Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "Every artist was at first an amateur." The First State is now allowing it's own amateurs to shine.
The State of Delaware Employee Exhibition, sponsored by Delaware’s Division of the Arts, is an artist showcase featuring artwork from state employees and their families. The exhibition, now in its second year, was created and funded by the National Arts Program which creates similar exhibitions and contests for groups with large numbers of employees.
WDDE talks with Kristin Pleasanton about he State of Delaware Employee Exhibition.
WDDE talks with Kristin Pleasanton about he State of Delaware Employee Exhibition.
[flashvideo file=http://www.wdde.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/de-state-art.flv image="none"/]
This year's exhibition features over 200 pieces of art in various mediums, from painting, and sketching to sculptures and quilts. Artist Services Coordinator for the Delaware Division of the Arts Kristin Pleasanton said that the exhibition has proven very popular among state employees.
“They are really thankful because it gives them a chance to maybe bring out a piece of artwork that they’ve been working on and have a place to show," said Pleasanton. "They might have not had a chance to exhibit before or be a part of a program like this."
All of the art works were placed in categories based on their age and skill level and then ranked by four Delaware art professionals. Winners in each category were announced Saturday in a ceremony at Delaware State University and received a monetary reward from the National Arts Program. Pleasanton said that the judges were impressed with this year's turn out.
"“They were amazed, first of all, at the quantity of art and the reaction from the state employees all participated," said Pleasanton. "And then the quality and the excitement of all the different types of art and all the different levels of ages represented here in one space."
The works will be on display at the DSU William C. Jason Library until March 20th and online at the Delaware Division of the Arts website.
This piece is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
