MAGAZINE

APRIL 2013Vol. 4 ISSUE 10this issue

• Fine Dining for a Deal at CRW 2013• DCCA Presents an imPERFECT City• Spring in Full Bloom on The Riverfront

2013

April 22-27

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Produced by

TSN Publishing, Inc. PresidentGerald duPhily

Contributing EditorBob Yearick

Art DirectorShawna Sneath

Production ManagerMatt Loeb

Advertising SalesJim Hunter Miller

Marie Graham

Contributing WritersBarb Bullock, Krista Connor,

Josephine Eccel,Christine Facciolo,

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald,Larry Nagengast, Scott Pruden

Contributing PhotographersJoe del Tufo, Tim HawkLes Kipp, Matt Urban

For editorial and advertising information:p (302) 655-6483f (302) 654-0569

TSN Media, Inc.307 A Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

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A Taste of the City4 Cover Story

Produced by

TSN Publishing, Inc. PresidentGerald duPhily

Contributing EditorBob Yearick

Art DirectorShawna Sneath

Production ManagerMatt Loeb

Advertising SalesJim Hunter Miller

Marie Graham

Contributing WritersBarb Bullock, Krista Connor,

Josephine Eccel,Christine Facciolo,

Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald,Larry Nagengast, Scott Pruden

Contributing PhotographersJoe del Tufo, Tim HawkLes Kipp, Matt Urban

For editorial and advertising information:p (302) 655-6483f (302) 654-0569

TSN Media, Inc.307 A Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

April 2013 volume 4, issue 10

2 “in” Calendar

10 Riverfront Events

12 City Notes

all rights reserved

ABOUT THE “IN” CAMPAIGNWilmington is truly in the middle of it all, and the “in” campaign is a celebration of the accomplishments we continue to achieve as a community to make our city stronger and more attractive. From neighborhood and business development to our arts and cultural scene, the people of Wilmington are working together to support our city’s ongoing growth and prosperity.

ABOUT WILMINGTON MAGAZINEThe mission of Wilmington Magazine is to capture, through stories and images, the ongoing energy present in the city. We aim to inform readers, both inside and outside Wilmington, of the city’s residential, financial, and cultural progress while remaining entertaining and vibrant.

Departments

7 The ArtsimPERFECT CityNew interactive exhibit at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Artschallenges visitors to build their own city. By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

Wilmington’s fine-dining scene showcasedApril 22-27 during 9th annual City Restaurant Week.

8 On the RiverfrontSouth Pacific, Earth Day Celebration, Blue Rocks’ season-opener...the Riverfront’s April calendar features a full slate of activities.

ON THE COVER Fine dining for a deal is the focus of City Restaurant Week 2013.

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WHAT’S ‘IN’ FOR

APRIL 2013

MUSIC ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FOOD & DRINK

Dreamgirls

DSO: Tchaikovsky's WorldSouth Pacific

First State Ballet Theatre: A Midsummer Night's Dream

OperaDelaware Studio Series

BCTA & WCL present Dave Mason Unplugged

Nylon Exhibit Opening: Fashion, Sports, & Fun!

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Spring 2013 Fundraiser: From My Collection to Yours

Evening with The Masters Ralphie May: Too Big To Ignore Tour

DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401 • bitly.com/VICBBY Hagley Museum & Library • 200 Hagley Rd.

302.658.2400 • bitly.com/YTb8uN

Laird Performing Arts Center at The Tatnall School • 1501 Barley Mill Road 302.998.2292 • bitly.com/YTb6TF

Delaware Theatre Company 200 Water Street • 302.594.1100 bitly.com/VICBC7

The Grand • 818 N. Market Street 302.658.7897 • bitly.com/YTb8uT

OperaDelaware Studios 4 South Poplar Street • 302.658.8063 bitly.com/mV4lPe

World Cafe Live at the Queen 500 North Market Street • 302.994.1400 bitly.com/VICBSl

New Candlelight Theatre • 2208 Millers Rd. 302.475.2313 • bitly.com/VICA0O

Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 200 S. Madison Street • 302.656.6466 bitly.com/VICA0W

DoubleTree Downtown 700 King Street • 302.656.6451 bit.ly/VICCWt

TUES, APRIL 2 - SUN, APRIL 7

FRI, APRIL 12 - SUN, APRIL 14WED, APRIL 10 - SUN, MAY 5

SAT, APRIL 13 & SUN, APRIL 14

FRI, APRIL 5 - SUN, APRIL 7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 8PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 6FRI, APRIL 5 - SUN, MAY 19

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 5:30PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 6:30PM FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 8PM

DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401 • bit.ly/ZvAP6V

Brandywine Creek State Park's Annual Kite Day41 Adams Dam Rd • 302.577.3534 bitly.com/VICy9k

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 1-3PM

The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet

WRC's State of the Downtown Esperanza Spalding

Trinity Episcopal Parish • 1108 N. Adams St. 302.652.8605 • bitly.com/YTb4vf

World Cafe Live at the Queen 500 North Market Street • 302.994.1400 bitly.com/YTb4Lu

