Unleash the Artist WithIN You -- A City-Wide Photo Contest

Info in this post courtesy of original release from the City of Wilmington and inWilmingtonDE.com...

inWilmington Marketing Group, in partnership with the City of Wilmington, announces the #UnleashWithIN Photo Challenge, a 12-week Instagram-based contest which runs from Monday, May 15 through Sunday, August 6 and culminates with a public art exhibition at The Delaware Contemporary on Friday, September 8.

Participants are given one prompt: “What does Wilmington unleash within you?” The contest is open to all ages and skill levels and participants are welcome to submit entries in any style of photography. Giveaways will also be awarded to randomly selected participants throughout the duration of the contest (restaurant gift certificates, concert tickets, spa services, entertainment packages, etc.).

To enter, individuals simply need to share a photo taken in Wilmington on Instagram using the #UnleashWithIN tag. The public is encouraged to follow #UnleashWithIN for updates and to vote for their favorites photos by showing them some “love”. The three most popular images each week will receive extra entries into the giveaway drawings.

Twenty-four images from the #UnleashWithIN Photo Challenge will be displayed during the exhibition, determined by Joe del Tufo of Moonloop Photography. On the evening of September 8th, an expanded panel of judges, including local artists and city officials, will review the images from finalists and help determine, along with a public vote, the ultimate winner of the Unleash WithIN Photo Challenge. The GRAND PRIZE winner receives their own future Art on the Town (Art Loop) exhibition, plus an entertainment & shopping package from restaurants, retailers and performing arts organizations throughout the City of Wilmington.

“As someone who lives, works and plays downtown, I know how truly inspiring Wilmington is to its residents, workers and visitors,” says campaign manager Brianna Hansen. “With this contest we hope to encourage the public to unleash their photographer within and help us tell our community’s beautiful story. From wonderful access to the arts and delicious culinary delights, to a thriving tech scene and encouraging entrepreneurial community—Wilmington has something for everyone.”

“We encourage everyone to participate in this contest and exhibition, because it is another way for all of us who care about our City’s future to reinforce with the world that Wilmington is a city where people enjoy life and appreciate all of the amenities that the city has to offer,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “In Wilmington, you are in the middle of it all where people come to live, work and have fun.”

For the latest updates visit: inWilmingtonDE.com or follow @INWilmDE and #UnleashWithIN on Instagram (and Facebook).

Jazz IN the Riverfront 'Yard

By Guest Blogger, Tee Alexander*
Tee is a longtime member of the Wilmington INBassadors, helping to support and promote Wilmington's wealth of arts, businesses, causes and events.

*This post can also be found on the new blog site at INWILMINGTONDE.COM.

Warm weather, a light breeze and a clear sky were the perfect accompaniment to this week’s Shipyard Summer Concert at Dravo Plaza on the Wilmington Riverfront. For this, the sixth week of the eight-week series, the theme was Latin music, and the musical guests definitely brought hot rhythmic grooves.

Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble is a quartet that delivers a unique yet authentic sound with keyboard, bass and percussion. The lead singer, Karen Rodriguez, is passionate and expressive as she brings the music to life through her smooth vocals. In addition to Latin jazz, the group also performs Salsa, Cha Cha, Bossa Nova, Samba, Mambo, Tango, Rumba and Cuban music, as well as the sweet and romantic Bolero. The set included fun, upbeat songs like "Marie LaVeaux," and "Pa Gozar," which means “to have fun." It wasn’t long before concertgoers left their seats to dance Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha to the music.  Karen then slowed things down with the jazzy "Autumn Leaves" and "Adoro," which is a sweet ballad about love. The group also performed some cover hits: "Body & Soul" by Esperanza Spalding, "Peel Me a Grape" by Diana Krall, "It’s Too Late" by Carole King and "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack — all of which were beautifully performed by Rodriguez. After this, it was time to get up and dance some more, as they played Salsa, Samba and Brazilian music. The children in the audience especially had fun dancing to a song about pollo ("chicken" in Spanish). Bailar!

Many came out for the concert and to enjoy a warm evening on the bustling Riverfront. People of different ages and backgrounds were brought together by the music, and they danced together to the rhythm. It was a peaceful gathering, which added to the beautiful evening in Wilmington.

Be sure to catch the last two weeks of the Shipyard Summer Concert Series, which will include reggae music by Jah Works on August 21 and New Orleans jazz with the Barbone Street Band on August 28.
 
See www.riverfrontwilm.com.

August 'ArtStuff' #INWilm

This blog post also available on the NEW INWilmingtonde.com blog site...
 
IN the final sweltering days of summer, beat the heat #INWilm with sizzling ArtStuff! Vacation — OUT! Stay IN and join the fun…

Art is After Dark: Doggy Days of Summer at Delaware Art Museum

Friday, August 8, 6:00 -10:00pm | 2301 Kentmere Parkway

Art goes to the dogs this weekend…and this FREE event comes with an enthusiastic “four paws up” endorsement from Dewey the Art Dog! In partnership with Delaware Humane Association, this free event includes dog portraits by caricaturist Sam Mylin in the Copeland Sculpture Garden, plenty of treats for four-legged friends and drinks for you.  P.S. While you’re here, also check out Transitions: The Brandywine Photo Collective, an exhibit featuring works of 20 local artists, located in the Outlooks Gallery.

Always...Patsy Cline at New Candlelight Theatre

Running now through August 24 | 2208 Miller Road, Arden

Showtimes vary; visit nctstage.org for tickets & info

More than just a musical (BONUS: you get dinner, too), the show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with Houston fan Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961.  All the favorite and memorable songs you love of Cline’s are here: Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and more. It’s a nostalgic journey back in time and a timeless tribute to one of country’s most beloved and best singers. 

Need more #ALLINFUN and #INbudget ArtStuff? Check out these ongoing programs…

Summer in the Parks throughout City Parks in Wilmington

Running now through August 15 | Varying locations throughout Wilmington

Visit thegrandwilmington.org/parks for complete info

For the second summer, Wilmington’s parks are alive with all manner of arts and culture, thanks to Summer in the Parks.  The FREE programs found everywhere from Titlon, Haynes, Kosciusko and Holloway Parks feature live, interactive performances of music, dance, theater, visual arts and crafts. Bring the entire family and experience the Arts in Wilmington’s green spaces.

Cool Spring Farmers’ Market (with live music)

Every Thursday through October 16 | 10^th & Van Buren Streets

Thursdays in Cool Spring Park are the place to find fresh local veggies, delicious food truck options and plenty of great music, thanks to the partnership with Gable Music Ventures. Free live music livens up the park from 6:00-8:00pm ‘til Labor Day, and 5:00-7:00pm after Labor Day. The market itself opens at 4:00pm — get there early, buy some delicious snacks and stake out a prime spot to enjoy the likes of Nik Everett, Nature Jams and more!

Summer Under the Stars Rooftop Movie Series at ShopRite

Tuesdays through September 16 | ShopRite Christina Crossing

Another successful Year 2 event is this movie series, sponsored by The Kenny Family Foundation.  For only $6, you can enjoy big screen features on the rooftop of, with selections chosen by YOU! Many of Wilmo’s popular food trucks are also on hand to offer delicious snacks. Movies start at sundown and will be moved to Theatre N in case of rain. Showings of “Marley & Me,” “Frozen” and “The Blind Side” complete the month.