State of Delaware hosts “Weekend Celebration” for NAP Exhibit

This was the 11th Annual National Arts Program Exhibit for the State of Delaware which came back to the Arts Center/Gallery with a slightly modified in-person showcase. Even with some continued restrictions the exhibit had an outstanding collection from 174 artists!

The show was hung in-person but also included virtual elements and was shared through both Facebook and Flickr. In total the exhibition welcomed 423 visitors to the venue and had over 4,000 views online! In place of a traditional awards reception, a “Celebration Weekend” was organized and held at the end of the exhibit. The celebration welcomed all artists, their families and friends and over the course of the two days was attended by 250 people. The Celebration Weekend offered guests an arts activity table, an artwork scavenger hunt, giveaways, packaged snacks and beverages.

The amazing Kristin Pleasanton, who coordinates this showcase each year, shared an anecdote from this year’s program. Kristin said, “every year we see the excitement and gratitude of the participating artists and their families. A favorite story this year was about our first-place winner in the amateur category who was 80+ years old and had been creating artwork his entire life for family and friends. The Delaware State Employee Exhibition was the first time he had ever exhibited, and it was the first time he had ever sold a piece. His children and grandchildren attended the celebration to honor him.”

Information on this year’s exhibition was available on the Delaware Division of Arts website including videos, tips, registration details, awards, previous winners, and a PowerPoint presentation showcasing the 2022 winners at https://arts.delaware.gov/national-arts-program/ .