Peninsula Gallery reopens in Lewes
With two months of renovations behind him, new owner B.J. Clark recently re-opened Peninsula Gallery in Lewes, with the first new exhibit opening Saturday, May 26.
“The first show is going to celebrate the reopening of the gallery and our resident artists,” said Clark of the show, which features oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel paintings, along with the works of resident ceramic artists.
A pediatrician at A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital who plans to retire in June, Clark said he is eager to switch gears and explore his artistic side. He worked with the former owners of the gallery throughout the last year, finally purchasing Peninsula Gallery in March. He says he is committed to continuing the quality of art and service offered by the gallery's previous owners.
”I have a lifelong interest in art and a family that is artistic,” said Clark, whose sister recently participated as an artist in Plein Air Coastal Delaware. “So I’ve always been around it since I was a kid in Chester County, Pennsylvania.”
Clark shut the doors for two months to update the gallery and give it a more contemporary look, calling that the most drastic change he hopes to make. He plans to continue regular shows featuring resident artists and maintain the gallery's reputation for excellent art and framing.
“There are three components to this gallery,” he said. “We have the fine art framing, which was here before under the direction of Carol Boyd-Heron. We also have 20 continuous resident artists changed quarterly. And the exhibition space allows us to bring in new artists who may not be as well known in the region.”
Keeping long-time framer Cathin Bishop on board, Clark said he is looking forward to his June 30 retirement. After that, he plans to have a greater presence in the gallery, which has a well-established following of year-round and seasonal Lewes residents and visitors.
Bishop, who began working at the gallery in 2004, said she is pleased with the renovations. “Clients often stop in to say ‘hi’ and check out what’s new. They are long-term clients,” she said. “But they are more than just clients; they’re friends.”
Bishop said Peninsula Gallery has a unique appeal because it not only accommodates year-round Cape Region residents but also fills the needs of those shopping for art for their summer homes or looking for art to take home with them.
Even before the new sign was up or art was hung on the walls, familiar faces began stopping in at the gallery, greeting Bishop and asking about renovations and future shows.
“I do think this is the most exciting thing that has happened in Lewes since the opening of the Farmer’s Market,” longtime Lewes homeowner Martha Royall said. “It is a wonderful art gallery, and B.J.’s got terrific taste.”
Peninsula Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call the gallery at 302-645-0551.
