Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show returns Aug. 9-10, 16-17

For the 41st year of the Rehoboth Art League Outdoors Fine Art and Fine Craft Show, there will be a few new things happening at the August event. Over 130 artists and artisans will set up their art for the fun two-weekend show August 9-10 and August 16-17. The show is open on Saturdays from 10-5 and on Sundays from 10-5.

Of these, 30 participants will be first-time exhibitors. The new exhibitors are pretty representational of the entire show, coming from Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic states, and as far away as Florida and California.  The show is a favorite with the many media on display and for sale including pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, wearable art, wood, photography and basketry.

This year, advance purchase tickets are available through ralartoutdoors.com to purchase and print out the $5 tickets. Once at the show, present the receipt at one of the entrances, receive a program book and start exploring. The $5 ticket is good for the weekend and can still be purchased at the art league. Children under age 12 are free.

The Lemonade Stand has become a favorite on the warm August afternoons with the proceeds going to support RAL Outreach Programs. This year, Giant is sponsoring the lemonade supplies which will mean additional funding for a great community art education program.

A Bier Garden in the Homestead Gardens each afternoon is made possible by Delmarva Public Radio and Dogfish Head. Proceeds benefit the care and maintenance of the historic Homestead Gardens.

Visitors at the Rehoboth Art League are often curious as to the unique history of the league and what happens behind the scenes of this multifaceted organization. This year Sheila Bravo, executive director, will lead a 30-minute tour each afternoon of the show to give guests a sneak peak and answer some of those questions. The tour will start at 2 p.m. each day and meet at the Paynter Studio near the Corkran Galleries. Quite fitting, as the historic Doors of Fame are on display there for a limited time. The doors speak of the storied history with art and signatures from artists instrumental in the league’s beginnings.

Artist Sherry Biele will please kids of all ages with her face painting creations for several hours each day. There is often a line waiting to receive one of her exquisite paintings. The RAL potters have a schedule of their group to demonstrate the art of pottery just outside the Chambers Studio. New this year, artist Pam Foss will hold a Styrofoam Sculpture Demonstration near the Children’s Studio.

With limited parking, the 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 St. Ext. The entry fee is $5 per adult per weekend. There is no charge for children under the age of 12.

This show is sponsored by Clear Channel, Dogfish Head and Delmarva Public Radio. 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.

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