Paint Dover! concludes with First Friday events

Delaware State News
Posted 9/30/21

DOVER — October’s First Friday will be especially appealing to the diverse Dover community, as arts, music, food, and family-friendly activities are featured in the heart of downtown on …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Paint Dover! concludes with First Friday events

Posted

DOVER — October’s First Friday will be especially appealing to the diverse Dover community, as arts, music, food, and family-friendly activities are featured in the heart of downtown on Loockerman Street beginning at 4 p.m. today.

The third annual Paint Dover! “plein air” painting event and art competition in downtown Dover is part of a celebration of art throughout the month of October.

From Wednesday to Friday, amateur and professional artists from around the region are taking to the streets, the parks, sidewalks and outdoor cafes to paint outside.

Inspired by downtown Dover’s architectural landscape, historic commercial buildings, gardens and scenery, artists have quickly captured changing light and shadows, and the “spirit” of downtown Dover. The community is invited to attend the sidewalk exhibition and purchase artwork today.

Artists will compete for a variety of awards that total over $1,000 in value, including Dover Councilman Fred Neil’s selection of “Iconic Loockerman (Street),” Councilman Gerald Rocha’s painting selection that best depicts Dover’s historic heritage, and a new category this year entitled “THIS is Dover!” for which Councilman Fred Taylor will make the award for the painting that best reflects the “authenticity and diversity” of downtown Dover. Other awards will include Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen’s Choice, two Small Works (under 200 square inches), and four Artist Judge awards selected by Ray Ewing.

A “People’s Choice” award will also be made at the end of October as the community casts their vote for their favorite piece on the night of the exhibition, throughout an extended virtual exhibition, and while the artwork is displayed in downtown shops.

Paintings from last year may be seen in the virtual exhibit, which also features The Fig Tree Band, Dover’s hometown band that performed at the 2020 Paint Dover! exhibition. The Fig Tree Band will also be featured at the live exhibition this year.

Artists and their paintings will be exhibited in several “nodes” on Loockerman Street sidewalks between State and South Governors Avenue beginning at 4 p.m. Awards will be placed on the artwork tonight at 6 p.m. and all paintings will be available for purchase.

Activities alongside Paint Dover! will include a Storywalk by the Dover Public Library featuring the children’s book “The Dot”, free sidewalk chalk painting, and “sidewalk strolling” to shop and view downtown merchant windows, as downtown merchants will again come together to decorate their windows in an Arts & Harvest theme while competing for “Best Downtown Dover Merchant Window Display” award.

Live music by the Fig Tree at Loockerman Way Plaza, buskers outdoors and inside shops will be featured, along with the Capital City Farmer’s Market that will feature food items.

Places where are musical artists will play are:

Josh and Brandye Nobiling - Guitarist and vocals featuring folk songs of 60s, 70s, and 80s. Dover Art League

Stu’s Blues - With Kathy Doyle, Stu Welch and Jim McGiffin on bass, performing blues on upright bass, harmonica and ukulele. Loockerman Street near South Governors Avenue.

The Fig Tree Band at Loockerman Way Plaza Farmers Market through 7 p.m.

Singer/guitarist Mike Miller playing Americana-themed pieces. Black Swamp Artisan Market.

Clay Jackson Saxophonist playing R&B, and gospel with backing tracks. 5-7 p.m. at Black Swamp Artisan Market; then 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grey Fox Grille & Public House

Rick and Tish Schuman on acoustic guitar and drums with a focus on late 1960s/early 1970s and original pieces. Delaware Shoppe and Parke Green Galleries.

Singer/songwriter Mollie Raley Hall on guitar, ukulele and mandolin, playing an eclectic mix of folk and pop. House of Coffi

Singer/songwriter Rick Hudson on guitar and harmonica with a focus on blues, old time country and contemporary pieces. Forney’s Too

Exhibition and sale of paintings will take place from 4-7 p.m. and continue in an extended exhibition both virtually and in downtown shops.

For more information, contact Diane@DowntownDoverPartnership.com, or call 302-678-2940.

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X