The Grand • 818 N. Market Street 302.658.7897 • bitly.com/YTb4Lw

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 7:30PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 7:30AM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 8PM

Market St. Music presents: Copeland String QuartetFirst & Central Presbyterian Church 1101 N. Market Street • 302.654.5371 bitly.com/YTb4Ly

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 12:30PM

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find more at { inWilmingtonDE.com }

ART IS IN - EXHIBITS OPENING& CLOSING THIS MONTH

MUSIC ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FOOD & DRINK

Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts• Kerry Adams’ This Space is Intentionally Left Blank thru Apr 21• Sam Blanchard thru Apr 28• Taxonomy of Trash Apr 6 thru Jul 21302.656.6466 • 200 South Madison Street

MONDAY, APRIL 1ST

The Station Gallery• Helena van Emmerik-Finn thru Apr 27302.654.8638 • 3922 Kennett Pike

Art is Tasty: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Grace Hartigan • Delaware Art Museum 2301 Kentmere Parkway • 302.571.9590

Art on the Town Buses leave 5:45pm from the DCCA, making the last return at approx. 9:10pm 302.576.2135 • 200 S. Madison St.

World Cafe Live & Bob Rose Productions present Renaissance500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Melomanie Wilmington Series: April Concert Grace United Methodist Church 900 Washington Street • 302.655.8847

FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH

Peanut Butter and Jams welcomes Alastair Moock • World Cafe Live at The Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Cashore Marionettes • The Grand 818 N. Market • 800.37.GRAND

Aimee Mann World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH

Gateway to the Stars Gateway Lab School 2501 Centerville Road • 302.633.4091

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

Inside the Artist’s Studio Delaware Art Museum2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.571.9590

SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH

Monthly Birdwalk Brandywine Creek State Park41 Adams Dam Rd. • 302.577.3534

SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH

Spring Break Campthru April 5Bellevue State Park800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963

THURSDAY, APRIL 11THDCM Gym thru Apr 28 • Delaware Children's Museum • 550 Justison Street • 302.654.2340

Delaware Art Museum• The Storyteller’s Art: Reimagining America through Illustration thru Apr 30302.571.9590 • 2301 Kentmere Pkwy

Family In Conflict: Rockwood & The Civil War daily thru May 254651 Washington St. Extension • 302.761.4340

Christina River CleanupBellevue State Park800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963

MUSIC MASTERS: Lotus, Lynne & Friends—Celebrating 30 Years! The Music School of Delaware4101 Washington St. • 302.762.1132

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10TH

Hot Club of CowtownThe Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND

Thursday Noontime Concerts:Celtic music w/ Charlie ZahmFirst & Central Presbyterian Church1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371

Candlelight Comedy Club 2208 Millers Rd. • 302.475.2313

An Evening with Janis Ian World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Clay Date Delaware Art Museum2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.571.9590

Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz w/ Mama's Blacksheep • World Cafe Live at The Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Blue Grass Jams every Sat 1-5pm • Woodside Farm Creamery 1310 Little Baltimore Road • 302.239.9847

Market Street Music Noontime Concerts: No Name TrioFirst & Central Presbyterian Church1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371

Cauffiel House Tour • Bellevue State Park • 800 Carr Road • 302.761.6963

Spring Break Campthru April 5Brandywine Creek State Park41 Adams Dam Rd. • 302.577.3534

Fine Art Sale Delaware Historical Society (Old Town Hall)5th & Market Streets • 302.655.7161

FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH

Arturo SandovalThe Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND

THURSDAY, APRIL 4TH

Jim Malcolm (Green Willow 30th Anniversary Concert)Blue Ball Barn1914 W. Park Drive • 302.456.3242

Carolina Chocolate Drops The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND

Rainbow Chorale of Delaware: Family GatheringFirst & Central Presbyterian Church1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371

Classic Albums Live - Who's NextThe Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND

XPN Welcomes Spinto Band w/ special guest, Buried Beds Arden Concert Gild2126 The Highway • 302.475.3126

Art Salad 12pm every ThursDelaware Center for the Contemporary Arts300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466

SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH

Poetry & PaintingDelaware Art Museum2301 Kentmere Parkway• 302.571.9590

Melomanie presents Alfred: A Masque by Thomas ArneBarn at Flintwoods205 Center Meeting Road • 877.594.4546

Flight Club every Tuesday 5:30-7:30Chelsea Tavern • 821 N. Market Street

TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH

The Reverend Horton Heat World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

FRIDAY, APRIL 12TH

Quizzo • Delaware Art Museum 2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.332.3788

Exhibited - The PlayBrandywine Hundred Library1300 Foulk Rd • 302.477.3150

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

Dare 2 Draw: Drawing for Kids Who Don’t Stay in the LinesDelaware Center for the Contemporary Arts300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466

TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH

IN the Classroom: Teaching Opportunities for ArtistsDelaware Center for the Contemporary Arts300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466

Diana KrallThe Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH

Thursday Noontime Concerts:Dave Posmontier QuartetFirst & Central Presbyterian Church1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

