Cape Spirit

Art in Bloom continues its efforts to bring the sculpture “Cape Spirit” to Lewes. Rick Rothrock is a Delaware sculptor who has a considerable reputation for designing and placing his sculptures in the public domain. Rick currently has several works in both New Castle and Kent counties, but not in Sussex. Presentations are being given to a variety of Lewes’ entities prior to going before the Lewes Public Art Committee for approval.

Cape Spirit is figurative in its proportions and gesture, rising upward in a posture of open joy and celebration. The sculpture is designed to be representative of the human expression. Its form evokes the waves, the wind and the clouds that created this place, and combines the human form with the nautical knot that ties the city to the sea. Cape Spirit offers a gesture of joy to the many people who will share it and experience its effect. At 20’ in height, it will become a landmark in the city and will draw citizens and visitors alike into and through the space.

For more information go to www.capespiritde.com

To see the full video of the proposed project   –  CLICK HERE _ CAPE SPIRIT PROJECT VIDEO

Lewes artist Jean Doran and Kindle owner Matt DiSabatino

COMPLETION OF FIRST TROMPE L’OEIL

Lewes artist Jean Doran and Kindle owner Matt DiSabatino celebrate the installation of Doran’s trompe l’oeil painting on the outside wall at Kindle. The painting is the first of a series of trompe l’oeil paintings that Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom, intends for Lewes. DiSabatino said that both patrons and staff have already expressed enthusiasm for the painting. “Jean’s talent allowed her to capture the best feature of the restaurant”, he said. Doran has been painting since childhood and moved to Lewes in 1998. She said that her inspiration for this particular scene came after touring the restaurant. She is pleased to be the first artist of the intended Art in Bloom series of trompe l’oeil paintings set for Lewes. Art in Bloom is seeking both artists and buildings for future paintings. Please contact Ed Zygmonski at edzlewes@comcast.net if interested in learning more.

Article written by Nick Roth – Cape Gazette – December 21, 2021 –  https://www.capegazette.com/article/painting-offers-window-kindle/

In the coming weeks, Kindle patrons and passersby will have a new window into the popular Lewes restaurant, except this window won’t be real.

Posing with Art in Bloom’s first trompe l’oeil piece are (l-r) Carolyn Marshall, Carol DiSabatino, Sue Sandmeyer, artist Jean Doran, David Beck, Ed Zygmonski, Tony Boyd Heron and Warren Golde. NICK ROTH PHOTOS

Lewes artist Jean Doran recently completed a trompe l’oeil painting commissioned by Art in Bloom. Trompe l’oeil is an art technique that aims to fool the viewer by using realistic imagery.  Doran’s piece shows the interior of Kindle as if the viewer were looking into the restaurant from outside, showing booths, tables and chairs, and the bar with a patron reading a book.

Lewes artist Jean Doran created this realistic window into Kindle. NICK ROTH PHOTOS

Ed Zygmonski, Art in Bloom co-chair, said the idea to introduce trompe l’oeil to Lewes came from Frederick, Md. “They have a number of trompe l’oeil in their town,” Zygmonski said. “This is our first. A small start. It’d be nice to have three, four, five. We’ll see where it goes.”

Doran said she started on the project in the middle of November and worked steadily until it was completed in early December. While most trompe l’oeil pieces are created directly on the surface of a building or structure, Doran was uncomfortable painting on Kindle’s clapboard siding. So instead, she painted the scene on a panel that can be framed and affixed to the building to look like a window. To get an idea of what to paint, Doran stood against the wall inside the restaurant. “All I saw was a table and chairs and a blank wall, and I thought, that’s not going to work,” she said. “I took a little artistic license.”

Doran moved to Lewes in 1998. After working in commercial interior design for many years, she started painting full time once her children grew up. She’s been painting full time since moving to Lewes, and does a lot of commissions of pet portraits and other subject matter.  Her work can be found on Facebook by searching for Art of Jean Doran.

Art in Bloom is working to identify the next site for a trompe l’oeil piece. Any business or resident who is interested in having trompe l’oeil on their building or residence may contact  Ed Zygmonski at edzlewes@comcast.net. Artists interested in participating are also asked to reach out.

Art in Bloom was created in 2016 as a committee of Lewes in Bloom. The group has brought several public art pieces to Lewes, including the menhaden mural on the side of the Beacon Motel, the mosaic mural on the Savannah Road drawbridge and the whirligigs near the Lewes Public Library.

Art in Bloom is currently working with Schell Brothers to create a faux train station next to the Lewes library to honor the city’s longtime history with the railroad. The project is working in tandem with efforts by the Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association to place train cars on a 210-foot section of railroad that was left behind when the tracks were removed in 2018.

Lewes Drawbridge Mosaic Mural Is Finally Here

Southwest Mural

Southeast Mural

Northwest Mural

Northeast Mural

100-foot mural designed by local artist and rendered by Lewes in Bloom volunteers is finished and the first 2 twenty-five foot long sections were installed on the Lewes Drawbridge north side bridge accesses on Wednesday 11/4 and Thursday 11/5.  The remaining 2 sections are scheduled to be installed on the south side accesses starting Monday 11/9.

