Media Arts Center announces exhibit from county abstract artist
MEDIA » The Media Arts Center and Gallery, 609-B W. State St., hosts an exhibition by guest artist Wayne Brown from Jan. 4-Feb. 3, featuring Brown’s paintings, wall sculptures and prints. There is an opening reception from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 13. Gallery hours are 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Brown has been an independent thinker for more than 50 years. Since his high school days at Penn Charter, Brown has approached his art with the knowledge that it takes thought, skill and sweat to create a work that truly reflects that thinking. Inspired by landscapes, cityscapes, florals and portraits, Brown also turns to music to inform his work. He includes composers Mahler, Shostakovich, Wagner, Stravinsky among his favorites. Brown is a big fan of the Philadelphia Orchestra, grand opera and even jazz.
Brown’s early paintings were primarily oils, but he now he works in acrylics as well. In recent years he has been focusing on representational and abstract paintings and wall sculptures. He says his process is to first concentrate on composition, then thru trial and error, get the colors he wants, working until he is satisfied.
Brown’s works can be seen at the Hedgerow Theatre, Delaware County Community College, Valley Forge Towers and in many private collections. His training was at PAFA, Tyler, University of the Arts, Chautauqua, and several art centers. He is a member the Community Arts Center’s abstract workshop. His wife Elisabeth Jonnson Brown is a weaver and designer.
For information, visit www.mediaartscouncil. org
Tax credits for Chester programs
HARRISBURG » State Rep. Brian Kirkland, D-Delaware, announced this week that tax credits were approved to support three local community investment projects.
The local projects were included in $17.9 million in tax credits to support 125 community projects through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. NAP provides tax credits to enable businesses and community organizations to invest in projects that serve distressed areas or support conservation efforts. The local awardees are: • The Boys and Girls Club of Chester — $11,000 in tax credits to support its Youth Achievement program that addresses social, educational and employment barriers for at-risk teens in Chester;
• Philabundance — $515,000 tax credit to support work aimed at reducing hunger in five counties, including Delaware County;
• Chester Community Improvement Project — $15,000 tax credit to support a blight elimination initiative in the 500 to 700 blocks of East 23rd Street in Chester.
“These are meaningful projects that will help to improve our community,” said Kirkland. “I’m pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration have been able to approve these tax credits to encourage businesses to invest in this work and help strengthen our neighborhoods.”
State grant for Lansdowne
HARRISBURG » State Rep. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware, announced this week that Lansdowne Borough will receive a $40,000 state grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Funds are provided through the department’s Early Intervention Program and will be used to provide financial assistance for the formulation and implementation of a financial condition assessment along with a five-year financial plan.
“Congratulations to Lansdowne Borough on this great accomplishment,” Davidson said. “I am excited as the borough develops a plan that will pave the way to strengthening services delivered within the community.”
The Early Intervention Program helps communities develop comprehensive financial plans and establish short- and long-term financial objectives.
Updates on county reassessment
MEDIA » Delaware County Council contracts with Tyler Technologies to provide property appraisal services Delaware County Council has contracted with Tyler Technologies Inc. to provide real property appraisal services for the County’s 2020 general reassessment. The reassessment which was ordered by the Court in March 2017 will be effective for the 2021 tax year. The project, which is being implemented through the County Treasurer’s Office will utilize Tyler’s appraisal and street services.
During the initial phase of this project Tyler will provide the County with detailed, high-resolution street level images beginning in December 2017. Tyler will photograph properties from inside white vans which will be clearly marked. The images will only be taken from the street and Tyler staff will not enter private property. The reassessment project includes data gathering, verification of data, establishment of assessed values and an opportunity to appeal.
The digital images will improve the quality of visual data used by the County and Tyler appraisers. The project will also allow verification and correction of address discrepancies. Additionally, the images will be helpful for emergency management recovery reports, necessary for state and federal assistance.
Tyler staff will be in Delaware County throughout the reassessment process, concluding in 2020. During the duration of the project Tyler will be in communication with the County, providing county officials and local law enforcement updates on current collection locations and expected duration.
To alleviate any privacy concerns images will not be taken of homeowners and/or children. For information, residents can contact the County Treasurer’s Office at 610-8914879. imaging