Rehoboth Art League partners with Echelon Custom Homes to create Paynter Studio replica
The Rehoboth Art League has welcomed the building expertise of Echelon Custom Homes in the building of a to-scale replica of the Paynter Studio. John Coyle of Renew Smart Renovation took the lead on designing the Paynter Studio replica. On May 18, representatives of Echelon Custom Homes, Renew Smart Renovation, the Rehoboth Art League and youth from First State Community Action Agency After School Program worked on building the replica.
This replica construction supports the league’s 75th anniversary celebration. The story of the Paynter Studio building began in 1780, when it was part of William Paynter’s estate. It was floated down the canal from Lewes in 1938 and placed on the Rehoboth Art League grounds as the league's first classroom. The Cape Water Taxi will lead a parade of boats including the Paynter Studio Replication Flotilla to re-enact its travel from Lewes and arrive at Henlopen Acres Marina in the late morning of Friday, June 21. The flotilla will be followed by a dedication ceremony, an afternoon picnic themed Afternoon in the Park, and an artist hat competition.
Ivana Biela of Echelon Custom Homes was instrumental in orchestrating the project to build the Paynter Studio replica. “We were excited Rehoboth Art League included us. The highlight of the weekend for us was meeting the kids of First State and watching them get excited about learning new skills. It's hard to tell who had more fun, us or the kids. We always look for ways to give back to the community, and after meeting the members of FSCAA, we are looking forward to future events together,” Biela said.
Sandi Hagans, First State Community Action Agency, commented, “Awesome. It was certainly our pleasure. Our youth had a wonderful experience.”
The First State Youth After School Program groups, locations and volunteers included Coverdale Community Center, Bridgeville - Nevada Jackson; West Side New Beginnings, Rehoboth - Ashanté Custis; Walker’s Mill, Bridgeville - Harlia Watts, Adaly Soto-Perez, Abdial Soto-Perez, Angela Moralez; Pinetown, Lewes - Matthew Perry, Jaliel Perry and Capone Perry.