Here are links to the WRDE story and Cape Gazette articles on the installation of the mosaic mural:

https://www.wrde.com/story/42866189/new-mosaic-makes-debut-on-lewes-drawbridge

https://www.capegazette.com/article/art-bloom-mosaic-mural-becomes-reality/211129

Now that the mural is completely installed we will move on to maintaining it. More than 20 volunteers are lined up to start weekly inspections. They are armed with kits to make on-site repairs and know how to reach the appropriate people for bigger repairs if needed.

Lewes in Bloom volunteers and supporters gathered at the home of mosaic mural artist Lorelei Meanor on Sept. 24 to celebrate the completion of the 20 panels that make up the 100-foot mosaic mural that was placed on the Lewes Drawbridge. Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom, oversaw the project. The creation of the mural started in January but had to be stopped in March due to Covid-19. After guidelines about best practices for groups to work together and remain safe were adopted, the mural work continued outside from July through September.

All of the many species of fish and marine wildlife depicted in the mural are native to Delaware waters.

Go to the Art in Bloom News Page to see the Mosaic Mural Project Photo Gallery with over 100 pictures of the project from the start through its completion.

The mural is a public art project. Lewes in Bloom members from ages 20 to 80 came together to create art that tells a story about our vibrant waterways and the life that resides within it. Most of the volunteers who worked on the mural had little or no experience with mosaics. But with coaching and mentoring from artist Lorelei Meanor, they persevered and showed up week after week to ply their newfound trade to create this tour de force. “When the project began, I had no idea that so many people would be interested and dedicated. More than 50 volunteers spent over 1000 hours to bring this to reality,” stated Meanor. Sue Sandmeyer, Art in Bloom co-chair and mural project manager stated that “2020 has been a challenging year on so many levels but this wonderful concept was brought to fruition during the pandemic. This mural is a tribute to Lewes’ creativity, volunteerism and to the power of artistry, perseverance, and commitment. So many people played a part in completing this mural and ensuring long lasting beauty and inspiration for residents and visitors alike.”  Once hung, an outdoor reception will be held to commemorate the mural and all who contributed to its achievement. A sign describing the project and listing those who donated more than $500.00 will be placed near the bridge.”

Donations for the Lewes Drawbridge Mosaic Mural can still be made either online CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Or you can mail a check to: Art in Bloom P.O. Box 61, Lewes, DE 19958.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a public gathering and dedication of the mural will not be held now, but hopefully in April 2021. However, look for a plaque installed near the bridge describing the process and listing major donors.

As you know, Lewes in Bloom does more than plant flowers in the “first city in the first state”.  Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom, further enhances the beauty and uniqueness of Lewes through public art. The latest artistic installation is the completion of a 100-foot mosaic mural on the Savannah Road drawbridge.

One of the goals of the project was to invite volunteers to participate in a public art project. It provided an outlet for creativity and building community pride all while preserving the charm and culture of Lewes.

Lorelei Meanor designed the Delaware Bay and sea life-themed mural and directed 50 Lewes in Bloom volunteers in its construction. The mural represents our vibrant waterways and the life that resides in it.  Almost 90% of the volunteers, ages 20-80, had no previous mosaic experience, but learned with coaching and mentoring from Meanor while appropriately “masked” during this pandemic. Volunteers started creating the mural in January, stopped for about 4 months when Covid-19 hit, and resumed again in July. More than 1000 hours of creative and painstaking cutting of iridescent glass tiles went into this community achievement. Nearly 50,000 tiles and 250 stained glass fish were used in completing the mural.

Between Nov. 4 and 10, Lewes in Bloom’s “Warehouse Gang” installed the mural on the bridge. Mosaic volunteers artistically combined the seams between each 2’ x 5’ panel to make the mural appear to be one continuous 25’ section. There are 4 sections making up the 100’ mural.

Business donors Maryland Mosaics, Back Bay Art Glass, Millsboro, and Glasshowes, Georgetown also gave significant discounts on materials for the project.

If you haven’t already driven, walked or cycled over the bridge – please do!

Southwest Mural

Southeast Mural

Northwest Mural

Northeast Mural

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a public gathering and dedication of the mural will not be held now, but hopefully in April 2021. However, look for a plaque near the bridge describing the process and listing major donors.

Lewes Drawbridge Mosaic Mural Volunteers

Artist: Lorelei Meanor

LIB Volunteers – Barbara Coburn , Betty Burleigh , Bud Vai , Catherine Cofrancesco , Cecelia Friend , Christine White , Cindy DeEmedio , Cynthia Lanni , Daniela Lindsjo , Dave Beck , Denise Bridgens , Diane Issel  , Don Coburn , Eileen Larkin , Elaine Peas , Ellen McCathran , Helen Lawson , Jane Ellan Golde , Karen McKinnon , Karen Ryder , Kath McGuiness  , Kathleen Merlo , Kathy Shea , Laura McGrew , Linda Ager , Linda Leishear , Linda Rancourt , Lois Sechehay , Mardi Thompson , Marilyn Vai , Mary Drennan  , Mary Presta  , Mel Danskin , Melissa May , Mimi Grube , Nancy and Fred Phillips , Pam Brown , Pam Meador , Renee Everett , Robin Snow , Samantha Eames , Savitri Khalsa , Sharon Marquart , Sue Crawford , Sue Sandmeyer , Terry Lake , Walt Makos, Joe Rooney,  Ed Zygmonski, Marty Sechshay, Rich Robertson

Mural Facts

The mural is 2-feet by 100-feet and consists of 20 5-foot panels

Oversight: Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom

Project Director: Sue Sandmeyer, Co-Chair, Art in Bloom

January 2020: Creation of panels started

March – July 2020: Work stopped due to COVID 19

September 2020: Panels completed

Artist: Lorelei Meanor

Approved by DelDOT

Lewes Drawbridge Mosaic Mural Is Completed

100-foot mural designed by local artist and rendered by Lewes in Bloom volunteers is finished.   Ready to Hang on the Lewes Rehoboth Canal Bridge.

