FARTHEST FROM THE ORDINARY
Friends Juried Exhibition

September 11, 2020 - January 3, 2021

OPENING EVENT:
Friday, September 11 | 5 - 8 PM

Special Programming:
Friday, December 4 | 5 - 8 PM

Gallery Talk Videos:
Susan Benarcik WATCH VIDEO
Nanci Hersh WATCH VIDEO
Lauren Whearty WATCH VIDEO

FARTHEST FROM THE ORDINARY depicts familiar objects and landscapes in unnatural settings to explore the current environmental and social issues experienced in the world today. The delicate nature of self, both as a human and the relationship to the earth, is affected by the decisions that are made and actions that are taken on a daily basis. This exhibition asks, "What actions might instill permanent change in ourselves or the world around us?" The six artists selected visually explore the impact of an individual and a collective group on both the betterment and detriment of society through materiality and vibrant, contemporary expressions that are the "farthest from the ordinary."

Susan Benarcik's playful forms create a pictorial symphony; emphasizing the beauty of all the elements in the world around us.

Steven Dobbin's Immigrant both pay homage to the importance and richness of culture and tradition. 

Nanci Hersh captures the transitory nature of our being using bold lines contrasted with fading washes that seem to be a frozen image of graceful and organic deterioration. 

Benjamin Long's Stack Attack depicts a surreal scene, reminiscent of a production chain; contrasting natural elements with industrial-like structures and billowing smoke stacks.

Rick Rothrock's ethereal Slipstream Starburst emerges from the block of marble gracefully; a bold reminder of the permanence of our actions. 

Lauren Ann Whearty’s, Red Studio Still Life shows a range of common household objects cast over by a seemingly ominous sky; hinting at the possibility of a storm on the horizon.

E. Avery Draper Gallery

JUROR: Rick Hidalgo

Hidalgo is an artist and curator living and working in Wilmington, Delaware. His work can be found in private collections across the United States as well as in Canada and Singapore. Hidalgo has curated exhibitions in partnerships with CreateInWilm, ART WRX, and Moving Parts Collective, and has also worked as the lead mural artist for the Creative Vision Factory at the Chris Sturmfels Youth Center. He has recently been highlighted in "Issue X" of Create! Magazine and is represented by Monika Olko Gallery in Sag Harbor, NY. He was recently presented with Capital One Bank's Wilmington Art Program Honorarium award and is the recipient of The Delaware Contemporary's 2019 Gretchen Cummins Hupfel Award. Hidalgo has recently joined The Delaware Contemporary staff as Exhibitions Director.

VIRTUAL GALLERY TOUR