Common Destinations: Maps in the American Experiencethru Jan 2014 • Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library • 5105 Kennett Pike • 800.448.3883

New Castle County’s 7th Annual Safe Kids DayBellevue State Park800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963

Attracting Butterflies Bellevue State Park800 Carr Rd. • 302.761.6963

What Are You Working On?Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466

Graham Parker & The Rumour World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Earth Day Hike • Bellevue State Park 800 Carr Road • 302.761.6963

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24TH

FRIDAY, MARCH 8THCopeland String Quartet Church of the Holy City 1118 N. Broom Street • 302.654.5014

THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH

Leo Kottke & Jake ShimabukuroWorld Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Festival Concert: Mastersingers of Wilmington – Rich Increase: Shakespeare to SpiritualsFirst & Central Presbyterian Church1101 N. Market St. • 302.654.5371

The Melton Brothers Band w/ Alfie Moss World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400

Dave Holland - Kenny Barron Duo The Grand 818 North Market Street • 800.37.GRAND

TUESDAY, APRIL 30TH

Memphis thru May 5 • DuPont Theatre11th & Market Streets • 302.656.4401

An Evening with the DSO Winds Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont11th & Market Streets • 800.37.GRAND

SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST

Surround Sound: Make Some (Artsy) Noise! • DCCA 300 S. Madison St. • 302.656.6466

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2013

BIG FISH GRILL720 Justison St.652-FISH

CAFE MEZZANOTTE1007 N. Orange St.658-7050

COLUMBUS INN2216 Pennsylvania Ave.571-1492

DEEP BLUE BAR & GRILL111 West 11th St.777-2040

Wilmington’s fi ne dining scene is marked by a distinguishing characteristic: It is dominated by owner-operators. In other words, there is not a chain restaurant in the bunch.

So each spring, when those restaurateurs team to present City Restaurant Week, they view it as a personal invitation. It’s the equivalent of your neighbor inviting you for dinner.

“City Restaurant Week puts spirit in our community, encouraging people to get out, connect with friends and try new restaurants,” says Xavier Teixido, an owner of Harry’s Seafood Grill on the Riverfront. “It highlights the diversity and depth of quality of dining options in our neighborhoods.”

This year, that diversity will be front and center because for the fi rst time in nine years, City Restaurant Week has expanded to include fi ne dining restaurants on Wilmington’s West End. Previous years were focused on fi ne dining establishments Downtown and the Riverfront.

The result is a menu of 17 restaurants to select from, offering everything from Thai to Chilean to Italian. Better yet, you get to sample the creative cuisine of these fi ne dining spots with prix-fi xe prices of $15 for lunch and $35 for dinner.

“CRW is the great reminder of what a wonderful, interesting, eclectic city Wilmington is,” says Beth Ross, co-owner of Domaine Hudson. “CRW is not just about experiencing what the city has to offer for a discounted price, but reminding everyone of just what Wilmington is about.”

This year’s City Restaurant Week will begin Monday, April 22, and continue through Saturday, April 27. For an overview of the restaurants participating, read on.

APRIL 22-27

After years of success in Sussex County, the Big Fish Restaurant Group has brought the great Big Fish Grill experience to Wilmington. Stop by the new location on the scenic Wilmington Riverfront for the freshest seafood, juicy, hand-cut steaks, savory pastas and delicious salads. The reasonably priced menu, generous portions, family friendly atmosphere and impeccable service make Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront a casual dining destination and a great addition to the Wilmington restaurant scene.

Columbus Inn, a Wilmington tradition since 1849, is a premier American tavern and restaurant that seamlessly combines the best of “old and new,” serving seasonally inspired, market fresh, progressive yet playful modern cuisine paired with an amazing selection of old and new world wines, micro and macro brews, as well as traditional and new style spirits. The creative menus for dinner, brunches and private events feature new and classic dishes with an approachable, new age twist at an a� ordable value. From happy hour to special events, there is always a good reason to come “inn.”

Since opening in June of 2003, Café Mezzanotte has built a reputation as Delaware’s premier spot to enjoy classical pan-Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Sergio Pellegrino immigrated to Wilmington 18 years ago from the small town of Scalea, located in the southern region of Calabria, Italy. For the past 10 years, Sergio has been bringing a piece of his hometown’s cuisine to Wilmington. Scalea is a town known for its fresh seafood mixed with hearty vegetables, pasta dishes and � lling soups. With intimate atmosphere and exceptional service, Café Mezzanotte is the best place to enjoy pan-Mediterranean cuisine.

Featuring innovative preparations of fresh � sh, a selection of oysters from around the world, and a newly added steakhouse menu, Chef Dan Butler’s Deep Blue Bar and Grill is one of Wilmington’s most creative restaurants. Its location in the heart of the city makes it a convenient choice for patrons of the DuPont Theatre and the Grand Opera House. Business entertaining and special events, sophisticated happy hours and special weekend dining are a natural � t in this upscale locale.

