JuneRose Futcher photography exhibit open house set Dec. 1
Professional artist JuneRose Futcher, a graduate of Delaware schools, announced that grant funding in the arts is doing well to support working artists despite the pandemic circumstances.
While many suspended arts programs have meant loss of work and income, this small but mighty grant is funding a fourth major exhibit for Futcher.
Delaware Division of the Arts recently notified Futcher of the opportunity grant, and she is producing six new pieces for the exhibit at House of Coffi in Dover.
Guests may visit an open house from noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, at House of Coffi, 14 East Loockerman St., Dover. Futcher also is available by appointment. To RSVP, call 302-645-8829. For cafe hours, call 302-672-0059.
The exhibit is a representation of Kent and Sussex counties, with a nod to marine interests historically and professionally personal to the artist.
Futcher said producing a portfolio in the grant process was equally purposeful as the 2013 program, bringing many rewards and praise from the community. "The chronic stress of the coronavirus pandemic inspired a greater drive and need for a community arts project," said Futcher.
The CARES Artist Relief Grants Act passed by Delaware General Assembly was a timely financial lift that required credentials and was judged on an essay about suspended programs and financial need. With a new camera, Futcher is photographing marine environments and storm events, and documenting pandemic culture.
House of Coffi owner Kristin Stonesifer said she is pleased to support the Delaware arts, and promote Kent and Sussex counties by exhibiting Futcher’s work. "Times are difficult, and we are ensuring our guests are safe while being fulfilled by most amazing photographs on display,” said Stonesifer.
Futcher, who holds a Delaware Tech degree in communications with advanced photographic studies, is a published professional and charity art donor. She excelled in public arts education in Sussex County as a young artist. She also is returning the gift of education as a teaching artist.
In recent years, Futcher was invited to work with at-risk youth to produce fundamental lessons in portraiture and photojournalism involving community law enforcement. She said she is pursuing professional development and is eager to resume artist residencies with young artists.
Lending to Futcher's law enforcement ceremonial photographs, a new portfolio photograph of the Delaware Law Enforcement Memorial holds a deep personal meaning. Her grandfather's name, Charles W. Futcher, is inscribed on the wall among the total of Delaware’s fallen; he was an officer of the Lewes Police Department in 1939. This is her first time to feature the monument photograph. Dedicated in 2010, the memorial was envisioned and produced by Delaware law enforcement groups and the General Assembly, and partly funded by Biden family.
Futcher is a state and federal arts advocate and a board-appointed Delaware representative for Teaching Artists of the Mid-Atlantic. Futcher said she is proud of these achievements in grants and arts programs, and wishes to express gratitude for the State of Delaware believing in the homegrown working artist.
