Unionville Elementary School, circa 1923, when and where it all began.
As the new school year is just days away from starting, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District preparing for a momentous milestone in the history of the district – the upcoming Centennial School Year. For a century, the UCFSD community has been dedicated to fostering excellence in education, and now it’s time to celebrate this remarkable journey together.
As the district embarks on this momentous occasion, they invite all members of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District community to be part of exciting Centennial celebrations throughout the year. A series of unforgettable events will honor the rich heritage, inspiring achievements, and commitment to a bright future at UCFSD.
Centennial Parade– Oct. 6:
Kick off the festivities with a Centennial Parade. This historic procession will wind its way from Unionville Elementary School to Patton Middle School. The parade promises to be a display of school spirit, featuring students and alumni marching proudly together. This parade will be a testament to the rich history and bright future of UCFSD and students, families, alumni, and all community members are invited to line the parade route and be part of this grand spectacle before the Unionville homecoming football game. Click here to learn how to be a part of the centennial parade.
Historical Bus Tours of the Community:
Discover the history and growth of UCFSD. Journey through the landmarks and stories that have shaped the Unionville-Chadds Ford community over the past century. Dates and times for these tours are available on the UCF Centennial website. Capacity is limited so register today!
Open House at Unionville Elementary – Nov. 4:
Visit the building where it all started in 1923, Unionville Elementary, on Nov. 4 for a special Centennial Open House. Take a walk down memory lane and witness the progress and evolution of UCFSD. See the original auditorium and gymnasium. This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni, current students, and families to reconnect and share in the pride of being part of the district’s history.
Centennial Gala– April 13, 2024: The pinnacle of the Centennial celebrations will be the Centennial Gala on April 13 at Longwood Gardens. Join us for a glamorous evening of elegance, entertainment, and reflection as the district celebrates the achievements of the past and sets its sights on the future. This grand celebration promises to be a night to remember. Stay tuned for ticket information!
Be a Part of UCFSD History
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is looking for individuals to be a part of UCFSD history by submitting mementos to be used during the district’s centennial celebration. The mementos selected from the submissions will be displayed in centennial exhibits at various locations and at centennial events throughout the school year. Examples include but are not limited to art, clothing, books, signage, and pennants. Submit a memento.
The district will also feature an online short video series to be published on the website, social media channels, and YouTube. This series will feature individuals sharing happy memories from their time at the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. Anyone who wishes to share a memory or story on camera should complete this form.
For more information about these events and other Centennial activities, please visit the dedicated UCF Centennial webpage at www.ucfsd.org/about/centennial. This is where the latest updates, event schedules, and ways to get involved will be shared Check out the Centennial Spirit Store to order UCFSD centennial gear! The community is encouraged to follow the district’s social media for postings of old photos, historical trivia, and video series.
UCFSD extends a heartfelt invitation to the entire community to join in commemorating this incredible milestone and celebrate our past, present, and future making this Centennial School Year a truly unforgettable experience.
Wildflower Mini Mosaic by Ivy Egger, The Art Gallery
Fall starts with an explosion of art in the Brandywine Valley. With new shows, festivals, workshops, and workshops, it is a wonderful time to explore the local art scene.
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts celebrates the best of the local art scene again this year on September 9 and 10 at Brandywine Park in Wilmington. With more than 240 artists, vendors, a free flu and COVID booster/vaccine clinic, and activities, it is a great day for the whole family, including friendly pets. The festival will be held at Brandywine Park, across from the Brandywine Zoo, located at 1001 North Park Drive in Wilmington. More information can be found at BrandywineArts.com.
The Lady in Red by Annette Alessi at The Station Gallery
A familiar local sight is on view at Painters Folly: Old Views, New Hues at The Station Gallery. Six members of The Studios of Painter’s Folly will display their artworks from the model sessions held at the famous mansion, as well as paintings of the property itself. An opening reception will be held Friday, Sept. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m., and the show runs through Sept. 30. The Station Gallery is located at 3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville. More information can be found at StationGallery.net.
The highly anticipated exhibition Ann Lowe: American Couturier opens on Sept. 9 at Winterthur Museum and will be on view through Jan. 7. Referred to as “Society’s Best-Kept Secret,” Lowe designed stunning, iconic gowns for heiresses, actresses, and high-society, including the famous wedding dress of Jacqueline Kennedy. The black designer has remained virtually unknown to the wider public but influenced the path of fashion in America and around the world. Keep an eye out for an article on the exhibition coming this week! Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located at 5105 Kennett Pike in Winterthur. More information can be found at Winterthur.org.
