RAL's 40th annual Outdoor Show begins Aug. 10

The current exhibition at the Rehoboth Art League, Memories of Jack Lewis, features a four-by-eight-foot painting, “The Outdoor Show.” The acrylic on canvas was painted by Lewis in 2002. This year, the painting will be the focal point of promotions for the art league’s Outdoor Show, which begins Saturday, Aug. 10.

Lewis exhibited in the art league’s Outdoor Show from its beginning. He was a familiar and friendly face at the show, often accompanied by his dog, Benji. The mere size of this painting of the show presents one with a feeling of the excitement, art and colors that abound at the event featuring the creativity of more than 120 artists and artisans. It nearly takes up one wall of the gallery and will be on display through Aug. 25 along with other Lewis works and memorabilia from the family. The painting also gives the feel of the shows’ beginnings when artwork was displayed on snow fences around the RAL campus.

The Rehoboth’s Art League’s three-and-a-half-acre grounds are the perfect setting to see artwork from the participants from Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Outdoor Show is held over two weekends: Aug. 10 and 11, and Aug. 17 and 18. On Saturdays the hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many artists demonstrate their artwork in their booths, and there will be pottery demonstrations, children's activities, great musical entertainment by local performers and indoor/outdoor seating to enjoy delicious food by Nage and The Point.

Memories of Jack Lewis, a special exhibition celebrating the artistic career of Jack Lewis, will be in the Corkran Gallery. The first Monthly Pairings in the mini-gallery will focus on the juxtaposition of heritage artists with contemporary artists in many media and genres, and Recycled/Upcycled will be showcased in The Homestead.

With limited parking, the art league recommends patrons use the Jolly Trolley shuttle available at two off-site locations. The shuttle can be picked up at the Kmart on Route 1 and Rehoboth Elementary School at 500 Stockley Ave. Ext. The entry fee of $5 per adult per weekend can be applied toward $5 off a new one-year membership at the art league or toward art purchases exceeding $100 that day. There is no charge for children 12 and under.

This year’s show is sponsored by Echelon Custom Homes, Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty and Tidewater Mortgage Services. This event is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Visit www.rehobothartleague.org or call 302-227-8408 for more information.