” is presented in partnership with the National Book Foundation and made possible by the Mellon Foundation. These programs are 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.

Press Contact:

Amelia Wiggins
Director of Communications & Engagement
awiggins@delart.org
302.351.8503