For further information, contact Sue Sandmeyer mssandmeyer@gmail.com or Ed Zygmonski  edzlewes@comcast.net

Lewes in Bloom volunteers and supporters gathered at the home of mosaic mural artist Lorelei Meanor on Sept. 24 to celebrate the completion of the 100-foot mosaic mural that will be placed on the Lewes Drawbridge. Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom, oversaw the project.

The creation of the mural started in January but had to be stopped in March due to Covid-19. After guidelines about best practices for groups to work together and remain safe were adopted, the mural work continued outside from July through September.

The mural is a public art project. Lewes in Bloom members from ages 20 to 80 came together to create art that tells a story about our vibrant waterways and the life that resides within it.  Most of the volunteers who worked on the mural had little or no experience with mosaics. But with coaching and mentoring from artist Lorelei Meanor, they persevered and showed up week after week to ply their newfound trade to create this tour de force.

“When the project began, I had no idea that so many people would be interested and dedicated. More than 50 volunteers spent over 1000 hours to bring this to reality,” stated Meanor.

Sue Sandmeyer, Art in Bloom co-chair and mural project manager stated that “2020 has been a challenging year on so many levels but this wonderful concept was brought to fruition during the pandemic. This mural is a tribute to Lewes’ creativity, volunteerism and to the power of artistry, perseverance, and commitment. So many people played a part in completing this mural and ensuring long lasting beauty and inspiration for residents and visitors alike.”

Ed Zygmonski, Art in Bloom co-chair said “We await the green light from DelDOT to place the mural on the bridge. It should take approximately one week to hang the 2’ x 100’ mural. Once hung, an outdoor reception will be held to commemorate the mural and all who contributed to its achievement. A sign describing the project and listing those who donated more than $500.00 will be placed near the bridge.”

Donations for the Lewes Drawbridge Mosaic Mural can still be made either online at: lewesinbloom.org/art-in-bloom-donations/. Or you can mail a check to: Art in Bloom P.O. Box 61, Lewes, DE 19958.

Art in Bloom is a committee of Lewes in Bloom. Its mission is to enhance the beautification and cultural environment of Historic Lewes and the community at large by means of public art. Lewes in Bloom and Art in Bloom work together to enhance the natural beauty of Lewes – a community that values art and culture. Lewes in Bloom is a component fund of the GLF.

Art in Bloom hard at work on mosaic – Colorful piece to be added to Lewes drawbridge – Article published in Cape Gazette 2-21-2020

Written by Nick Roth , photos by Nick Roth

On a recent Tuesday morning, about a dozen volunteers gathered in a Pilottown Village garage to work on Lewes’ next public art project.
One group meticulously glued hundreds, if not thousands, of quarter-sized mosaic pieces to a five-foot board, while another group checked for deficiencies. A third group added grout to complete just one of 20 panels that will be placed on the inside walls of the Savannah Road drawbridge.
The project is the third in as many years for Art in Bloom, a sub-group of Lewes in Bloom with a mission to enhance the Lewes experience through public art. The group is working with artist Lorelei Meanor to create the unique piece that will feature fish swimming to and from the bay.
Meanor, a Lewes resident, has always seen the drawbridge a blank canvas. While teaching a class at Rehoboth Art League, she mentioned her vision to Art in Bloom member Sue Sandmeyer.

“Sue literally took me up on it,” Meanor said. “She took it to Art in Bloom.” The rest is history.

The mosaic will be placed in four sections on the concrete walls along the sidewalk on each side of the bridge. Each section is 2-by-25-feet, and each section comprises five panels.

The group has been working for about a month so far and is nearing completion of the first section. About 10 to 12 volunteers work Monday and Tuesday mornings, but there are plenty of volunteers available if the project falls behind. Art in Bloom Steering Committee member Ed Zygmonski said there are about 50 volunteers participating in the project. “It’s really a community project,” he said.

Zygmonski said the group has worked out an agreement with the Delaware Department of Transportation to place the mosaic on the bridge once the state has completed its repairs and maintenance. He anticipates placement in fall.

In the meantime, Art in Bloom will continue working and begin fundraising for the project. Zygmonski said the project’s budget is $25,000. The group has applied for a grant from Delaware Division of the Arts, but will not find out if they’ll receive any funding until later this year.

The first fundraising event is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Peninsula Gallery, just over the very bridge where the mosaic will be displayed. Meanor will be there to discuss the evolution of the project, and photo prints of a section of the mosaic will be available for purchase.

In June, Art in Bloom and city officials celebrated the completion of a mural on the side of the Beacon Motel. The mural by artist Damon Pla honored Lewes’ menhaden fishing history and the city’s ongoing intimate connection to the bay.
Art in Bloom’s first public art project in 2018 was the placement of three wind sculptures near the Lewes Public Library.

