The ACSM has partnered with the Museum Sturdies Progran at the University of Delaware during the past school year to provide mini interships for two undergraduates.  This pilot project was created and supervised by our own curator Abby Harting.  Part of the requirements for a minor in this program includes participation in museum experiences – an excellent way to train the next generation of professionals. At the ACSM this project included the creation of an exhibit in our Gallery.  The students researched our collections, selected a topic, found the images and objects, wrote the labels and text panels, and installed the exhibits.
 
During the Fall Semester of 2024, Lauren Eliseo became interested in the women we have called our “Founding Mothers.”  In many ways, this special group lead the way for the Museum we enjoy today – Jean Brachman, Joan Colgan, Sally Hamburger, Pat Liberman, and Ethel Monfort.  As she researched this group, Lauren was drawn to their collecting interests and built her exhibit on that theme. 
 
In the Spring Semester this year, Caroline Norberg began her own research and became interested in the Arden Fair; not only its rich traditons, but also the important place it has in our community.  We all enjoy the Fair and it is intersting to see it grow from the early days as a season ending event to its place today as a celebration and home-coming.  Caroline’s exhibit will open after May 7th and will be on view through the summer.
 
It has been a pleasure to work with these students during the past school year – we hope you enjoy their work and their impressions of the Ardens.

Please join the ASCM and be part of TWO LIGHTS FOR TOMORROW, a nationwide event to mark the beginning of the celebration of the 250 th birthday of the United States. The date of Friday, April 18 th marks the famous ride of Paul Revere and the “two lanterns in the belry-arch of the old North Church.” Public buildings, private homes, and communities are all encouraged to shine two lights in their windows to “remember that famous day and year.” We rarely have the opportunity to shine a light on our collective history and this event provides the chance for us to come together. We hope you will shine lights in your own windows and be part of the celebration.

On March 23rd, the Arden Craft Shop Museum (ACSM) had the pleasure of hosting another inspiring "Afternoon with the Artist" event, this time featuring the talented Annette Hearing. With a diverse background that spans across law, education, and now the world of art, Annette’s journey as an artist has captivated many.

Annette’s creative path began after her retirement, when she discovered painting through a watercolor class at the Osher Academy. Her love for art continued to grow as she ventured into mixed media techniques. As a member of the Arden Artisan Collective, the Wallingford Community Arts Center, and the Delaware Valley Art League, Annette is deeply involved in the local arts community. Her dedication to her craft shows as she works diligently in her studio every day, continuously exploring new ideas and artistic expressions.

The afternoon event was a wonderful opportunity for attendees to meet Annette, hear about her artistic journey, and explore her unique perspective on art. With around 30 visitors in attendance, it was clear that the crowd was eager to learn more about her creative process. Attendees enjoyed browsing Annette’s artwork, which beautifully combines her experience in watercolor and mixed media. Her enthusiasm for helping the ACSM celebrate the arrival of spring shone through, as she spoke about the inspiration behind some of her recent pieces.

Guests enjoyed casual conversations with Annette, asking questions about her techniques and the inspirations that drive her work. The intimate setting allowed for personal connections, and it was evident that everyone left the event feeling inspired by her work and her story.
We are incredibly grateful to Annette for sharing her time, her passion for art, and her incredible talent with us. We look forward to more exciting events at the Arden Craft Shop Museum, as we continue to celebrate and showcase the rich creativity of our local artists.
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Thank you to all who attended and made the afternoon so enjoyable! We can’t wait to see you at our next event!

That is the question! The Arden Craft Shop Museum is proud and pleased to direct your attention to the corner of Millers Road and Cherry Lane. There you will find one of the newest items in our collection – an action sculpture done by Phil Fisher.
Phil Fisher, Jr. donated one these kinetic pieces and installed it in front of the Museum. 