Plein Air Painting Workshop, N. C. Wyeth Studio
Painters of all skill levels are welcome to bring their own perspective to local historic art studios at a series of Plein Air Painting Workshops through the Brandywine Museum of Art, taught by local artist Randall Graham. Students will have the opportunity to tour the historic landscape, attend a lecture and demonstration, and paint the scenic landscape. Workshops will be held on Sept. 9 at the N. C. Wyeth House & Studio and Oct. 21 at the Andrew Wyeth Studio. More information can be found at Brandywine.org.
Take in the floral mixed-media art and paintings by Ivy Egger of VineDesigns Art at The Art Gallery at St. David’s Church. An Opening Reception will be held on Sept. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. and will be on view through September. The Art Gallery is located at 763 South Valley Forge Road in Wayne. More information can be found at VineDesignsArt.com.
Stop by the Opening Cocktail Reception on Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. at the Church Street Gallery during First Friday in Downtown West Chester to experience The Color of Light, paintings by Tara Will. The Church Street Gallery is at 12 S. Church Street, West Chester. More information can be found at ChurchStreetGalleryWC.com.
Local artist Pia De Girolamo will have her solo show, Bodies in Motion and Sometimes at Rest, at the Cerulean Arts Gallery from Sept. 13 through Oct. 8. An opening reception will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. The Cerulean Arts Gallery is located at 1355 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia. More information can be found at CeruleanArts.com.
Artists Judy Lupas, Kim Hoechst, and Robert Rankin will present a new show at the Boyer Gallery at the Hill School. An opening reception will be held Friday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m., and the show will be on view through Oct. 13. The Hill School is located at 860 Beech Street in Pottstown. More information can be found at TheHill.org.
The ARTsisters bring a new show, Groundbreaking Women, to the Chester County Art Association. Treasures from the Collection of Philip Jamison will also be on view. An opening reception will be held Thursday, September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m., and an Artist Talk will be held Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. Both shows are on view through Oct. 4. The CCAA is located at 100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester. More information can be found at ChesterCountyArts.org.
Abstract Flash: Unseen Andrew Wyeth at Brandywine Museum of Art puts 37 abstract watercolors on view for the first time, through February 18, 2024. Learn more in this article. And don’t miss Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature, on view through Sept. 24. Find out more in this article on Chadds Ford Live. The Brandywine River Museum is located at 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford. More information can be found online at Brandywine.org/Museum.
Window Into History by Randall Graham
Cool off at the Water’s Edge show at the Square Pear Gallery, on view through Sept. 10. Find out more in this article on Chadds Ford Live. The Square Pear Gallery is located at 200 East State Street, Kennett Square. More information can be found at SquarePearGallery.com.
Contemporary student life gets the artistic touch at SCHOOL LUNCH: Lisa Weinblatt at the Oxford Arts Alliance. In the Emerging Artist Gallery, Visitor – a solo exhibition by Olivia Hiester is on view. An Opening Reception for both exhibits will be held on First Friday, Sept. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Oxford Arts Alliance is at 38 S. Third Street, Oxford. More information can be found at OxfordArt.org.
Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with A Gathering: Functional Ceramics Reception at the Main Line Arts Center on Friday, September 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The show will be on view through October 20. The Main Line Art Center is located at 746 Panmure Road, Haverford. More information can be found at MainLineArt.org.
Presence takes over at the Media Arts Council with an Opening Reception Sept. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. and is on view through Oct. 1. The MAC Arts Center is located at 11 E. State Street, Media. More information can be found at MediaArtsCouncil.org.
Ignite at the Jeweled Warrior with an acrylic pour exhibit from Rachel Coleman of Shy Fox Studio, on view through September 10. Then attend the Opening Reception for Second Nature: The Flora and Fauna Paintings of Lynnette Shelley on Friday, Sept. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Jeweled Warrior is located at 110 Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs. More information can be found at TheJeweledWarrior.com.
The Art Trust brings together artists Sarah Detweiler, Margaux McAllister, and Vidya Shyamsundar with Nurture, on view September 22. An Artists’ Talk will be held Thursday, September 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. The Art Trust is located at 16 West Market Street, West Chester. More information can be found at TheArtTrust.org.
The Wolfington & Wolfson Show opens at Gallery 222 on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and is on view through Sept. 30. Gallery 222 is located at 222 East King Street, Malvern. More information can be found at Gallery222Malvern.com.
The David Katz Gallery is holding a special sale of original paintings. The David Katz Gallery is located at 128 East Gay Street, West Chester. More information can be found at DavidKatzGallery.com.
New pieces are arriving daily at the Strodes Mill Gallery, including from local artists Annette Alessi, Karl Kuerner, and others. The Strodes Mill Gallery is located at 1000 Lenape Road, West Chester. More information can be found at Facebook.com/StrodesMill.
Looking for more events happening this fall? Check out @BrandywineArtGuide on Instagram and Facebook!
Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.