Artist Lorelei Meanor displays a finished panel of the mosaic. photo by Nick Roth

Art in Bloom volunteers gather behind two completed panels of the mosaic. Shown in back are (l-r) Susan Crawford, Terry Lake, Robin Snow, Marilyn Vai, Mardi Thompson, Cecelia Friend, Daniela Lindsjo, Laura McGrew, Chris White, Betty Burleigh, Bud Vai, Helen Lawson, Mary Presta, Joe Rooney,, Karen Ryder, Fred Phillips, Sue Sandmeyer and Mary Pasi. In front are Ed Zygmonski, Lorelei Meanor, Cindy DeEmedio and Linda Rancourt. photo by Nick Roth

Volunteers take on the tedious task of placing individual pieces on the mosaic. photo by Nick Roth

Stained glass fish are brought to be added to the project. photo by Nick Roth

Hard at work grouting a panel of the mosaic are (l-r) Art in Bloom volunteers Bud Vai, Sue Sandmeyer and Cindy DeEmedio. photo by Nick Roth

The Art in Bloom committee of Lewes in Bloom began construction of the first two of twenty total mosaic panels to be mounted on the Lewes Canal Drawbridge accesses. 15 volunteers began by cutting 1000’s of square tiles into triangles. Other volunteers already starting cutting the stained glass into shapes to create the more than 20 different kinds of local fish to be displayed. The backer board is Wedi board cut to the exact size. Tiles and fish are glued to the Wedi board, then grouted and sealed and a metal edging added around the outside edges before mounting on the bridge. No date has been set for an unveiling of the first section of the mosaic.

The Bloomin’ Lewes Celebration of Public Gardens and Art on August 17, sponsored by Lewes in Bloom and Art in Bloom (a project of Lewes in Bloom) and their enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, culminated in the Plein Air Painting awards for Best in Show, Best Use of Color, Honorable Mention, and People’s Choice Awards for the Plein Air Painting Event.

Plein air artists painted in several Lewes parks in the morning. They did not know ahead of time which garden they would be assigned to; it was determined by a drawing. After arriving at their designated spot at 8:00 a.m., they painted for the next four hours. At noon, the painters were required to stop painting, frame their paintings, and present them at Zwaanandael Park for the People’s Choice selection and professional judging by Dennis Young, a painter who has painted in many plein air events in the mid-Atlantic area, Florida and California. His paintings are in the homes of private and municipal offices.

Winners of the event were Jim Rehak, Best in Show, Siobhan Duggan, People’s Choice and Best Use of Color, and Diane Laird, Honorable Mention.

Jim Rehak – Best in Show – Cannonball House

Siobhan Duggan (Mary Vessels Park) receives People’s Choice and Best Use of Color Awards

Diane Laird – Honorable Mention – Otis Smith Park

Artists painting in the event:

Anne Buck, Lewes resident and lifelong teacher, is the President of the Milton Art Guild and member of the DE Watercolor Society and the Rehoboth Art League. She loves the luminosity and translucence of watercolor and the impressionism of oils.

Anne Buck – Fischer-Marten Herb Garden

Siobhan Duggan, Lewes resident, is a grant recipient from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Her current work is Plein Air painting with pastels which merge her two favorite worlds of nature and art. Her work can be found in many private collections and at the Lewes Historical Society and other local shops in Lewes.

Artist Siobhan Duggan at Mary Vessels Park

Raymond Ewing grew up in western Maryland and currently lives in Lewes. The landscape of the mid-Atlantic coast now serves as inspiration for many of his paintings. He has been an art instructor, an active juror and a guest lecturer in the Washington DC area for more than thirty years. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Assn., Maryland Pastel Society and the Baltimore Watercolor Society.

Raymond Ewing – 1812 Park

Diane Laird is a resident of Middletown, DE. Much of her work currently focuses on Delaware and Eastern Shore Maryland. Diane’s “signature style” combines watercolor and pen/ink to create paintings that exhibit rich color, transparency, and meaningful subject matter. Diane serves full time as the Executive Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership.

Artist Diane Laird at Otis Smith Park

Melanie Moser, Lewes resident, is a former landscape architect and teacher of graduate landscape architecture programs. She also teaches an Osher Lifelong Learning program and is a member of the Ocean City Art League. Today she focuses on watercolor and has used Lewes cityscapes as subjects for many watercolors.

Melanie Moser – Zwaanandael Park

Marybeth Paterson, a Lewes resident, has worked many years in art-related fields and in government and politics. For the past ten years she has returned to art and is working with art groups in the Washington area and the Delaware shore.

Marybeth Paterson – Lewes Post Office

Jim Rehak, Seaford resident, was an artist from an early age and has illustrated comic books, been a portrait and caricature artist, art director, teacher, and freelance court illustrator. He captures the seasonal changes of the mid-Atlantic and vicinity in his landscape paintings.

