In Delaware, silver shines yet again. Presenting two great American craftsmen…
“Silversmiths to the Nation: Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner” is so important, it premiered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Further proof of the show’s importance? Though most Met shows run about 12 weeks, “Silversmiths” lasted six months.
The timing worked well for Delaware. The show will open at Winterthur Museum & Country Estate July 4.
Winterthur curators Donald Fennimore and Ann Wagner, experts on the works of Fletcher and Gardiner, juggled schedules to accommodate the Met. They were delighted with the date.
“How appropriate to open an exhibit that represents freedom and independence on July 4,” Wagner says.
Fletcher and Gardiner were the pre-eminent American silversmiths in the early 19th century, renowned for their dramatic presentation pieces for civic and military heroes. The Winterthur exhibit includes their swords, medals, commemorative works and household items.
Admission is free on opening day. Call 888-4600, or visit winterthur.org. —Maria Hess
Very Crafty
Looking for that one-of-a-kind double-sided sterling pendant? How about a bronze garden sculpture? Find them, as well as the works of 170 master craftspeople, at The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Craft Show at the Chase Center on the Riverfront July 25-27. Maxine Rosenthal of Wilmington will display jewelry that’s hand-fabricated from sheet metal, wire and tubing. She translates structures and patterns found in stones, fossils, textiles and architecture into wearable works of art. She is one of many artisans who will gladly talk technique. “The craftspeople who exhibit at PGC have gone through a rigorous jurying in which only the best are present,” Rosenthal says. “It gives the buyer access to high quality artists and one-on-one interaction with them, something that’s not available in stores.” For more, call (215) 579-5997 or visit pacrafts.org.
Partying With The Bard
Wherefore art thou Romeo? He’ll be at Wilmington’s Rockwood Park July 25 to August 9 when the Delaware Shakespeare Festival presents “Romeo & Juliet.” Artistic director Molly Cahill says her production maintains its setting in 
15th-century Verona, but original top-secret elements abound. Cahill plans to keep fans on tenterhooks, saying only that the show is “classical with a twist.” “Romeo & Juliet” may be the greatest love story ever written. It expressed that which is inexpressible. Given such poetry, there is license to examine love in its purest sense while nailing its unyielding power. The story was true. The acrimonious Capulet and Montague families were real, and the star-crossed lovers actually died for each other in 1303. Shakespeare is wonderful when enjoyed outdoors, and
The Arden Summer Music Fest on July 19 will feature Philadelphia’s Hoots & Hellmouth. That means a rootsy guitar-fiddle jamming that pokes into some different musical alleyways. The rest of the lineup includes legendary Philly rocker Robert Hazard, blues and soul singer Gina Sicilia, and The Sauce. The fest, in its fifth year, mixes it up with country, rock, Southern rock, Middle Eastern and blues music. Bring your ax. For more, visit ardenclub.com.
