Two for the Road
There are two shows at Delaware Art Museum you’ll want to see before their impending close. First is “Escape to Adventure: Focus on Arthur E. Becher.” Becher (1877-1960) was a German who studied in Milwaukee and Munich before becoming a student of Howard Pyle in 1902. He had a long, successful career illustrating works of diversionary fiction. The exhibition of his work also includes similar works by others. It closes Dec. 31. Next, see “Anne Truitt: Luminosities” until Jan. 8. The exhibition features sculpture and works on paper by Truitt. An important figure in American abstraction, she is most closely associated with Minimalism and the Washington, D.C.-based Color Field painters. See her efforts to make light “visible for its own sake.” And hurry. 571-9590 , delart.org
Walk the Walk
If you’re looking for diversion before the New Year’s Eve mayhem begins, may we suggest the art studio stroll in Lewes? Four galleries in the historic heart of the town—all within a three-block walk of each other—will be open for your pleasure: Connie Ballato, glass (645-9431, sunglassstudio.net), Susan Bartley jewelry (645-2335, susanbartley.com), Jean Doran painting (644-2589, jeandoran.com) and Aina Nergaard-Nammack, painting (645-5475, nergaard-nammack.com). Call any one to make an appointment and start your tour. See just one or all four. We can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend the day.
Two More That are Going Quickly…
Yuletide at Winterthur—that tribute to old-fashioned Christmases from Colonial times through World War II—ends Jan. 8. This annual tour of Henry Francis du Pont’s famous home and its world-class display of decorative arts includes a recreation of a traditional Twelfth Night ball in the Powell and Walnut rooms. You’ll also see a lavishly decorated Victorian-era tree, along with dozens of toys and a colorful “spider’s web” of ribbons that children followed to collect their gifts. There’s more, of course, and it’s a sight to see. 888-4600, winterthur.org
A Brandywine Christmas at Brandywine River Museum also includes a new feature this year: a dollhouse once owned by Ann Wyeth McCoy, which was crafted and furnished by hand by members of the Wyeth family, including her brother Andrew Wyeth. As ever, you can watch the cars of an O-gauge model railroad running on more than 2,000 feet of track, as well as thousands of “critter” ornaments made from natural materials by volunteers of the Brandywine Conservancy. It also ends Jan. 8. (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org
If You Haven’t Planned Your New Year’s Eve Yet…
This year, Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Delaware Art Museum join to create an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. First, hear the symphony’s traditional program of Viennese music—with, this year, the addition of a few Hollywood favorites—at The Grand Opera House. Afterward, head to the museum for champagne, food, more music and more fun. Do one, the other, or both. For the symphony: 351-8512, delawaresymphony.org For the museum: 351-8512, delart.org
Somewhere Near Times Square…
“Showstoppers!” rings in the New Year yet again for Clear Space Productions. You’ll hear the best singers perform some of Broadway’s greatest numbers, including “Bosom Buddies” from “Mame,” “Easy Street” from “Annie,” and “Glitter and Be Gay” from “Candide.” Before artistic director Doug Yetter and swing band will take the stage to make sure you ring the New Year in with grand style. The $50 ticket buys you the show, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, a champagne toast and lots and lots of dancing. 227-2270, clearspacetheatre.com
Gee, Wiz
Dorothy is confronting witches and munchkins again before her audience with the all-powerful “Wizard of Oz.” Wilmington Drama League brings the tale to life through Dec. 30. This is a story for all ages. 764-1172, wilmingtondramaleague
Big Doings at DCCA
If you want to see some of the besting student work, visit The Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts for “MFA Biennial 2011: Masters of the Visual Universe” until Feb. 5. The 22 artists who are showing are current or recently graduated MFA students from neighboring areas such as Towson University and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Taken together, their work explores the ideas of art education, aesthetics and display. Is educational mastery in art still a fact or a science fiction relic in the eyes of many young artists today? See. Think. Discuss. Various presentations are planned for the duration of the exhibition. For more, see thedcca.org/exhibit/masters-visual-universe.
