In recognition of May being Preservation Month, from May 1 through May 8, 2018 the Rehoboth Art League (RAL) will present “Preservation Matters,” an exhibition that focuses on the RAL permanent collection and the recent focus of the organization to actively treat works in need of conservation.
The Rehoboth Art League is one a few actively collecting art institutions in Delaware. The permanent collection contains over 900 item, which includes: Approximately 600 works of art in various media; colonial furniture; artifacts and decorative art collected by the Corkran’s when they resided at the Homestead, as well as an array of RAL organizational archives. The permanent collection maintains a focus on early to mid-20th century works of art created by all twenty-two Heritage artists. These artists were instrumental in the development of the Rehoboth Art League and includes such notable artists as: Ethel P.B. Leach, William Leach Orville, Jack Lewis, Howard Pyle, Edward Grant and Howard Schroeder, to name a few.
“On display will be selected paper and painting works that are in the most need of conservation treatment, as well as samples of previously treated works,” says RAL Artistic Director Jay Pastore. “Alongside each of these will be a conservator’s report on the extent of the damage and the cost of treatment. Patrons will have the opportunity to ‘adopt’ a work of art and sponsor the cost of its treatment. Following its treatment, each sponsor will receive a giclée print of their selected work. They will also be recognized in a future exhibition of these works. Patrons may also choose to support a fund specific for conservation treatments.”
“Treatment costs vary depending on the medium used and the extent of damage, with paper pieces being more costly than paintings,” says Pastore. “In the decades that these works were housed in less than adequate conditions, many of them have suffered extensive damage. RAL’s permanent collection storage facility, kept at museum standard temperature and humidity conditions, will serve to ensure each work’s long term survival. Patrons will not only be helping preserve the history of the Rehoboth Art League, but also the cultural history of the State of Delaware.”
This exhibition will be on display at the Peter Marsh ‘Homestead’ House, located on the campus of the Rehoboth Art League. This historic home, built in 1743, serves as a showcase for RAL’s permanent collection of furniture, fine art and artifacts, as well as an exhibition space for both RAL Member’s work and special exhibitions.
The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane, in Helopen Acres. Homestead hours are Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm.
The Rehoboth Art League is a membership-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and inspiring the arts in the region. For additional information on the Art League, its classes, events and exhibitions, visit the website at rehobothartleague.org or call 302.227.8408. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.