Pride exhibit in memory of Lee Wayne Mills to open June 5

CAMP Rehoboth is hosting A Celebration of Life with Pride: In Honor and Memory of Lee Wayne Mills, a new summer exhibit and sale of Mills’ works from Saturday, June 5 to Saturday, July 3, in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery and Elkins-Archibald Atrium at 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

The prolific local artist passed away in summer 2020 and requested that some of his works be donated to CAMP Rehoboth, and proceeds from the sale of art be used to support CAMP Rehoboth’s YouthUP! and other programs, as well as art supplies purchases.

Mills built his art on the foundation of abstract expressionism. He said, “All of my works echo the fragmented, ever-changing moments of my life, dancing about, alighting, at this moment – a coming together of emotions and ideas – gestures and strokes of paint, ink, cut and torn pieces of cloth and paper and interwoven shapes.”

Mills had many connections to the Rehoboth area. He and his husband Don owned and operated the Coastal Frame Shop and Gallery. In 2015 he was appointed interim executive director of Rehoboth Art League.

Locally, he was represented by Gallery 50, the Philip Morton Gallery and the Peninsula Gallery. Mills also supported the community by donating work to CAMP Rehoboth’s Sundance and HeART auctions. His art resides in many local collections, as well as corporate and private collections across the United States.

This exhibition occurs in conjunction with Pride Month 2021 and offers many opportunities for visitors to view and purchase works.

“This exhibit and the events provide a chance to obtain a one-of-a kind work of fine art, support CAMP Rehoboth’s programs sustaining youth and the arts, and celebrate the artist’s ‘Life with Pride,’” said Leslie Sinclair, CAMP Rehoboth art director and board member.

Some of Mills’ art will be on display in the courtyard at the CAMP Rehoboth Homemade Market, Friday, June 11, and tours of the art in the gallery and atrium will be offered.

CAMP Rehoboth will host a Celebration of Life with Pride reception with a chance to socialize and view the art available for purchase from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 19, in the courtyard.

For collectors who cannot make it to CAMP Rehoboth, the art will be posted and available for purchase at camprehoboth.com, in the online gallery under “shop.”

Interested individuals can also stop by CAMP Rehoboth between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To arrange private tours, email artshow@camprehoboth.com.