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DOMAINE HUDSON WINE BAR & EATERY1314 N. Washington St.655-WINE

FIRESTONE110 S. West St., Riverfront658-6626

THE GREEN ROOM100 West 11th St.594-3154

HARRY’S SEAFOOD GRILL101 South Market St.777-1500

MIKIMOTOS1212 North Washington St.656-8638

Domaine Hudson opened in 2005, with the idea that it’s possible to enjoy fine wine and award-winning food for a reasonable price. DH is Wilmington’s wine tasting destination, with an expansive cellar that holds 2,000 bottles with 40 wines offered by the glass (to pair with a farm-fresh cheese plate, perhaps?). Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or the special occasion of a lifetime, Executive Chef and sommelier Roger Surpin artfully prepares world-class cuisine, with complementing wines. Zagat rates the food as “perfection” and service as “excellent.”

The name Harry’s has always been recognized for its tradition of fresh ingredients, innovative cuisine and unsurpassed service. That tradition can be found on Wilmington’s Riverfront at Harry’s Seafood Grill. Adjacent to the Riverwalk, Harry’s Seafood Grill is the place for lunch, dinner, cocktails and a late night in Wilmington. A chic atmosphere, fresh raw bar, award-winning crab cakes, outstanding lobsters, imaginatively prepared seafood, great martinis and 50 wines by the glass are some of the keys to an exciting experience. Harry’s is a coveted spot for patio dining or cocktails on the waterfront.

EcLIpSE BISTRO1020 N. Union St.658-1588

A cornerstone of the Wilmington dining scene since 1996, Eclipse Bistro has cemented its reputation as a neighborhood hangout as well as a destination for travelers near and far. The kitchen, led by Chef Ryan Marchetta, sources the finest ingredients while employing classic and modern techniques to create a menu sure to satisfy guests of all tastes. Eclipse offers a well-regarded and flexible wine list thoughtfully designed to pair with its diverse and familiar fare. Its hospitable, knowledgeable staff complements the food, consistently delivering an excellent dining experience.

Sit along the water, soak in the sun and sample some of the signature brick oven pizzas, fresh seafood and slow roasted meats. More in the mood for nightlife? FireStone offers live entertainment every weekend, featuring some of the best up and coming artists in the area. No other venue in the city can offer a little bit of the beach in your own backyard.

Enjoy French cuisine in the 100-year-old Green Room at the Hotel du Pont, an unforgettable setting of oak paneling, coffered oak beamed ceilings, gold chandeliers, and original oil paintings. The world-class Green Room is a winner of the Four-Diamond AAA Award for 28 consecutive years. Featuring a colorful combination of shimmering draperies, wingback chairs, and Versace patterned china, the historic elegance of the Green Room is complemented by a fresh, seasonally-inspired menu under the direction of Executive Chef Keith Miller. An award-winning wine collection and impeccable service will further enhance your fine dining experience.

In August 2000, owner Darius Mansoory added a second restaurant to his portfolio when he opened Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar. Like its older sister, Washington Street Ale House, Mikimotos continues to surpass the expectations of its guests. Mikimotos is a high-energy restaurant sheathed in contemporary urban décor. Walls and tables are dressed in bold reds and yellows with black accents. The half-moon bar, a Wilmington hotspot, delivers creative cocktails along with old favorites, and the unusual circle-shaped 24-seat sushi bar serves the freshest fish in the city.

MORO RESTAURANT1307 N. Scott St.777-1800

Moro Restaurant opened in 2002, and over the past 10 years has received many accolades—three bells from Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan, four stars from The News Journal, four stars from Delaware Today, and two James Beard nominations. The approach to food involves sourcing seasonal ingredients, while the menu changes weekly to reflect what is available at the market. The culinary team comprises people who are inspired by food and have a strong work ethic. It is best known for its “Maple Glazed Salmon” and “Duck Confit Salad,” which have been on the menu since day one.

VIEW RESTAURANT MENUS AT

cityRestaurantWeek.com

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WASHINGTON STREETALE HOUSE1206 North Washington St.658-2537

UbON THAI CUISINE936 Justison St.656-1706

POCHI220 W. 9th St.384-6654

Dan Butler opened Toscana upon returning home to Wilmington in 1990. His vision was a contemporary Italian restaurant with the big city feel of the places that he had seen in his travels and work experience in Europe, Washington, D.C and Florida. His education and the kitchens he has worked in since taught him to cook everything from scratch, using the best, freshest ingredients in a simple way that lets the natural goodness shine. Toscana has been renovated and updated several times over the years, including a to-go and catering shop adjacent to the restaurant, but the core concept of nice people serving “really good food” has never changed.

PICCOLINA TOSCANA 1412 N. DuPont St.654-8001

Owners Patricia and Braulio were both raised in Chile, one from the north and one from Santiago. Their experiences gave them a unique insight into the vast contrasts of food that Chile has to offer. Their philosophy is “Do the best you can, and then do it better.” This enables them to give customers the best Chilean wine selection and 100 percent fresh traditional Chilean cuisine, with a twist.

