Violet Oakley was the first woman to receive a commission to paint a public mural. She was also a student of local illustrator Howard Pyle who was highly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. That makes her a perfect fit with the Delaware Art Museum. See her altarpiece “The Angel of Victory” reunited with its preliminary studies for the first time since Oakley painted it during World War II. The exhibition, “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” provides unique insight into an artist and activist. See it Feb. 8-May 25. (571-9590, delart.org)
