February 10, 2019

_1JF0899 Plunge — Plungers brave a windchill of 14 degrees to jump into 40-degree water to help preserve natural resources.

Some painters, such as Kirk McBride stayed indoors, choosing to paint the outdoors from the warmth of the Brandywine River Museum of Art.

There was a little something for everyone Saturday, from plein air painting to polar plunging and a little bit of singing.

The Chadds Ford Historical Society held it’s 11^thannual plein air fundraising event in which painters — some anyway — brave the elements and paint local scenes. Artists brought their finished works to the society’s Barn Visitors’ center for a reception Saturday night. The exhibit is on display and paintings are up for sale at the center through March 15.

The more traditional plain air painters, such as Jaclyn Beam, braved the elements for their art. Beam was instrumental in starting the plein air event in 2009.

For the braver at heart, there was the 11^thannual Polar Plunge at Lenape Picnic Park. Participants braved 40-degree water temperature and air temperatures in the 20s. With the wind chill, the air felt like 14 degrees.

Since 2008, the event has raised $150,000 for the Brandywine red Clay Association to protect and preserve natural resources, specifically the water quality of the Brandywine Creek. In additi0n to providing habitat for fish and other wildlife, the creek is also part of the drinking water supply for Wilmington.

Ed Instead performs at Chadds Café where patrons chose hot coffee over cold air.

And for those who wanted a more passive time, the Chadds Café at the Barn Shops in Chadds Ford offered some live entertainment, the Barbershop Quartet of Ed Instead.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

CFES Art Show set for March 22

Arts & Entertainment

Chadds Ford Elementary School will present the 70^thannual Art Show & Sale March 22 and 23. The historic event, held at the school, will showcase more than 65 local and regional artists and will include a visit from Karl J. Kuerner, whose family’s farm was the inspiration for many of the late Andrew Wyeth’s paintings.

Exhibiting artists display and sell their work in an array of mediums to satisfy every taste and budget. The show also spotlights local artisans, whose crafts include jewelry, wooden items, glass, and much more.

This year’s featured artist is Kathy Ruck, a Chester County painter whose pieces reflect a strong sense of composition, color, and light. Her attention to detail and skilled media technique draws viewers into the scene.

Rick Phillips, of Claymont, is this year’s donating artist. His knowledge of light and color create a palpable atmosphere in his artwork.

The adults-only opening reception is from 7-10 p.m. Friday, March 22 from 7 p.m. and will feature music, complimentary hors-d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists, many of whom will be available to sign or personalize their work.

The family-friendly exhibit and sale is the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Mary Cronin, dean of Education and Public Programs at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, will present “The Wyeths in Chadds Ford” from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

A “Paint Party” class (pre-registration required) will be offered by artist Christine Burke and Diane Micklin from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants can create artistic masterpieces in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds support educational enrichment programs at Chadds Ford Elementary.

Ruck’s framed watercolor, “Spring on the Brandywine Battlefield” will be available for purchase.

Raffles will be drawn for many items and services, including Donating Artist Rick Phillips’ “Vintage Americana”, a 20”x20” oil on canvas.

Betsy Wyeth, the wife of the late Andrew Wyeth, started the Chadds Ford Annual Art Show & Sale in 1949 and continued her involvement in the show while her son Jamie Wyeth was a student at Chadds Ford Elementary. The annual sale continues to serve as the school’s largest fundraiser.

Https://cfes.ucfsd.org/artshow