The non-collecting Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts was founded in 1979 as an arts hub for the Wilmington community and has grown exponentially in the three decades since. It now houses seven galleries, 26 artists’ studios, an auditorium and a classroom in its 35,000-square foot building, and the spaces are usually humming with activity. Offerings include “Art Salad”, a weekly lunchtime lecture series hosted by curators, historians, artists and educators that deals with ongoing and upcoming exhibitions; “Art on the Town”, a Friday series in which the DCCA’s hours are extended, and which features an after party from 9 to 11; and various workshops for kids, teens and families. There’s also an annual symposium dedicated to the memory of Atlanta-based artist Gretchen Hupfel, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 39.
– (JM)
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts Information
- Public Transportation: Fair (a 5-minute walk from DART bus 32 at West Street/Water Street; and a 9-minute walk from the Wilmington Amtrak and SEPTA Train station
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday and Sunday Noon–5 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays
- Admission: Free
- Tour: Guided inquiry-and discussion-based gallery tours are offered to school, community, and adult groups Tuesday–Sunday. Groups can also choose to add an optional Hands-On Art Workshop (led by a DCCA Teaching Artist) to the end of their tour. Fees are dependent on group size. Tours must be arranged 3 weeks in advance
- Membership: Individual membership is $45 (Artist/Senior/Student $40; Household $65). Member benefits are tiered with every member receiving invitations to Members Evenings; special Members Only rates for programs & events; travel Opportunities; a subscription to the DCCA E-communications newsletter; a 10% discount at Alternatives, the museum store; discounts from local merchants; invitations to Members Only Gallery Tours; eligibility for the Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition & SoloMember’s Exhibition; and a listing in the DCCA Annual Review
- Other Benefits: At the Supporting level ($125) members receive complimentary catalogues of selected exhibitions; a membership to the North American Reciprocal Museum Program; and invitations to exclusive events. At the Patron level ($500) members also receive a private gallery tour, upon request, with the Director and up to 4 guests.
