Wilmington’s 38th Annual Art Loop begins Friday. (On left: Arts Work – Sugar Rush by Ashly Ortega at the Redding Gallery. On right: Cherries by Morgan M. Daughton)
WILMINGTON – The vibrant art scene of Wilmington is set to come alive once again as the city’s 38th Annual Art Loop kicks off Friday.
Presented by Wilmington Mayor John Carney, City Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz, and Jerry duPhily of Out & About Magazine, the free event is expected to attract art enthusiasts from across the region.
The Art Loop, a collaborative effort between the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Out & About, invites attendees to explore a diverse range of art across Wilmington’s galleries.
Visitors will have the chance to view a wide array of artwork, meet artists, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
Participating galleries will feature works by both emerging and established artists. A full list of venues can be found in the February issue of Out & About.
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One of the highlights of this month’s loop is a shuttle service provided by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.
The shuttle departs from The Delaware Contemporary (200 South Madison Street) at 5:45 p.m., offering art lovers a convenient way to explore multiple galleries. Shuttle passengers will even get a chance to vote for their favorite galleries to visit.
Art galleries to check out
Several featured galleries are set to showcase exciting new exhibitions, including:
- Redding Gallery (800 North French Street): The gallery will host the “Arts Work Fall Closing Exhibition,” showcasing work by young artists from the Arts Work program. This exhibition, which is supported in part by a Delaware Division of the Arts grant, will be open from 5-7 p.m.
- Gallery at Grace Church (900 N. Washington Street): Visitors can experience an exhibition by 53-year-old artist Sakana Walls, who has been influenced by the Philadelphia Mural Arts Project. Walls, known for her acrylic works, will be hosting an Art Loop reception with light refreshments from 5-7 p.m.
- LaFate Gallery (227 N. Market Street): This venue will feature a special exhibition, “Black History Diverse Perspectives – Celebrating the 80th Birthday of Reggae Superstar Bob Marley,” by artist Eunice LaFate. From 5-8 p.m., attendees can enjoy Jamaican cuisine, live music, limited edition prints for sale, and a silent auction.
- Mezzanine Gallery (820 N. French Street): Jennifer Small’s “Walking in the City” exhibition is a collection of works inspired by the artist’s daily experiences and surroundings. Her abstract paintings offer a unique look at urban life, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m.
- Girard Craft & Cork (224 W. 9th Street): Local artist Morgan M. Daughton will present an enchanting Valentine-themed art exhibition and wine-tasting event from 4-8 p.m. Daughton’s work spans multiple mediums, with a focus on esoteric and mystical themes.
- The Queen (600 N. Market Street): Emma Winward, a surrealist painter from Wilmington, will showcase her colorful acrylic works in her first solo show, which will be open from 5-8 p.m.
- Delaware Center for Horticulture (1810 N. Dupont Street): Photographer Rachel Suga’s gallery explores themes of mental health, spirituality, and nature. This show will be complemented by a sold-out Plant Bingo event from 6:30-8 p.m.
The shuttle will continue running until 8:30 p.m., providing round-trip transportation for those looking to hop between venues and immerse themselves in the art-filled night. No reservations are required for the shuttle.
The Wilmington Art Loop, held on the first Friday of every month (except during Independence Day weekend in July), offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s artistic talent and vibrant community. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information on participating galleries, artists, and the event schedule, click here.
The next Art Loop will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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