Art Helps to Restore a Downtown’s Vibrancy

Mike Kalmbach was an artist looking for exhibit space. The Delaware College of Art and Design instructor noticed a lot of “available” space in myriad buildings in the area. So, this determined young man formed a group of 71 young artists in the same position and presto!: ART POWER---otherwise known as the New Wilmington Art Association---has helped enlivened a number of unoccupied storefronts all around the city.

On July 3, Mike mounted an exhibit of 31 artists on the floor above a sneaker store on 605 Market Street. The art is young, unpretentious and vibrant.

Alexander Chassey’s cynical cartoon style in acrylic on canvas hits hard. Killer shows a thug getting a back-rub from one babe and a beer from another. Francine Fox’s graphite-on-paper drawing series Talking to myself moved me, with its surreal figures whispering into ears with an Alice in Wonderland-esque feel. E.C. Graney’s surprisingly conservative oils on board were refreshing and well-executed. I am still laughing at Lee S. Millard’s Large, Obnoxious Wall Label ink jet print.

The NWAA moves to 214 North Market this fall. Come see them and help them revitalize Lower Market Street.

See newwilmingtonart.blogspot.com

Music at the Newark Free Library

Nicole Aldrich’s pure high notes and infallible pitch are only a small part of her musical life. She is a pianist and conductor, too.

“It’s all music and any chance I get to share music, I am delighted.” Her mastery of French, German and Italian made Debussy, Handel, Mozart, Fauré, Bellini, Gounod come alive. Lori Geckle accompanied her on the piano and in piano duets.

Pam Nelson, program organizer, said “We are grateful to have programs of such quality and it is the support of the Friends of the Newark Free Library that makes them possible.”

The next concert features Eileen Grycky, flute and Christian Taggart, guitar on Wednesday, July 22 at 7 p.m.

Call 302-731-7550 for information about Newark Free Library programs.

Mining Our Young Poetry "Gems"

By Guest Blogger, JulieAnne Cross

I admire those who are willing to mine that precious element that is youth talent. There is an individual whose work with young people always blows my mind: a gentleman named “iz the truth”, whom I know from activities that “stimulate the minds and expand the dynamics of thinking” for all ages of people who live, work and play in Wilmington. He, along with Fridam Marley, is the force behind YouthSpeaks! The program celebrates the creative spirit of young Wilmington poets and spoken-word artists and organizes events for artists 21 and under.

This Friday, July 3, from 6:00-8:00pm, the Delaware Art Museum hosts 11-year-old Bronx poet Ne Ne Ali, the headlining artist for a YouthSpeaks! event featuring many young Wilmington-area spoken-word artists. Ms. Ali is well-regarded for her passion for the healing power of words and her ability to deliver mind-blowing, standing ovation-garnering performances.

This free event runs concurrent with Art on the Town, so you can take advantage of the Art Museum’s other free offerings, as well as the free Art Loop afterparty, re:Fresh. July’s re:Fresh is hosted by nearby Toscana Kitchen+Bar, and YouthSpeaks! organizers will be on hand to celebrate what I’m sure will be a stupendous success.

http://grandgood.com/2009/02/15/ne-ne-ali-11-year-old-spoken-word-poet-delivers-impromptu-performance-video/

See www.delart.org/prog_events/fam_youth/index.html