Join the ARDEN ARTISANS COLLECTIVE on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5-9 PM Just in time for the holidays, Arden's stop on Wilmington’s Art Loop features an abundance of artisanal wares and distinct works-- all for sale in one place at the Buzz Ware Village Center (2119 The Highway; Arden, DE) This is a great opportunity for community members and Art Loopers to peruse and purchase unique works and gifts made by Arden Artisans--and support the local art scene. Complimentary Refreshments will be provided.

Artists, it’s time to prep your pieces for the December Art Loop Small Art Show! Drop off your artwork on Tuesday, December 3, from 4–6 PM at the Buzz Ware Village Center. We will be hanging the show immediately after drop off if you would like to stick round and help with that. The past two years have been a hit with both participation and sales—let’s keep building our reputation as the go-to spot for unique holiday gifts! Help us spread the word. Please use the graphics at the top of the newsletter on your social media.

The AAC is hosting a book discussion on the book Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Baylis and Ted Orlando. Art & Fear explores the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. The book's co-authors, David Bayles and Ted Orland, are themselves both working artists, grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world. Their insights and observations, drawn from personal experience, provide an incisive view into the world of art as it is experienced by artmakers themselves. A standard among artists, Art & Fear is widely available in libraries or second-hand shops. Please come even if you haven’t read the book as the topics raised are universal to artists and discussion will revolve around personal experience. Point person is Jill Althouse-Wood. Book discussions are free and open to the public. You are welcome to bring a snack to share or just come as a you are.

The show has been set. Curators will be communicating directly with the 14 participating artisans.
Tuesday, July 9th from 8-10 AM Artists must deliver artwork or have their piece(s) delivered to the Baby Grand (818 N. Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801) 

Thursday, June 13th. We will meet in the parking lot at 10 AM.  Please, if you plan to come, non-members need to get tickets for 11 AM. Member tickets are free. To become an artist member is easy and inexpensive ($40 for the whole year). All that is required is an artist website (I would think that your presence on the AAC website would count.) For this field trip we are asking you to sign up by emailing ardenartisans@gmail.com with subject line Mary Cassatt by May 31. At that point we will decide on transportation details—carpool or take the train in and where to eat lunch. 

Arden Studio Art Tours Saturday, June 8 from 10 AM-4 PM. Raindate is Sunday, June 9th. 

The Arden Artisan Collective, established in 2022, champions the diverse talents thriving within the Ardens community. Rooted in the Arts & Crafts tradition since its inception in 1900, the Ardens have fostered a lineage of artisans, and this June marks a significant milestone as these makers open their doors to the public after nearly a decade. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore the intimate spaces where creativity flourishes, immersing themselves in the authentic Arden way of life. From painting studios to woodworking workshops, and from a chocolatiers’ atelier to an outdoor sculpture garden, guests can tailor their own tour, experiencing firsthand the rich tapestry of artisanal endeavors. Start off the journey at the Arden Craft Shop Museum, delving into the community's storied maker heritage. At this stop, you can pick up a map of the stops along the tour. Throughout the event, artisans will showcase their work, offering visitors the chance to acquire unique pieces directly from the creators. For more information on the Studio Art Tour, please visit www.ardenartisans.com/2024studiotour. The tour is sponsored by Delaware Division of the Arts as part of their 2024 Fellowship program. 

Pick up unsold work from the Earth Day Art Show. For large pieces, you can pull into the entrance circle. For smaller pieces, please park in the lot across the street. If you cannot make this time, please arrange with another participating artist to pick up your work. Let the curators know of this arrangement so they can note the transfer.

Join us for our semi-annual social gathering where, as artisans, we share what we are up to, network, exchange ideas and physical paraphernalia of makers, and socialize. We will start with presentations by local artisans including artist, illustrator, graphic designer Will Ramirez. Also Shay Seaborne Cptsd will be presenting: "How We Treat Each Other Changes Who We Are; the Neurobiology of Connection and Community," a virtual Lapbook Gallery presentation. Afterwards enjoy light refreshments (CAKE!) and social time with fellow art enthusiasts and artists. Optional: bring a treat to share for the table. As always we will have our trading table. Artists, bring your artwork, books, materials, and tools to share or trade! This event is open to the public: All are welcome, whether you're an artisan or simply appreciate the arts. Bring a small donation for the Buzz Ware Village Center. We look forward to seeing you there! Shay Seaborne is leading the charge on this. (Thank you, Shay for taking this on!) Contact her at shaysails@gmail.com with any questions or a desire to help/participate.