Dover Art League curator Laura Mancuso of Dover points out paintings of interest Wednesday afternoon as she shows off pieces from the “Spectrum of Winter” exhibit. The installation will be on display until Feb. 20. (Delaware State News/Dave Chambers)[/caption]

DOVER –– For a look into a whimsical world of winter, look no farther than the Dover Art League.

“Spectrum of Winter” is the studio’s first exhibit of the year and also the first for the League’s new curator Laura Mancuso. After growing up in both Alaska and central New York, winter is one of her favorite times of year so she chose to have her inaugural exhibit involve the coldest season of the year.

“I wanted the exhibit to be about more than just snow,” she said.

“I really wanted the pieces to convey the mood and feeling winter gives to each of the artists and I think we got that.”

Fifteen artists, 11 of whom are new to the League, submitted pieces for the exhibit that now lines the walls of the building’s first floor. Almost all the works are paintings with the exception of a couple photographs and one jewelry submission.

The artists range in age from mid-20s to mid-60s and the works span in color from subdued whites and grays to vivid blues, oranges and reds.

“I tried to choose a centerpiece for each wall, usually one of the more eye-catching pieces,” Ms. Mancuso said.

A painting by Tom Brown of Dover, left, hangs with other pieces in the “Spectrum of Winter” exhibit at the Dover Art League.[/caption]

“From there I chose some of the more subtle pieces to pull everything together and allow each wall to tell its own story.”

Charles Lovelace of Dover submitted three mixed media pieces which use watercolor, acrylic and crayon.

“These were experimental pieces for me,” he said. “They were made over the last couple of years and I used a trip I took to Vermont one winter as my inspiration.”

Mr. Lovelace’s paintings focus on snow and the outdoors.

“We went on a sleigh ride during the trip to Vermont and since I didn’t paint while we were there, I later dug into my memory of what I saw that day and I painted my experience,” the lifelong artist said.

The exhibit will be professionally judged and the first-place winner will be awarded $250. The public will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite piece as well.

The opening reception for “Spectrum of Winter” is Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and open to the public.

“We got a great variety of submissions and I think that most people who come will be able to relate to the moods and feelings these artists have about winter,” Ms. Mancuso said.

The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 20.

A New Year’s Peace Project is also underway at the DAL.

Origami cranes, inspired by the story of Sakuro, will be installed in the front windows on the first day of spring. All are welcome to drop in and fold a crane to contribute to the project.

The Art League is at 21 W. Loockerman St. in Dover and open noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

For more information, call 674-0402 or visit www.doverartleague.org.