Arsenault’s arsenal of artisanal skills

Jeff Arsenault was one of 27 professional artists across Delaware recently recognized for exceptional artistic quality, receiving a $5,000 grant in the Emerging Professional Artist category. The Delaware Division of the Arts awarded a total of $184,000 in individual artist grants this year.

Among 11 other emerging artists, Arsenault’s wide range of skills includes painting, graphic design, murals, sculptures and illustration. While he has been professionally doing illustration work for more than 15 years, art was always something he took an interest in. From doodling in the corners of his math homework to creating works outside the classroom, Arsenault said he doesn’t remember a time when he was not making art. Over the past five years, Arsenault has been focusing on fine art and illustration work.

Born and raised in Rehoboth Beach, he graduated from Cape Henlopen High School with the Class of ‘97. After traveling to and exploring different areas of the United States, he settled back down in Sussex County around 2010. Growing up in the coastal communities of Delaware has sparked creativity in Arsenault’s paintings. “Spending a lot of time in the woods as a kid really fostered my inspiration in more of the natural things that come into my work,” he said.

Arsenault works with a wide variety of mediums but has been enjoying new discoveries with oil paints and using multiple different mediums per piece. Working alongside the Developing Artist Collaboration in Rehoboth Beach, he hopes to discover new methods of making art and eventually teach others his skills.

Beyond the pastels and paintbrushes, Arsenault practices other arts forms. At the Sussex Karate Academy in Lewes, he has been teaching martial arts for 26 years.

With a unique artisanal style, Arsenault creates art rooted in myth and storytelling. As the art is more narrative at times, Arsenault said he hopes his work creates a momentary escape for viewers and a space to reflect on deeper questions.