Jeenwong Thai Cuisine has been in Wilmington for about 13 years now, and is proud to have chosen to stay here and present Ubon Thai Cuisine. The culinary team consists of Executive Chef Norrawit J. Milburn and Sous Chef Marco Escofie’. Their goal is to bring exotic flavors to Wilmington, such as “Thai Guy’s Wings” and “Yai’s Rolls,” with service that makes customers feel like they’re with family. They take all the fresh ingredients that you would see in Thailand, along with local produce, to create family Thai dishes, including“Yai’s Rolls” and the “Momochas” —from scratch.

UNION CITy GRILLE805 N. Union St.654-9780

Matthew Curtis opened UCG in Wilmington because he loved the warm feel of community. Executive Chef Matt Crist, who recently left his chef position at Deep Blue and spent the last year on a culinary journey in Spain, heads the kitchen. UCG is a place “where food tastes the way it should.” Wilmington’s most exciting bar menu, handmade pasta and the tastiest steaks are UCG hits. Then there’s the award-winning short rib chili and silky crab bisque. Sunday features include the area’s only “name your cut” filet for $2 an ounce. Come casual or come ready for hand-picked, elegant wines and craft brews (72, to be exact).

Opened in 1997 by Darius Mansoory, Washington Street Ale House specializes in great food and handcrafted beers. With an extensive selec-tion of 24 beers on tap, this is the best place in the city to enjoy great drinks with family and friends. Guests are able to relax and unwind in the inviting dining room, which is the perfect location for evening dates, family outings and friendly get-togethers. And the year-round deck offers a premier atmosphere to enjoy dinner and appetizers for any occasion.

Walter’s Steakhouse is synonymous with great beef in Wilmington and throughout the world. Serving the finest beef available guarantees the two things customers desire most: flavor and tenderness. The slow-roasted prime rib is the sweetest and juiciest, the filet is so tender you can cut it with a fork. Or enjoy the New York strip or Delmonico for a more savory cut. Seafood and poultry entrees are available, also. Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday features a complimentary seafood bar (with oysters and clams on the half shell). Every Friday night is Prime Rib Night. Choose from 250 highly-rated wines by the bottle or 24 wines by the glass.

WALTER’S STEAkHOUSE802 N. Union St.652-6780

VIEW RESTAURANT MENUS AT

CityRestaurantWeek.com

6 . Cover Story

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7

By Michelle Kramer-FitzgeraldI’m a lover of the Arts in all its forms. But I have to admit, when the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts (DCCA) launched its current interactive exhibit, imPERFECT City—I didn’t get it. How could building a city really be considered “art”?

In investigating a bit more, I’ve found this project is all about art: The art of imagination, the art of collaboration, the art of looking beyond ourselves, the art of creating for the greater good.

imPERFECT City—funded by a grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation and running through June—is an ever-evolving, community participatory exhibit that will eventually develop into a museum-scale city. It relies not only on the talent of its visiting artists and scholars but also on the creativity and imagination of visitors to create their vision of what constitutes a “perfect city.”

As I sat in the middle of imPERFECT City at the Wilmington INBassadors meeting in March, it was apparent to me just how much a part the visitor plays—meeting on the Civic Seats, we became a living part of the exhibit. Whether sharing a comment on the UTOPIA wall, joining a yoga class in the athletic club, adding a “banned” book to the Radical Reading Room, or simply walking through and taking it all in, we participated in the exhibit at many levels.

“This is a people-powered exhibit, created by and for the people of Wilmington,” says Sara Teixido, director of marketing and communications for DCCA. “Our ‘city’ comes alive with your participation.” And it will continually evolve; Exhibit Curator Maiza Hixson encourages repeat visits to see how the exhibit grows and changes with each week.

There are at least a dozen elements to the current exhibition:

• A”disORIENTATION desk,” where you are welcomed with an exhibit map and a customized YOUtopian tour, complete with fun courses like civility treatments, unpopular behavior lessons, spontaneous athletics and mad vegetable farming• The People’s Park project, where visitors and artists have collaborated to create a semi-permanent public space on the 400 block of Market Street (installment will happen this month and will include a mural, seating and greenery)• Civic Seats, a restructure-able seating circle that promotes spontaneous exchange• The DCCA Athletic Club enables visitors to actually “get fi t” inside the galleries with yoga, aerobics, and other activities• Museum of the Hand invites visitors to type on a keyboard while their text is simultaneously transcribed into cursive by a computer-controlled machine• The Radical Reading Room, a library of formerly-banned books and other texts• A micro-farm of mobile vegetable and fruit planters within the DCCA Cyber Café• imPERFECT CITY/imPERFECT STATE, an exhibit of roadside memorials in Delaware.

Hixson is thrilled with the exhibit’s progression, which launched with a series of open town hall meetings in February. “I started this project to call attention to the fact that exhibitions can be more than stuffy displays of art,” Hixson notes. “They can be a creative medium for political and social engagement.”

The project requires people from all walks of life to converge around a common goal. It allows everyone—not only artists—to use their imagination and build a “city” that challenges existing paradigms.

