Art Watch: Eye feasts for the whole family

Posted by Lele Galer on July 26, 2016

"Pecan Pie Baby" by Sophie Blackall

Visit the Brandywine River Museum of Art this weekend for an all-family feast for the eyes. The new exhibition "Get the Picture! Contemporary Book Illustration" is in full swing and an absolutely delightful show, superbly guest curated by H. Nichols B. Clark. "Get the Picture!" presents several works by 8 prominent children's book illustrators.

There is a huge variety in illustration techniques, from digital images, to drawn, painted, and collaged. Often the final image is shown adjacent to the sketch or concept drawing which offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process. This is a stand out show that everyone will enjoy and talk about afterwards. Paired with the exhibition is a month of activities for children and families as well as lectures and book signings by many of the exhibition artists.

This Thursday, August 28, from 11 a.m. to noon, Caldecott winning artist Brian Collier will join in the activities of "Museum Explorers Family Workshop: Art Sounds." Families will see creative images at the museum, inspired by the sounds of jazz music, and Brian Collier will greet everyone and signs some of his most collected books.

"Draw" by Raul Colon Image courtesy of R. Michelson Galleries

“What fun!” featuring illustrator Raul Colon's work is also very exciting. Mark your calendars for Sunday August 7th to hear Raul Colon talk about the creative process behind his book "Draw!"

August 10th, illustrator Melissa Sweet and author Jen Bryant will discuss their collaborative process in creating their award winning book "A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin." After visiting the show, remember to go to the first floor, where the permanent collection of NC Wyeth's will always leave you spellbound. His “Treasure Island” illustrations are considered by many to be the finest example ever of American Illustration, and even after seeing them hundreds of times, they are full of power and wonder.

Also at The Brandywine River Museum of Art is the intimate show of select works by George A. Weymouth, which is closing this weekend; so if you have not seen these works, now is the time. Most of the works have not been on public display before now, either held in private collections or the artist's personal collection. I particularly liked his portraits of family and friends and his moving image "The Way Back" showing what I assume to be George "Frolic" Weymouth at the reins of his carriage heading towards his home in Chadds Ford. The Brandywine River Museum will hold a major George A. Weymouth retrospective exhibition in early 2018, and this small show will give you a taste of what is to come.

As most people know, George "Frolic" Weymouth, was responsible for creating the Brandywine River Museum of Art as well as the Brandywine Conservancy and was Chairman of its Board since its inception in 1971. He had a larger than life personality and generous warmth and compassion that touched so many people in our area and around the world.

His gift to the Brandywine area in incalculable, and his beautiful art images give us a glimpse into his private world, into the people, animals and natural beauty that he cherished most of all.

Brandywine River Museum of Art is located at 1 Hoffman's Mill Road in Chadds Ford. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Lele Galer

Lele Galer is an artist who has chaired numerous art shows, taught art history and studio art, public art and has chaired, written and taught the Art in Action Art Appreciation series for the UCFD schools for the past 12 years. She worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and wrote for the Associated Press in Rome. She has been dedicated to Art History and art education for most of her adult life. Lele and her husband Brad own Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square.