On Saturday, November 9th, the old Arden School on the Sherwood Green was once again filled with excited school “children” and eager celebrants to mark the 100th Anniversary of the building.  The BWVC Committee held a grand celebration to mark the anniversary and the important place the building holds in our community.  Former students came from far and wide to join the festivities and the afternoon did not disappoint.
As visitors gathered, they were able to enjoy the exhibits in Room 3.  There they were treated to vintage home movies featuring events at the school in the 1950’s and ’60, as well a continuing slide show of images from Connee McKinney’s book on the Arden School.  There were also four large display panels, featuring over 50 photographs of the building during its 100 years.  The Arden Craft Shop Museum was pleased to partner with the Buzz and provided the period photos as well as the lobby window display.
As the crowd gathered in front of specially decorated stage, several claimed seats that were in the same spot as their desks had been as students.  Garrett Colgan-Snyder served as the emcee. Representing the ACSM, Barbara Macklem opened the program with a history of the building, telling the story of its origins, its many uses and challenges, and its current importance as a community center.
Next, former students shared their memories of their years at the school.  Sister and brother Annde Curtis Solway and Mike Curtis recounted the early days They were followed by Debbie Colgan who carried on the story and talked about the involvement of the parents with the school. She was followed by Maria Burslem and Ellen Dolmetsch, who told their stories (and escapades) of the 1950’s and 60’s.  Finally, Robin Laskey Chipman recounted the last days and the bitter-sweet memories of the students when the school closed in 1969.
After the formal talks, the music continued and there was lots of time for old friends to gather and for everyone to enjoy the delicious buffet.  And, of course, all enjoyed the cake – cut with great style by Annde Curtis as the oldest student present! There are many institutions in the Ardens – how fortunate we are that one of them is a building full of history that continues to serve new generations.

For the complete remarks made by Barbara Macklem please see the transcript here

​Opening October 20th, the Arden Craft Shop Museum celebrates it’s 20th anniversary with a new exhibition Treasures of Childhood: Growing up in the Ardens!  Please join us at the opening reception starting at 1 pm where we will celebrate the experiences of growing up in the Ardens.

The ACSM is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Museum on Arden Fair Day!  We will be open special hours on Saturday, August 31st from 11 AM to 5 PM. Our annual exhibition Women Artists of the Ardens 1900-1960 will on display. Additionally, Micah Altman’s beautiful lamps, shown during the Afternoon with the Artist event, will
also be available for your pleasure. There are many special things to enjoy at the Museum!

Please mark Sunday, September 15th in your calendars. That is the final day the Women Artists of the Ardens exhibition will be on display.
Read more about our show here in Delaware Today.

We will be closed until Sunday, October 20th when the new exhibition will open. Watch for more information in the October Page. We are busy working on our 2024 exhibition – exciting things are planned - and look forward to our re-opening in October.

We look forward to welcoming you Sunday afternoons from 1-3 PM and Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9 PM.

The Past Has a Future in the Ardens.

On August 11th, we are pleased to present another afternoon reception featuring Ardentown artist, Micah Altman.
Micah's artistry is inspired by nature and is beautiful and useful! Her artwork includes handcrafted lamps with one of a kind shades, beaded jewelry and painted jewelry hangers. This promises to be the perfect, enjoyable, relaxing, fun afternoon we'll need as we ramp up for the high energy weekend of the Arden Fair!

Please join us on Sunday, Aug. 11, 1—3 p.m. for refreshments, community, and art.

Remember to join us for the Arden Fair on August 31st.  The Museum will be open from 11 am to 5 pm.  Please stop by to see our current show, "Women Artists of the Ardens: 1900-1960" and Micah's work!

​You are welcome hither!

The ACSM is pleased to announce a variety of special open hours for the month of June.  We will be open on Saturday afternoons from 1-3 PM in addition to our regular Sunday (1-3 PM) and Wednesday (7:30-9PM) evening hours. This is great time to stop in and see the current exhibition, Women Artists in the Ardens.  
We will be celebrating the grand tradition of Shakespeare in the Ardens with a spotlight exhibition opening in early June. In "Women's Reason" we explore the various ways women have been part of the Bard’s productions over the years.  The Shakespeare Gild is putting on Hamlet! We will also continue to be open one hour prior to the performances at the Field Theatre.  For more information about Hamlet and and the production please visit the Shakespeare Gild's website here.  Although this year we will miss some familiar faces, the play will go on and we will be the fortunate audience.  So – save your seats and then stop over and see this special exhibition.  We look forward to welcoming you!  

In May and June, the Museum will be open on Saturdays from 1-3 pm.  Enjoy the spring season by visiting the us during this eminently walkable time of year!  As the days warm up be sure to check out our exhibition "Women Artists of the Ardens: 1900-1960".

You are welcome hither!