Carspecken-Scott Gallery bids Farewell After Five Decades
After more than 50 years serving the community, Carspecken-Scott Gallery will conclude operations, marking the end of a Wilmington institution known for expert art conservation, restoration, and framing. Founded in 1973, the gallery has preserved artwork and memories for generations, continuing founder Fred Carspecken’s legacy after his passing in 2018. In a statement on its website, the gallery staff stated, “It has been our great privilege to serve the community. We thank you for allowing us to be part of your stories. We are proud of the relationships we’ve built and the art we’ve helped bring to life.” More at CarspeckenScott.com.
Dine Downtown & Get Rewarded
The Dine Downtown Deal returns, rewarding diners for supporting Downtown Wilmington eateries. Dine in or take out five times through March 31 and earn a gift card worth 20% of your total spending, redeemable at a Downtown business. Submit receipts by April 30. Details at DowntownWilmingtonDe.com.
Wilmington Public Library Welcomes New Executive Director
The Wilmington Public Library Board has appointed Will Johnson as Executive Director, effective January 20. Johnson brings more than 25 years of experience in public and academic libraries, most recently as Deputy Director of Community Wellness and Mobile Services at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. A community-centered leader, he is known for advancing equitable access, partnerships, and social impact through libraries. “Libraries are one of the last free democracies,” Johnson says. “I want the people of Wilmington to know there is something for everyone here.” More at Wilmington.Lib.DE.us.
Wilmington Chef Named James Beard Award Semifinalist
La Fia Bistro Executive Chef Dwain Kalup has been named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Kalup has led the Wilmington restaurant since 2020 and previously earned Beard recognition earlier in his career at Domaine Hudson. La Fia owner Andrea Sikora called the honor “well-deserved,” praising Kalup’s “beauty, intention, and care” and noting that his ability to work at such a high level in the restaurant’s small kitchen is “nothing short of remarkable.” Nominees will be announced March 31, with winners revealed June 15, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Visit LaFiaWilmington.com.
DelArt Announces Semiquincentennial Exhibitions And Programs
The Delaware Art Museum will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a six-month suite of exhibitions and programs exploring the vital role artists play in shaping civic life. Highlights include Living Indigenous (Feb. 28–Aug. 23), developed with the Nanticoke Indian Museum; Citizen Artists (Apr. 11–Jul. 19), celebrating artist workers in America; and The People’s Gallery (Aug. 7–Sept. 6), featuring works submitted by Delaware residents. The museum will also host Citizen Artist Summit Weekend (July 9–12), featuring workshops and lectures on arts funding, collaboration, and community engagement. More at DelArt.org.
OperaDelaware Announces Leadership Transition
OperaDelaware General Director Brendan Cooke will step down at the conclusion of the company’s 2025–2026 season, closing a transformative 13-year tenure with the nation’s 11th oldest opera company. Since 2012, Cooke has expanded regional collaborations and launched innovative initiatives including the Company Artist model and Pop-up Opera. A national search is currently underway, with a goal of naming a successor by May 2026, when the company will also host the Opera America National Conference in Wilmington. More at OperaDe.org.
New Play Brings A Story Of Recovery To The Stage
New Light Theatre presents the regional premiere of The White Chip by Sean Daniels, running March 6–15, at OperaDelaware Studios (4 S. Poplar St.) in Wilmington. The candid, darkly funny play chronicles a journey toward sobriety while working to de-stigmatize substance use disorder. Directed by Charlie DelMarcelle and Allison Heishman, the production partners with Delaware nonprofit atTAcK addiction, which will provide on-site resources, education, and a post-show talkback on March 8. A special Teen Night performance takes place March 13. More at NewLightTheatre.com.
Wilmington On-set Novel Debut At Huxley & Hiro
Huxley & Hiro Booksellers (601 N. Market St.) will host a launch party for local author G.R. Hastings’ Wilmington-set novel, Guarded Streets, on Friday, Feb. 6, from 5–8pm. Connecting the underground railroad and the Patty Cannon gang with the 1968 riots and occupation of downtown, the book follows the story of a young woman who is trying to reunite a little girl with her parents one evening on Market Street. Local landmarks, from the Hotel Du Pont to The Queen, are featured throughout. More at HuxleyAndHiro.com.
