The RAL’s 87th Annual Members’ Fine Art Exhibition showcases original work from local artists.
From July 18 to Aug. 17, art lovers can enjoy an exhibition that has been part of the Rehoboth Art League’s program since its inception: the 87th Annual Members’ Fine Art Exhibition.
Continuing exhibitions include two shows from the RAL’s Fine Art Collection: “Inside the Studio of Ethel PB Leach” in the DeWitt Gallery, and “Feathered and Fancy: Avian Interpretations from the RAL Collections” in the Homestead. Additionally, original work from Rehoboth Art League members is available in the Ventures Gallery.
On the evening of July 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., the art league will host a free opening reception for its exhibitions, inviting anyone interested to visit the Corkran, Tubbs, Ventures and Homestead galleries to see the new shows.
The Members’ Fine Art Exhibition has been a part of the Rehoboth Art League’s summer lineup since the league was founded 87 years ago. The long-standing show highlights artwork by more than 80 member-artists in a wide variety of media, including paintings in pastel, watercolor, acrylic, oil and mixed media; sculptures in both metal and wood; photography; and more.
As per tradition, a variety of awards are presented for outstanding work, judged this time by Salisbury, Md.-based artist Jinchul Kim, who will give a free Gallery Talk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, in the Corkran Gallery. Kim earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts from King Se-Jong University in Seoul, Korea, before completing another master’s degree at the School of Visual Arts in New York. He exhibits his work internationally — with shows in Korea, Japan, France, Spain and the U.S. — and was selected as the Artist of the Year in 1986 by Art Journal magazine in Seoul. In addition to his artmaking, Kim is also a professor at Salisbury University. He had a solo exhibition at the RAL last fall.
The Gallery Talk is free and open to exhibiting artists, RAL members and the public.
The Ventures Gallery will continue to showcase an eclectic collection of fine art and crafts by RAL member-artists. Throughout the summer season, browse everything from original paintings, wearable fiber art, ceramics, fine art photography, books and more. Each purchase supports a practicing artist, as well as the mission of the Rehoboth Art League.
Continuing from June are two exhibitions featuring work from the league’s Fine Art Collection. The DeWitt Gallery is displaying “Inside the Studio of Ethel P.B. Leach,” curated by Collections Committee member Ellen Roney Hughes, through July 27.
“Ethel Pennewill Brown Leach was known as a leader of women painters in Delaware for the first half of the 20th century and was a founding member of the Rehoboth Art League. The league has an extensive collection of Leach’s work, which includes oil paintings, etchings, illustrations, drawings and personal diaries. In 2024, the RAL was gifted a collection of Leach’s studio equipment, including her camera, woodblock cutting tools, art smock, and many of her sketches and illustrations. With these pieces on display surrounded by her art, the mini-exhibition gives a glimpse into what her studio might have been like.
This untitled 1938 illustration by Charles A. MacLellan, depicting an elderly woman and a parrot, is on display at the RAL.
“Feathered and Fancy: Avian Interpretations from the RAL Collections” is hanging in the Homestead through Aug. 17.
“Birds inspire us in endless ways through their flight, beauty and delightful mannerisms,” organizers said. “This exhibition celebrates avian wonders through interpretations in original paintings, sculptures and sketches from the Rehoboth Art League Collection.”
The RAL’s Doors of Fame, which feature the signatures of more than 285 prominent artists, creatives and notable citizens from the art league’s history, are also on display in the Homestead and will remain available to view through October.
The RAL is inviting the public to an opening reception for all three shows on Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibitions are free and open to everyone during the regular gallery hours of Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
For additional information about the art league, its exhibits, classes, memberships, events and more, visit its website at RehobothArtLeague.org or call (302) 227-8408.
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