Artist Jim Rehak at the Cannonball House

Paintings are framed and awaiting judging

Attendees study the painting

People’s Choice judging

A Dynamic Contemporary Art Movement in Lewes
Plein Air Painting Lecture by Local Plein Air Painter
For more information contact: LAIBArtists2019@gmail.com

Art in Bloom invites the public to a talk by J. Stacy Rogers, fine artist and plein air painter, on July 24 at 3:30 pm in the Medium Room at the Lewes Public Library. This lecture is a prelude to the plein air painting event that will occur during Bloomin’ Lewes — a Celebration of Public Gardens and Art — made possible by all of our dedicated volunteers, on Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to the public. Plein air artists will paint in designated gardens that day, and the paintings will be judged and offered for sale later that day. During Mr. Roger’s lecture on July 24, he will describe the manner of painting en plein air, the historical beginnings of plein air painting, and why it has become such a dynamic, contemporary art movement. He will also show the plein air painting process as well as the materials, canvas surface preparation, observation, composition and painting technique. Mr. Rogers will also give plein air painting anecdotes and answer the audience’s questions. Two frequently asked questions are: Should one talk to an artist while they are painting? What kind of questions should one ask the artist? He will also describe his creative background and personal history in plein air painting.

Plein Air Artist Stacy Rogers – painting in Annapolis

Mr. Rogers is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Art (now The University of the Arts). He has spent a career as a Creative Director of Art and an agency owner. He is a member of the Rehoboth Art League and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association with gallery representation at the Peninsula Gallery in Lewes and Canal Gallery in Washington Crossing, PA. In 2019 Rogers established a Bucks County PA plein air painting group that has grown to fifty members. Rogers, now a Lewes resident, paints in plein air events competitively in nearly all the major plein air festivals along the East Coast.

He approaches each new landscape painting as if it’s a silent story to be told in paint, brushed onto a canvas. Tales of hope, aspiration, failure, or anguish can be interpreted from the quality of available light falling on nature-made or man-made landscapes. More importantly, he feels that these landscape stories, when painted en plein air, have the unique qualities of immediacy and freshness having been created on site and in the moment.

The Menhaden Mural on the beach side of the Beacon Motel painted by artist Damon Pla was dedicated on June 7th, 2019.  Arcoss from the mural is Otis Smith Park. A new plaque honoring former mayor of Lewes Otis Smith was unveiled.

WRDE TV Segment – CLICK HERE

Completed Mural

Here is a link to view the time lapse video of the Menhaden mural being painted.

LINK

Click HERE to see the Damon Pla interview that aired on WRDE TV on Monday 4/8/2019.

See the latest photos of the progress on the mural below:

Damon continuing on sketch

Menhaden Fishing Boat and Sky get their colors

New Pictures of the Mural Progress are added weekly.

The newest Art in Bloom public art project began on March 25 and will continue through April. Damon Pla, a renowned painter and muralist, was engaged by Art in Bloom to design and paint a mural on the side of the Beacon Motel facing the bay.

Pla began the mural by priming the wall with white paint. His next step will be to draw the outlines of his painting on the primed wall before the actual painting begins. Also shown here is Mike Clerval, delivery driver for Iron Source, showing Damon how to use the lift to reach the heights needed to create the mural.

The Lingo family, who owns the motel, graciously agreed to have their building used for the art project. The painting depicts the art and science of trawling for menhaden when fishing was the primary industry in Lewes.

The mural is made possible through a public-private partnership that includes Art in Bloom, the Lingo family, and Damon Pla, muralist. John and Karen Parker (Otis Smith’s niece) have generously agreed to be a major donor for the project.

Residents are welcome to watch the mural as it progresses through April. Prints of the mural can be purchased at the Peninsula Gallery located in the same shopping center.

Damon begins the boat sketch

Damon checking the sketch

First sketch 3-27-2019

Progress on sketch March 29, 2019

Damon working on the sketch March 29, 2019

On March 14, the Art in Bloom Steering Committee invited volunteers to learn more about what we do and how we do it. Steering Committee members and other volunteers staffed tables about each of the activities and events in progress for Art in Bloom. Attendees moved from table to table to find out more about what Art in Bloom is doing and how they could assist with the variety of activities.

In addition to Steering Committee members (Jane Ellan Golde, Ed Zygmonski, Carolyn Marshall, Tony-Boyd Heron, Dave Beck, and Sue Sandmeyer), other LIB volunteers who contributed were Diane McGreal and Cindy DeEmedio. Diane and her husband Rich are integral to the Lewes Junction project design and implementation. Schell Brothers has generously donated time and materials for the enclosure that would be a replica of Lewes’ early 20th century train station. Cindy has assisted Tony Boyd-Heron with a variety of tasks launching the Menhaden Mural.

You, too, can get involved! Contact Jane Ellan Golde, Chair at jgolde@aol.com .

Public/Private Partnership Creates Stepping Stones for Lewes/Cervia Garden

written and photos by Sue Sandmeyer

To further promote Delaware to European tourists, a public/private partnership between Art in Bloom and local mosaic artists is creating mosaic stepping stones for the garden in Cervia. Each stone depicts a Delaware or Lewes icon such as the Harbor of Refuge lighthouse, tulips, ladybugs, the blue hen, a horseshoe crab, a swan and others. These volunteer artists include Lorelei Meanor (of Lorelei’s Mosaics, who contributed many materials), Terry Lake, Laura McGrew, Catherine Norberg, Lorraine Quinn, Linda Rancourt, Sue Sandmeyer, and Marilyn Vai. Jane Ellan Golde has designed glass fish murals that will be placed vertically in the garden. Each fish is found in the Delaware Bay.

