Eye Catching
In 1936, a group of artists in New York banded to promote understanding of non-objective art. In this, the 75th anniversary year of the American Abstract Artists, three of its current members will show their work in “Fluid” at the DCCA—a most fitting space. See the textile creations of Lynne Harlow, Marthe Keller and Rossana Martinez. The show will run through Jan. 21. Visit before Oct. 9 to check out “Cause and Effect” by Leslie Shellow, an installation of cutout drawings and biomorphic paper forms that sprawl and creep across and around gallery spaces. Through “Cause and Effect,” Shellow examines the nature of growth, decay, and regeneration. One great thing about visiting the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, it’s always free. Get to 200 S. Madison St. in Wilmington as soon as you can. Call 656-6466, or visit thedcca.org.
Or head to Dover and the Biggs Museum of American Art to see “Award Winners XI,” which features the talent of current Individual Artist Fellows of the Delaware Division of the Arts. The artists work in a variety of mediums, and you need to see them. The show runs until Oct. 23. Call The Biggs at 674-2111 to order, or visit biggsmuseum.org.
Also in Dover, see Maria’s “Walls to Floors” exhibition of more then 30 paintings and framed giclee prints of still lifes, landscapes, beach scenes and historic buildings of Delmarva at the Dover Art League. You’ll also see more than 10 traditional floor cloths, canvas rugs and wall hangings painted in the impressionist and traditional styles. You have until Oct. 6. Call 674-0402, or visit doverartleague.org.
Shutterbugs and photo aficionados, this is your time at Longwood Gardens, where you can view the Delaware Photographic Society Exhibit until Oct. 25. “Essence of Fall in the Brandywine Valley” is a juried exhibit by members of the Delaware Photographic Society members designed to show the beauty and colors of autumn. See it in the Conservatory Gallery. Call (610) 388-1000, or visit longwoodgardens.org.
Magic Flutes and More
What will be the program when the Delaware Symphony Orchestra winds present a chamber concert on Oct. 4? You’ll have to visit the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont to find out, but Maestro David Amado promises an enchanting evening of free champagne, coffee, dessert and beautiful music. For tickets, call 652-5577.
For the Kids
Season 39 of the Delaware Children’s Theatre opens with “Narnia” on Oct. 9. A musical version of the C.S. Lewis classic “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the fantastical tale has delighted children for decades. When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy discover a wardrobe leads to the magical land of Narnia, they become engaged in a battle of good and evil between the magical lion Aslan and the devious White Witch. See it Oct. 9, Oct. 15-16, Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30 at the historic theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave. in Wilmington. Tickets are $12. Call 655-1014. Or visit dechildrenstheatre.org.
And what child hasn’t been enchanted by the curious Madeline of Ludwig Bemelman’s imagination? With the first new Madeline title in decades out now, the time couldn’t be better to see “Madeline and the Bad Hat” at Schwartz Center for the Arts on Oct. 6. The musical tells of the Parisian girl who starts off badly with a new neighbor, only to learn that first impressions aren’t everything. Make sure to visit the Schwartz during its 10th anniversary season. Call 678-3583, or visit schwartzcenter.com.
