NEW CASTLE, DE — New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer has unveiled the inaugural members of the New Castle County Arts Commission.
Co-sponsored by influential Councilmembers, Dee Durham and Valerie George, the commission has been established to boost public art activities and provide a platform for community members to actively participate in the development and promotion of the arts.
The newly-formed commission consists of nine voting members, all passionately dedicated to cultivating the arts scene in New Castle County. This pioneering group, brought together by County Executive Meyer, is uniquely poised to explore and actualize the untapped potential of public art within the county.
Among the esteemed members gracing this commission, we have Molly Giordano, the operational helm at The Delaware Art Museum. Commencing her journey in 2010 as the Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, she has played a pivotal role in building alliances with similarly oriented non-profits and enriching the museum with diverse exhibitions.
Another champion of public art in the commission is Benet Burton. Experienced in managing and co-directing public art projects with the Delaware Art Museum and the Winterthur Museum, Burton’s insight will be invaluable in achieving the commission’s goals.
Landscape Architecture expert Anna Wik, currently an Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on sustainability and community engagement, essential elements for cultivating public art spaces.
Jean Dahlgrean, the precedent-setting first female president of Delaware College of Art and Design, brings with her 30 years of experience in higher education administration and instruction, poised to contribute significantly to the commission’s work.
Valerie White, owner of non-profit Bellefonte Arts, LLC, has consistently elevated local artists, providing them with display spaces and instructional classes in various media. Her participation in Wilmington’s monthly Art Loop is testament to her dedication to the local arts scene.
James “Ray” Rhodes, the Executive Director of Christina Cultural Arts Center, is a trusted community leader with a commitment to placing the needs of New Castle County residents above profits, affirming his dynamic leadership style.
Co-owner of The Bridge Art Gallery, Cheryl Mack, is a veteran curator and project manager who has organized numerous art exhibitions in the region. As the expected Chair of the Board, her experience will bring a critical perspective to the commission’s mission.
Michael Kalmbach, the founding director of The Creative Vision Factory, brings in his experience of overseeing numerous public artworks and serving on multiple art-centered committees, promising to contribute significantly to the new commission.
Lastly, Jarret Harris, a visual artist with a diverse skill set, brings his wide-ranging experience from working with organizations such as the Delaware Childrens Museum and Latin American Community Center.
The formation and the diverse composition of this inaugural Arts Commission is a promising step towards enhancing the arts scene in New Castle County. Residents of the county can anticipate a vibrant expansion of public art activities and greater opportunities for community engagement in the arts. This new commission is not only a celebration of the arts, but also a testament to the community’s commitment towards enriching the cultural fabric of New Castle County.
Ultimately, the work of the New Castle County Arts Commission aims to highlight the power of art: to unite, to inspire, and to reflect the world around us, in all its complexity and beauty.
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