Lorraine Quinn – Delaware Blue Hen

Lorelei Meanor of Lorelei’s Mosaics – Swan

Jane Ellan Golde – Delaware Fish

Terry Lake – Tulips

Sue Sandmeyer’s completed Lady Bug stepping stone

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Stepping Stone by Marilyn Vai

Lewes Junction – 2019 Public Library

To enhance the appeal of the Lewes Public Library as the cultural gateway to the City of Lewes through imaginative works of art, Art in Bloom has a major role in the historic project known as “Lewes Junction,” set to commence in 2019 for the Lewes Public Library. Art in Bloom will work with Schell Brothers to construct an enclosure that would be a replica of Lewes’s early 20th Century train station. There will be 3 whimsical murals, each telling a story about Lewes, painted by school children under the direction of a muralist, and much more.

Lewes’ long railroad history may live on through an ambitious project that would preserve a remaining section of track near the Lewes Public Library and the now-unused canal swing bridge.

Representatives from several Lewes-area groups have developed a preliminary plan to build a replica train station, acquire as many as three rail cars, preserve the railroad swing bridge in the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and build a model train garden.
“We would like this to be a cultural gateway to the city of Lewes through imaginative works of art,” said Rich McGreal, speaking on behalf of the Lewes Junction working group.

The project is a joint effort between Lewes Historical Society, Lewes in Bloom, Art in Bloom, Fort Miles Historical Association, Historic Lewes Byway, Lewes Parks and Recreation, and Lewes Public Library.

Following the state’s decision to decommission the railroad from Cool Spring to Lewes, Lewes officials petitioned Department of Transportation officials to leave 210 feet of track in place between the library and the Rollins Community Center with hopes that a local group could find a way to commemorate the city’s railroad history.

Site of the Lewes Junction next to the Lewes Public Library

Old post card showing the Lewes Train Station

“When council approved this, it provided a blank canvas,” said Randy Voith, a retired engineer who’s working with the group.
The plan is to bring at least three authentic train cars to Lewes, including a steam engine with its tender, a Pullman car and a caboose. Dr. Gary Wray, president of the Fort Miles Historical Association, said ideally the Pullman would be used for historical presentation telling the story of railroading in Lewes.
Wray said he’s involved with the project because the railroad played an important role in the locating of Fort Miles.

“The U.S. Army picked this place because it had a railroad,” said Wray, adding that the Army often brought in large guns and equipment via the railroad. “That railroad was the heart and soul of Fort Miles.”

Wray said they’ve already found a locomotive and caboose in Hockessin; however, they are a long way from making decisions on acquisition.
To complement the display, Art in Bloom would work with Schell Brothers to construct an enclosure around unsightly mechanical equipment beside the Lewes library. The enclosure would contain a replica of the early 20th century train station that once existed in Lewes, said Jane Ellan Golde of Art in Bloom.
On the side facing the library, Golde said, there would be three whimsical murals. Each mural would tell a story about Lewes. They would be painted by schoolchildren under the direction of a muralist.

The side facing the library’s parking lot would feature a mural representing a 1930s steam engine pulling into the train station, while the opposite side would show Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Train Station from the Harry Potter novels.

The project would also hide inverters on the outside wall of the library. There, the group plans to add 16 panels representing book covers chosen from the New York Public Library’s list of 100 children’s classics.

To kick off the Art in Bloom menhaden mural event, Peninsula Gallery held a Meet-the-Artist reception on February 9, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Peninsula Gallery. A standing-room-only crowd enjoyed meeting the artist and one of the mural’s benefactors, Karen Parker, niece of Otis Smith.

The mural is made possible through a public-private partnership that includes Art in Bloom, the Lingo family, and Damon Pla, muralist. John and Karen Parker (Otis Smith’s niece) have generously agreed to be a major donor for the project. Ms. Parker said, “I am pleased the mural will continue the memories of my uncle and the menhaden fishery.

The mural was conceived by Art in Bloom as a meaningful and artistic way to commemorate Otis Smith’s significant contribution to the menhaden fishing industry and its importance to the history of Lewes. The mural is expected to be completed in April. A historic marker placed in the park, describing the history of the industry and its importance to Lewes and Otis Smith, is also planned. A limited number of canvas and paper giclee prints were available at the reception and signed by the artist. Orders for giclee prints on paper or canvas will still be taken at the gallery. Besides primary funding from the generous donation of Karen and John Parker, additional funds were raised at the Gallery from the sale of prints. Each print, consisting of a 16” x 20” image with a 2” white border, produced on archival paper and using archival inks, is mounted on foam core and individually signed by Mr. Pla. A certificate of authenticity and a 15%-off coupon for custom framing at Peninsula Gallery accompany the print. The canvas print is 24” x 30”, ready for framing. The paper prints are $150 and the canvas prints are $395.

Damon Pla with his painting

Left to right: Ed Zygmonski, Damon Pla, Jane Ellen Golde, Mayor Ted Becker

Art in Bloom has engaged Damon Pla, a renowned painter and muralist, to design and paint a mural on the side of the Beacon Motel facing the bay. The Lingo family, who owns the motel, has graciously agreed to have their building used for the art project initiated by Art in Bloom. The painting depicts the art and science of trawling for menhaden in the waters around Lewes when fishing was the primary industry in Lewes.