The town hall meetings are some of Hixson’s favorite aspects of the exhibit. “I love the idea that anyone can suggest ‘weird’ ideas for the city, and we’ll try to implement them,” she says. “For example, our micro-farmer invented a new currency called micropia. I have no idea what it means but it instantly makes me rethink our existing monetary system—what it’s based on and why it couldn’t be based on something else.”

Hixson feels the DCCA’s role in the project is to make people aware of the museum’s relevance to the city: Museums are spaces of free thought where powerful ideas are allowed to emerge; a lot of signifi cant change can come from people simply being exposed to new ideas.

DCCA Artist in Residence Eric Leshinsky is overseeing the People’s Park component of the exhibit and is excited about the community’s response to it. “I probably talked to a few hundred people over four weeks [of the project’s development]; I was inspired by folks’ willingness to participate—how eager people were to share ideas for a park that will be temporary, on a narrow piece of land, which many of them will never use,” he says. “For me, that’s a real testament to how people value public space and their desire to have some role in how it gets created.”

Leshinsky anticipates that the actual site installation on Market Street will have the most impact because of its visibility and accessibility. “If [People’s Park] works the way I’m envisioning it, a formerly vacant lot on Market Street will become a functional piece of the city again.”

I asked both Mazia and Eric what they would to do make Wilmington a “perfect city.” Here’s what they said:

Maiza Hixson: “I would provide cheap studio space to artists downtown, provide seed money for innovative businesses in Wilmington, and encourage everyone to walk more rather than drive.”

Eric Leshinsky: “I’d ask every person in Wilmington what their idea of a perfect city is…and then make a To-Do list.”

I encourage you to visit and become part of this exhibit. But before you do, visit the imPERFECT City blog (imperfectcitydcca.wordpress.com) and LIKE the Facebook page (facebook.com/ImperfectCity).

Want more ArtStuff ? Follow me @ArtsinMedia!

imPERFECT City…the Perfect Addition to Wilmo Art SceneBy Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

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1. Amtrak Station2. Opera Delaware Studios/City Theater Co.3. Wilmington Youth Rowing Assn., WYRA.ORG4. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park5. Residences at Christina Landing6. Harry’s Seafood Grill / Riverfront Market, HARRYS-SAVOY.COM7. Delaware Theatre Co., DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG8. FireStone Roasting House, FIRESTONERIVERFRONT.COM9. Cosi at the Barclays Crescent Building, GETCOSI.COM10. Hare Pavilion/Riverwalk

11. AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Center, AAAMIDATLANTIC.COM12. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, THEDCCA.ORG13. Justison Landing, Currie Hair, Skin & Nails, CURRIEDAYSPA.COM Veritas Wine & Spirits, VERITASWINESHOP.COM 14. Kooma, KOOMASUSHI.COM15. Delaware Children’s Museum, DELAWARECHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG16. Joe’s Crab Shack, JOESCRABSHACK.COM17. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, IRONHILLBREWERY.COM

MAP OF

RIVERFRONT

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NOW OPEN!

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11. AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Center, AAAMIDATLANTIC.COM12. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, THEDCCA.ORG13. Justison Landing, Currie Hair, Skin & Nails, CURRIEDAYSPA.COM Veritas Wine & Spirits, VERITASWINESHOP.COM 14. Kooma, KOOMASUSHI.COM15. Delaware Children’s Museum, DELAWARECHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG16. Joe’s Crab Shack, JOESCRABSHACK.COM17. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, IRONHILLBREWERY.COM

18. Public Docks19. Big Fish Grill, BIGFISHRIVERFRONT.COM20. Frawley Stadium, BLUEROCKS.COM Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame21. Chase Center on the Riverfront, CENTERONTHERIVERFRONT.COM22. Dravo Plaza & Dock23. Shipyard Center Planet Fitness, PLANETFITNESS.COM24. Timothy’s Restaurant, TIMOTHYSONTHERIVERFRONT.COM

Molly’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, MOLLYSICECREAM.COM Ubon Thai Restaurant25. Wilmington Rowing Center, WILMINGTONROWING.ORG26. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge/ DuPont Environmental Education Center, DUPONTEEC.ORG27 DART Park-n-Ride Lot28. Penn Cinema Riverfront IMAX, PENNCINEMARIVERFRONT.COM29: CrossFit Riverfront, CFRIVERFRONT.COM

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Photo by Dick Dubroff of Final Focus Photography

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Spring Break: nature Day Camp at the riverfrontApril 1-5, 8:30-3:30pmSpend all or part of your spring break exploring the freshwater tidal marsh and Wilmington’s Riverfront.• Monday, April 1: Reptiles Revealed• Tuesday, April 2: Aquatic Exploration• Wednesday, April 3: Marsh Mammals• Thursday, April 4: DEEC Treasure Hunters• Friday, April 5: Nature PhotographyRegistration fee required.DuPont Environmental Education CenterDuPontEEC.org

8th annual raCe JuDiCata 5k run/WalkApril 6Sponsored by Delaware State Bar AssociationRegistration opens at 8am, Race begins at 9amJoe’s Crab ShackRaces2run.com

