See art exhibit showcasing lifetime of work from county philanthropist
CHADDS FORD » The Brandywine River Museum of Art unveils the first comprehensive exhibition of George A. “Frolic” Weymouth’s artistic career on Jan. 27, examining his contribution to American painting. Weymouth (1936–2016) was perhaps best known for his philanthropic endeavors, in particular as one of the founders and long-time chairman of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. He was also a remarkable artist.
On view through June 3, “The Way Back: The Paintings of George A. Weymouth” features 65 of Weymouth’s best works chosen by guest curator Joseph J. Rishel. The selection demonstrates the breadth of the artist’s visual investigations across many mediums—from the loose energetic style and monochromatic palette of his early oils made in the 1950s to the luminous, highly detailed temperas of his later career.
Mentored by his friend Andrew Wyeth, Weymouth worked in both watercolor and egg tempera for the rest of his career to create insightful portraits and haunting, hushed landscapes that spoke eloquently of his passionate love of nature. In these paintings, Weymouth created a rich atmosphere demonstrating his skill in capturing varying effects of light. The exhibition will also include a number of pencil and watercolor studies Weymouth did in preparation for his tempera paintings. These rarely seen works will provide a rich understanding of Weymouth’s keen eye and his artistic process.
Encouraged by his mother, Dulcinea “Deo” du Pont, Weymouth expressed an early interest in art. Formal training came when he took art classes while at St. Mark’s School and later at Yale University. Much like Andrew Wyeth, Weymouth was very private about his painting. Also, as they were for Wyeth, his subjects tended to be friends and family and the scenery that surrounded him daily — in Weymouth’s case the bucolic landscape of his estate in Chadds Ford. Artists going back to the 19th century, among them Jasper Cropsey and William Trost Richards, have celebrated the beauty of the region. Weymouth both carried on that tradition and created its next chapter.
The exhibition is be accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue—the most comprehensive publication to date on the artist — published by the Brandywine River Museum of Art and Rizzoli/Skira. A major essay by Annette Blaugrund, noted art historian and former director of the National Academy of Design, considers Weymouth’s work in the context of the American realist canon and provides insight into his personal artistic vision and his connection to the Brandywine tradition. An introduction by Joseph Rishel, Curator Emeritis of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a friend of the artist, provides a personal account of Weymouth’s larger-than-life personality and remarkable achievements as an artist, philanthropist, and leader in conservation.
The Brandywine River Museum of Art features an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century mill building with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine. The Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), and is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford, PA. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 65 and over, $6 for students and children ages 6 and up; free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www. brandywinemuseum.org
Nominate for Interboro HOF
Interboro Alumni announces that the Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations until Feb. 16. The goal is to recognize alumni, retired staff and community members that have distinguished themselves by their significant contribution in their field of work/study, or to the Interboro community. By honoring these positive role models, the alumni group hopes to inspire current students.
For eligibility requirements and to submit nominations, visit www.interboroalumni.org
Nursing info sessions at DCCC
MARPLE » Delaware County Community College invites those interested in its nursing program to one of its upcoming information sessions in Delaware and Chester counties. Attending an information session is recommended in order to learn more about the curriculum and the special admission requirements, including TEAS test preparation. Sessions last approximately two hours and begin at 6 p.m. Guests should arrive early to register and receive a welcome packet.
Sessions are Tuesday, Jan. 23, in Room 214 at the Exton Center, 906 Springdale Drive, and Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the Small Auditorium (2246) at the Marple Campus, 901 S. Media Line Road, Media.
Admissions representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information regarding admissions requirements and how to apply. Delaware County Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) degree that provides student with the skills they need to succeed in a variety of health care settings and to sit for the state licensure examination to become a registered nurse. With the working professional in mind, the
college offers a day program as well as an evening/ weekend option.
Classes are held at the Marple Campus as well as at some of the college’s other locations in Delaware and Chester counties. Transfer opportunities are also available to students with a goal of completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Career and Counseling Center can assist students in researching their options and staying on track to transfer after graduating from Delaware County Community College.
For information, on the information sessions and enrolling in the college’s nursing, call Nancy Wheeler at 610-359-5005.
Get living will info Saturday
UPPER DARBY » Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Saint Eugene Parish hold a “Preparing your Advance Directive” presentation at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the parish hall, 200 S. Oak Ave., Primos.
The Rev. Peter A. Clark, S.J., Ph.D., Professor of Medical Ethics and Director of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics at St. Joseph University along with Sr. Donna M. Watto, R.S.M., Vice President, Mission Integration Mercy Fitzgerald and Mercy Philadelphia Hospitals, speak on advance directives and what people need to know to prepare their living will and durable healthcare power of attorney. This presentation answers questions about palliative care, spiritual care, hospice care, nutrition and hydration and spiritual care.
For information and to RVSP, email Parish Nurse Sr. Betty Burke at steugenenurse@rcn.com or call the rectory at 610-6262866.