Art is all around us

Reaching the beach can include delighting in attending one of the many art shows and galleries surrounding us in coastal Delaware.

I have a profound respect for anyone who can create something so beautiful as a simple cloud on canvas. Caroline Adams' paintings of summer skies are part of the Silence and Solitude exhibit at the Peninsula Gallery in Lewes, which runs until June 30.

Every month, there is a new exhibit and an opening-night event where patrons can wander from room to room and see the breadth of creation. Visit www.peninsula-gallery.com to see some of the paintings and the artists featured; it will entice you to go see the real thing!

Surprising to me are the number of people who have never been to the Rehoboth Art League in Henlopen Acres. Take a break from the beach and bring your company to the Marcia and Henry DeWitt Gallery and see hundreds of works. RAL artists Nina Mickelson and Tara Funk Grim are showcasing their bold, colorful works at the City of Rehoboth's new municipal building until June 20.

Every July, I look forward to the art show hosted by St. Peter's Church in Lewes. This will be the show's 52nd year, and it will be held in downtown Lewes Saturday, July 7.

The show's motto is Art that Gives. Since the 1980s, St. Peter's has given all the money raised from exhibitor fees, raffle and silent auction, and the luncheon to organizations that help people in the local area. The Community Resource Center in Rehoboth and the ministry of the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Churches are major beneficiaries of the show.

The short history is that in July 1966, members of the St. Catherine's Guild at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes strung a clothesline across the wall in front of the church and invited local artists to display their works. They wanted to raise money to support their community projects. And every year since, the show gets better! Now, you can purchase ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, metal and photography.

In August, treat yourself to the 45th annual RAL Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show. The show runs two consecutive weekends, Aug. 4-5 and 11-12. Just enjoy meandering around the 3.3-acre historic campus with a cold lemonade. Bring a friend and have lunch there.

For years now, I have been keeping a list of local artists whom I admire with the hopes of one day owning their work. I can just gush like some teenage groupie and stand mesmerized in front of a work of art. When I was younger and somewhat naive, I didn't want to walk into artists' booths because I knew I couldn't afford to buy their work. Now I make it a point to admire a work of art and to compliment the artist even when I know I can't buy it. Artists deserve to feel appreciated. They understand not everyone can afford what they see.

I could add a dozen more ideas, but have fun exploring your own venues this summer.