BBB of DelaWare 48th annual DinnerApril 9, 4:45pmNetwork with 250 business and community leaders; Enjoy a fabulous silent auction and reception prior to dinner; and Celebrate the winners of the BBB Student Ethics Scholarships as well as the Torch and Rush Award winners.Chase Center on the RiverfrontDelaware.bbb.org/annualdinner

2013 CatholiC CharitieS annual triBute DinnerApril 10, 5pmCatholic Charities is pleased to honor Terri Kelly, President & CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates, with the 2013 Msgr. Thomas J. Reese Award for Community Leadership.Chase Center on the Riverfrontcdow.org/tribute.html

South paCifiCOpens April 10 thru May 5Music by Richer Rogers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein & Joshua LoganDirected by Bud MartinAn island paradise is the setting for two enchanting love stories, both threatened by the perils of World War II and racial prejudice. Spunky and charming Nellie Forbush falls in love with French planter Emile de Becque, as the bewitchingly beautiful Tonkinese girl, Liat, steals the heart of strapping Joe Cable. For tickets and show times, please visit our website.Delaware Theatre CompanyDelawareTheatre.org

parentS night out- hunt for reptile anD amphiBianSApril 12, 6:30-8:30pmSet mom and dad loose to have dinner along Wilmington’s Riverfront while you stay at DEEC and have all the fun with games, a scavenger hunt and an evening hike. Dinner provided. Parents receive a coupon for Timothy’s Riverfront Grill. Registration fee required.DuPont Environmental Education CenterDuPontEEC.org

Blue roCkS vS. freDeriCk keyS2013 SeaSon opening WeekenDApril 12-14Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions.Frawley Stadium

Walk mS: Wilmington riverfront 2013April 13Registration begins at 8amWalk begins at 9amWhen you participate in Walk MS, the funds you raise give hope to the more than 1,550 people living with MS in Delaware. The dollars raised support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research. Frawley StadiumWalkded.nationalmssociety.org

3rD annual thin mint 5kApril 14Registration begins at 9amRace begins at 10amBenefits Girls Scouts of Chesapeake BayDravo PlazaRaces2Run.com

Blue roCk vS. Carolina muDCatSApril 15-17Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions.Frawley Stadium

from taDpole to toaDApril 17, 10-11:30amSearch for tadpoles in the marsh and learn how they live and grow. Feed a toad a tasty snack. Then enjoy your own snack. Registration fee requiredDuPont Environmental Education CenterDuPontEEC.org

3rD annual DnS earth Day feStivalApril 20, 11-3pmAs a tribute to Delaware’s Governor Russell W. Peterson, DEEC will host an Earth Day festival and offer free programs to educate the community and families about Delaware’s marshes and its residents, and more! Festival Activities: Composting demonstrations, canoe trips, hikes to a beaver lodge, live

APRIL RIVERFRONT EVENTS

critters and creepy crawlies, catching fish and aquatic insects with nets, green living exhibitors, face painting and crafts and musicDuPont Environmental Education CenterDelawarenaturesociety.org/earthday

24th ronalD mCDonalD houSe of De 5kApril 20Registration begins at 8amRace begins at 9amBenefits Ronald McDonald House of DelawareFrawley StadiumRaces2Run.com

SurrounD SounD: make Some (artSy) noiSe!April 21, 12-3pmPOP! CRINKLE! CRUNCH! Join us as we make a symphony of sound during this unique (and noisy!) family program inspired by the exhibition Taxonomy of Trash. So go ahead and pop that bubble wrap, snap those rubber bands, and bang those cans all the way to the DCCA!Delaware Center for the Contemporary ArtsTheDCCA.org

Blue roCkS vS. WinSton-Salem DaShApril 26-28Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions.Frawley Stadium

Brain tumor WalkApril 27Registration begins at 11:30amProgram and Activities begins at 12:30pmThis family-friendly walk and community day benefits the National Brain Tumor SocietyDravo PlazaBrainTumorCommunity.org

Canoeing the river anD marShApril 27, 12:30-4:30pmCanoe along the Christina River and through the marshes’ winding channels in search of wildlife. No experience necessary. Registration fee requiredDuPont Environmental Education CenterDuPontEEC.org

DelaWare hope Ball- port of Call: a CureApril 27, 6:00pmAn elegant evening of auctions, cocktails, fabulous food and of course, raising money to help cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes.Chase Center on the RiverfrontDelaware.jdrf.org

Blue roCkS vS. Salem reD SoxApril 29-May2Visit BlueRocks.com for more information on game times and promotions.Frawley Stadium

10 April 2013

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FRIDAY, MAY 17

SUNDAY, MAY 19

MONKEY HILL TIME TRIAL Tailgate Party in Brandywine Park and watch racers race againstthe clock on a course made famous by the Tour DuPont

GOVERNOR’S RIDE & GRAN FONDOSpectacular 15-, 30- and 62-mile bike rides through Brandywine ValleyFinish Line Party at the Delaware Art Museum 10AM-2PM

DOWNTOWN’S BIGGEST STREET FESTIVAL Opening Ceremonies Parade

Races & Six-Block Street Festival BMX STUNT SHOWS • SLIDES • MOON BOUNCESOBSTACLE COURSE • ROCK WALL • COURSE CAFÉS

SATURDAY, MAY 18

4-8PM

1PM12:30PM-5:30PM

8AM

SUNDAY, MAY 19

An event that benefi ts the 21st Century Fund for Delaware’s Children and Food Bank of Delaware

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Café D’Lish1139 W. 7th Street; 691-5030Hours: Tues.–Sat., 7am to 3pm; Sun. brunch, 9am to 1pm.