To kick off the mural event, Peninsula Gallery invited the public to a Meet-the-Artist reception on February 9, at the Peninsula Gallery on Savannah Road. A limited number of canvas and paper giclee prints were available at the reception and signed by the artist. Orders for giclee prints on paper or canvas will also be taken. Besides primary funding from the generous donation of Karen and John Parker, additional funds are to be raised at the Gallery from the sale of prints. Each print, consisting of a 16” x 20” image with a 2” white border, produced on archival paper and using archival inks, will be mounted on foam core and individually signed by Mr. Pla. A certificate of authenticity and a 15%-off coupon for custom framing at Peninsula Gallery will accompany the print. Limited edition giclee canvas prints of the painting will also be available. The canvas print will be 24” x 30”, ready for framing. The paper prints are $150 and the canvas prints are $395.

The mural is made possible through a public-private partnership that includes Art in Bloom, the Lingo family, and Damon Pla, muralist. John and Karen Parker (Otis Smith’s niece) have generously agreed to be a major donor for the project. Ms. Parker said, “I am pleased the mural will continue the memories of my uncle and the menhaden fishery

The mural was conceived by Art in Bloom as a meaningful and artistic way to commemorate Otis Smith’s significant contribution to the menhaden fishing industry and its importance to the history of Lewes. The mural is expected to be completed in April. A historic marker placed in the park, describing the history of the industry and its importance to Lewes and Otis Smith, is also planned.

For more information contact Jane Ellan Golde, Art in Bloom Chair at jegolde@aol.com 302-200-7970 or Tony Boyd-Heron at peninsulagallery1@gmail.com
Art in Bloom is a committee of Lewes in Bloom. Its mission is to enhance the beautification and cultural environment of Historic Lewes and the community at large by means of public art. Lewes in Bloom and Art in Bloom work together to enhance the natural beauty of Lewes – a community that values art and culture.

Damon Pla painting of “Trawling for Menhaden” projected on the wall of the Beacon Motel

Damon Pla holds a larger-than-life paint brush as he prepares to start painting the giant mural on the bay side of the Beacon Motel.
Left to right: Damon Pla, muralist, Molly King, Carolyn Marsh, Cindy De Emedio, David Beck, Tony Boyd Heron, Jane Ellan Golde

On December 11, more than 30 LIB volunteers attended a meeting to learn about how they can become involved in the variety of activities being generated by Art in Bloom. They learned about opportunities to fund-raise, write grants, interface with other arts organizations, organize events and a possible Arts Festival.  Current projects in the works, the new Lewes Public Art Committee, and concepts for new projects were also discussed. The PPT will bring you up to date on all current activities as well as the process for getting to where we are today.

Art in Bloom Successfully Launches The Silent Sentinels

It was inspiring to see the citizens of Lewes join together to celebrate the dedication of the first outdoor art project in this wonderful small town that we love so much. Gathered at the Trailhead near the Lewes Library, residents and guests, including representatives from the Greater Lewes Foundation, Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, Senator Ernie Lopez, and Mayor Ted Becker, enjoyed the dedication ceremony on a sunny and windy April afternoon.

The Silent Sentinels, three kinetic wind sculptures by international artist Lyman Whitaker, represent the culmination of a vision that began 3 years ago in Holland, Michigan when Lewes in Bloom won the Circle of Champions Award at the America in Bloom competition. Four Lewes in Bloom members, Warren Golde and Jane Ellan Golde, and Linda and Dennis Davison attended the competition’s ceremony. Noticing the beautiful sculptures in downtown Holland, the four of them returned with a desire to see sculpture placed in the public spaces throughout Lewes. They talked about their aspirations and others agreed with them, believed in them, and joined them as they set out to obtain the goal. The names of those initial supporters were listed as Founders on the plaque that was unveiled on Saturday, April 14 at a large ceremony at the Lewes Trailhead.

Art in Bloom was established almost 3 years ago as a committee of Lewes in Bloom and a Steering Committee was formed with Jane Ellan Golde as chair. After due consideration, Mayor Ted Becker and the City Council of Lewes began to accept the initiative, as well. Last fall, they joined together in a partnership to place the first public art in Lewes.

The fundraising campaign commenced, beginning with a major donation from the City of Lewes. Other major donors, for whom Art in Bloom is most grateful, came forward. They are Denise Bridgens and Paul Collins, Cliff Diver, and Lewes in Bloom. Their generous support was key to helping Art in Bloom reach its goal. Following a successful fundraising campaign, the sculptures were ordered in January, and recognized sculptor, Lyman Whitaker, began their creation.

Art in Bloom is a committee of Lewes in Bloom, and has a steering committee that includes: Jane Ellan Golde, Chair, Tony Boyd-Heron, Warren Golde, John Lester, Carolyn Marshall, Ed Zygmonski, Laura McGrew – and the liaison to Lewes in Bloom: Dave Beck.

The sculptures are named: Oval Twister Huge™, Double Dancer Huge™, and Single Helix Star™, and range in height from 18 feet to 13 feet 5 inches.

