Biggs Museum of American Art hosts 'Award Winners' starting April 18

DOVER — The Biggs Museum of American Art will present the exhibition, “Award Winners XXIV,” marking the 24th consecutive year of hosting this exhibition in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts. Showcasing the exceptional work of Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellowship recipients, the exhibition will be on view from April 18 to July 28.

An opening reception, awards ceremony, and public performances will be held Thursday. The performances will be hosted in partnership with Delaware State University at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, a short walk from the museum. The opening is free to attend.

Each year, the Delaware Division of the Arts recognizes artists through its Individual Artist Fellowships, offering monetary awards and public recognition. The fellows are selected based on the exceptional quality of their work, creativity and skill in various art forms.

This year, the division received applications from 149 artists across disciplines such as choreography, composition, writing, visual arts, and more. Their work samples were reviewed by out-of-state arts professionals.

“We are thrilled to host our 24th ‘Award Winners XXIV’ exhibition at The Biggs. This year, we have decided to incorporate works by visual arts, folk art and literature fellows on the first and second floors of our museum, interspersed among our permanent collection, to showcase works by contemporary makers in dialogue with museum objects,” said Biggs Museum curator Laura Fravel.

“It is remarkable to see how artists approach similar themes and techniques across generations.

“Participating in this annual exhibit allows us to connect with the incredibly talented local artists in our community. This year, we also are fortunate that one of the fellowship recipients, Rebecca Raubacher, has a solo exhibition at The Biggs that coincides with ‘Award Winners XXIV’ and our visitors will be able to explore her work in greater depth.”

“Rebecca Raubacher: Horses & Other Creatures” opened on March 14 and remains on view on the museum’s third floor through July 7.

“Award Winners XXIV” features the work from artists from across the state, including fellowship recipients from Arden, Dover, Lewes, Long Neck, Newark, Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington.

This year, one fellow was selected in the Masters category, ten in the Established category, and nine in the Emerging category. Their diverse creative expressions will be showcased in this group exhibition.

The exhibition will premiere at the Biggs Museum of American Art and subsequently travel to CAMP Rehoboth and the Cab Calloway School of the Arts, creating various opportunities for the public to engage with these works.

The opening reception will take place on April 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. and will be split between two venues. Enjoy light refreshments and browse the works by visual arts fellows from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Biggs (406 Federal St, Dover). At 7 p.m., festivities move a block away to the Schwartz Center for the Arts (226 S. State St., Dover).

There, from 7-9 p.m., the awards ceremony will be held along with free public performances by music, dance and literature fellows. The performances start with music composed by Masters Fellow Mark Hagerty. Attendees will have the opportunity to be among the first to experience this exhibition and celebrate the artistic achievements of the fellows.

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the Biggs Museum website at TheBiggsMuseum.org or contact the museum at 302-674-2111.