By Mike Finney

DOVER — A reorganized Dover Art League is ready to sculpt a fresh new vision for itself.

Kari Ann Ebert, vice president of the new board of directors for the downtown nonprofit, said many people have been asking, “When will the Dover Art League open?”

She said interested individuals should wonder no longer, as DAL will open its doors for a Pop-up Art & Thrift Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will coincide with Dover Comic Con festivities.

“We really want to honor the history of the Dover Art League, while creating a space for members and the community to practice and learn about art,” said Ms. Ebert. “This is their art league — we want them to feel at home.

“People are ready to find out what we have planned. The DAL’s vision is to be super inclusive and offer something for everyone, and what better place to make it happen than downtown Dover?”

The pop-up sale will take place in the DAL gallery, 21 W. Loockerman St. To start, visitors can check out the Comic Con-themed window display, with DAL’s very own superhero flying high above the city.

Many artists have donated their art to benefit the reopening, as well as future programming and exhibitions, including locals N. Taylor Collins, Stephanie Seeman and John Fischer, among others.

“The art includes paintings, sketches, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and more,” Ms. Ebert said. “In addition to the art, patrons will find housewares, crafts and miscellaneous items for sale. Snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase.”

While admission is free, during the sale, patrons will have the chance to win several Comic Con-related paintings, with the drawing at the end of the day. Tickets will be $3 each or four for $10.

A.M. Dreaming, a musical duo, will be on hand to provide a soundtrack Saturday. Band members Josh and Brandye Nobiling created a set list filled with hits of the 1960s and ‘70s for their guests’ enjoyment.

All proceeds will go directly to help reopen DAL, as well as to fund future programs. Saturday’s event is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Diane Laird, executive director of the Downtown Dover Partnership, said the art league has already been making its presence felt at recent First Friday events. After all, DAL has won back-to-back first places in DDP’s themed window-decorating contests.

“While the Dover Art League had been an active and engaged participant of First Fridays over the past two years, its more formal reemergence for regular exhibits, workshops and sales is very exciting,” Ms. Laird said. “Arts are an integral part of a vibrant downtown.

“And its location right amidst the retail district will bring increased foot traffic from a diverse group of individuals, which will benefit the surrounding businesses.”

Members of the newly elected DAL board of directors — Ms. Ebert, Mr. Nobiling, Ginny Jewell, Ally Deihl, Debbie Brockmeyer and Sidney Moore — have been working behind the scenes for months to revive the nonprofit.

“Over the last few years, the Dover Art League fell into decline and, ultimately, closed its doors,” Ms. Ebert said. “The board has been working closely with Delaware Division of the Arts, as well as Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, in order to rebuild DAL into an organization that will serve the community and be a central hub of the arts for years to come.”

Ms. Ebert added that she can feel the energy when it comes to bringing DAL back to life in the heart of downtown Dover.

“It’s super exciting,” she said. “Downtown Dover is a great area with so much historical and cultural significance. Several new businesses are opening up on West Loockerman Street, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air.

“The responses we’ve gotten from the community on First Fridays and through our social media have been really supportive, as well.”

DAL is planning on conducting a membership drive soon. Members will receive discounts, early access to classes and more.

The group is aiming for a full reopening by the end of the year.

The Dover Art League’s vision is to offer a regular schedule of classes, events, exhibitions and gallery hours that span a variety of art forms, while focusing on inclusion, collaboration and creative exploration, Ms. Ebert said.

“Our first exhibition is a ‘Dark Arts Showcase’ to kick off the Halloween season,” she added. “For the October First Friday, there will be a reception for the showcase, a paint-and-chat class and an open-mic night. Information can be found on the Delaware Scene (website). Artists can check the submission guidelines if they’d like to submit their work for the exhibition.

“Going into the holiday season, we’ll have more pop-up exhibitions, events and classes. Then, we’ll roll out our regular schedule. We’re eager to open our doors and welcome the community.”