Art in Bloom – 1st Project – Silent Sentinels at the Lewes Trailhead

Mayor Ted Becker and Jane Ellen Golde unveiling dedication plaque

Cliff Diver, Senator Ernie Lopez and Mayor Ted Becker pose with dedication plaque

Lewes Mayor, Ted Becker and Jane Ellen Golde

Denise Bridgens

The Sentinels

Crowd at Trailhead during dedication
Photo by Sue Sandemeyer

Left to right – Mayor Ted Becker, Marilyn Vai, Nancy Phillips, Fred Phillips, Congresswomen Lisa Blunt Rochester
Photo by Sue Sandemeyer

Left to Right – Marilyn Vai – LIB Co-chair, Congresswomen Lisa Blunt Rochester, Nancy Phillips – LIB Co-chair
Photo by Sue Sandemeyer

Silent Sentinels at the Lewes Trailhead

For further information contact Jane Ellan Golde  jegolde@aol.com or Tony Boyd-Heron peninsulagallery1@gmail.com                   

During March, Peninsula Gallery held another benefit to raise funds for Lewes in Bloom’s Art in Bloom. A prominent local artist, Nick Serratore, donated a painting for the fundraiser at the gallery. The Serratore painting “Wildflowers” recently sold to Joyce and Stephen Oliner. All proceeds from the sale will go to Art in Bloom as it continues to raise funds to bring public art to Lewes.

Art in Bloom’s inaugural public art project included three kinetic wind sculptures called “The Silent Sentinels” by nationally recognized sculptor Lyman Whitaker. Art in Bloom raised enough money through donations and a fundraiser with the Peninsula Gallery in 2017 to acquire and place the sculptures. The dedication for the Silent Sentinels of Lewes will take place on April 14, 11:45 am, at the Trailhead, Lewes Public Library. The public is invited.

Art in Bloom plans to continue to add outdoor art, such as sculptures and perhaps murals and mosaics, in Lewes’ parks and other public spaces. Fundraisers such as the one sponsored by Peninsula Gallery are key to its success and implementation.

Art in Bloom’s mission is to enhance the beautification and cultural environment of Historic Lewes and the community at large by means of public art. Further donations may be made by check, payable to Art in Bloom, to PO Box 61, Lewes, DE 19958.

The Peninsula Gallery is located in the Shops at the Beacon on Savannah Rd. The next gallery exhibition, opening on March 31, will be a multiple-artist show titled “Birds and Bees, Flowers and Trees.” A proportion of all sales will also go to support Art in Bloom.

Left to right: Tony Boyd-Heron, Peninsula Gallery, and Stephen and Joyce Oliner

The Lewes City Council unanimously approved the placement of three kinetic wind sculptures by nationally recognized sculptor Lyman Whitaker. The kinetic sculptures will be placed at the Trailhead near the new Lewes Public Library on April 14 at 11:45 am. The public is invited.

The three sculptures, entitled Oval Twister Huge™, Double Dancer Huge™, and Single Helix Star™, ranging in height from 18 feet to 13 feet 5 inches, will be visible from all directions when approaching the library and the Trailhead

Successful fundraising programs over several months made it possible for the number of sculptures acquired to grow from one to three.

The Silent Sentinels

Peninsula Gallery Sponsors Second Fundraiser for Art in Bloom

Lewes residents know the importance of offshore winds and its impact on our daily lives. The University of Delaware has created clean energy with its wind turbine, as it prepares the next generation of earth, ocean and environmental scientists. Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom, will install three wind-driven Lyman Whitaker sculptures at the Trailhead next to the new Library.

Internationally recognized, Whitaker’s sculptures are located throughout the world at venues including the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, the Hill-Stead Museum of French Impressionism, and numerous hospitals and hospices in the United States, as well as private collections in North America, Europe and Australia.

Known variously as wind sculptures or kinetic art, Whitaker’s works have a natural theme. His goal with each piece is to “inspire a stronger bond between mankind and mother earth.” The 18’ tall sculpture, which spins on sealed ball bearings, is handmade of industrial grade copper and marine grade stainless steel. The effect of salt air to the copper will cause the sculpture to develop a weathered patina look. His sculptures are built to last for generations. Even a small amount of wind can set the sculpture in motion. In Lewes, it surely will be in motion most of the time.

The Whitaker sculptures will also enhance Lewes’ natural beauty. Lewes is known as “the most beautiful small city in the United States,” and a sculpture is a natural extension of the city’s lovely parks and gardens. While residents and visitors are already attracted to the beautiful plantings throughout the city, a sculpture at the Trailhead will arouse interest and invite visitors to sit and ponder how moving air sustains the earth. As the artist has stated, “When visitors see art in an area, they know that they are in a community where art has a dominance and importance”.

Kinetic, or wind art when set in motion can be mesmerizing. It allows us to see, if only in our imaginations, the ways in which we are connected to the wind and the air and the breezes around us. In colonial times, a wind-driven whirligig could be made with lead musket balls or buttons from a sewing kit. Farmers and sailors have used weathervanes for years. These ancient wind devices, functional or playful, make a kinetic sculpture historically appropriate to Lewes as well.

Art in Bloom’s mission is “to enhance the beautification and cultural environment of Historic Lewes and the community at large by means of public art.” While Lewes in Bloom is currently best known for its beautification through floral displays and landscaping – Art in Bloom strives to add outdoor art (such as sculptures, and perhaps murals and mosaics) in Lewes’ parks and other public spaces to enhance the cultural beauty of the city. Jane Ellan Golde, chair of Art in Bloom said “Art and beauty come naturally to Lewes. Lewes in Bloom and Art in Bloom want to continue to enhance the natural beauty of Lewes for a community that values art and culture. Public art also contributes to a city’s openness and welcomes people in a unique way.”