Funky meets cool meets warm and fuzzy. Located in the Cool Spring/Tilton neighborhood (the 2011 CityLife Neighborhood of the Year), Cafe D’Lish serves delicious goodies for breakfast, lunch and brunch. Grab and go, or pull up a seat and hang out. Enjoy works by local artists, a good book from the pay-it-forward shelf of donated books, board games and puzzles. The menu changes with the seasons, with specials and homemade treats.

Lynn’s Cafe 115 Christina Landing Dr.; 888-1150Hours: Mon.–Fri. 6 to 10:30am and 4 to 9pm; Sat., 8am to 8pm.

Serving great breakfast items, including muffi ns, bagels, oatmeal and sandwiches. In the evening the focus is specialty home-cooked dinners as well as sandwiches, salads and homemade soup every night.

Fusion Restaurant & Lounge837 N. Union St.; 777-5712Hours: Mon. – Thur., 11am to 9pm; Fri. & Sat., 11am to 1am; Sun., 11am to 8pm.

Latin Fusion Restaurant & Lounge is Wilmington’s newest restaurant catering to South American and Caribbean Cuisine. Located just around the corner from Trolley Square and in the heart of Little Italy, Latin Fusion sits in the City’s foodie district and provides a cozy atmosphere to lounge, relax, and enjoy delicious Latin foods.

Wilmington continues to grow with new friends and neighbors. Take a look at who’s just moved in:

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

BigIdeasWilmington.com

Big Ideas?Got

CITY NOTES

Shawna Sending Test

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Staff PicksEvery month we highlight a few happenings in the City. Our favorites for April:

Dreamgirls at the DuPont Theatre, Tuesday, April 2, to Sunday, April 7Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen. More information: duponttheatre.com/dreamgirls

OperaDelaware Studio Series at the OperaDelaware Studios, Friday, April 5Enjoy a glass of wine at a cozy cabaret-style table while listening to your favorite arias and scenes presented up-close and personal by the best talent the region has to offer. Both general admission open seating and cabaret-style tables are available for this series. Seating is limited, and last year this series sold out quickly. More information: operade.org

First State Ballet Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Grand Opera House, Saturday, April 13This delightful and amusing tale of the transforming power of love will delight the whole family. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the world’s most beautiful ballets, and this production is the first by a Delaware company. It is FSBT’s contribution to The Year of the Bard statewide festival of the performing arts. More information: firststateballet.com/news.html

Inside the Artist’s Studio at the Delaware Art Museum, Saturday, April 13Join Allan Comport, chair of the Illustration Department at the Maryland Institute College of Art, as he interviews illustrator Sterling Hundley. They will share a lively discussion on topics relating to contemporary illustration, including emerging markets and media, and the role of illustration in today’s culture. More information: delart.org/prog_events/adult_prog/artist_talk.html

Meals from the Masters at Various Locations, Friday, April 19, & Sunday, April 21Now in its 16th year, Meals from the Masters is an entire spring weekend of culinary delights, including the Evening with The Masters, the Cellar Masters’ Wine Auction and the long-standing tradition of the Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch. Enjoy the exquisite cuisine by master chefs, wine and spirits, and special auction items. More information: mealsonwheelsde.org/events/meals-from-the-masters

WilmFilm Festival at the Penn Cinema Riverfront, Thursday, April 25-Sunday, April 28From the creators of the Newark Film Festival, the WilmFilm Festival is back and bigger than ever. This year, the festival takes place at the all-new Penn Cinema Riverfront. Experience the best independent films and favorites from throughout the years. Featuring special features such as Q&A panels, an opening night party and special midnight screenings. More information: wilmfilm.com

DowntownWilmington.comWRC NewsCITY NOTES

WRC’s Annual Meeting: “Bringing Big Ideas to Life”World Cafe Live at The Queen

Wednesday, April 24

Breakfast: 7:30am

Meeting: 8 to 10:30am

Are you an out-of-the-box thinker? Do you have the next Big Idea for Wilmington? If so, come share it and hear what your fellow Wilmingtonians have to say.

Tickets for the WRC’s annual meeting are $50 and include a full gourmet breakfast and complimentary parking at the Renaissance Center Garage on 5th Street immediately adjacent to World Cafe Live. For more information regarding tickets and sponsorship, to wrcbigideastolife.eventbrite.com/

Sponsored in part by: ab+c, Highmark Delaware, Colonial Parking, Delmarva Power, DuPont, M&T Bank, Newmark Knight Frank Smith Mack, Out & About Magazine, The Commonwealth Group, The Fun Department and Wheeler Wolfenden & Dwares.

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