Past Exhibitions
Women Artists of the Ardens: 1900-1960
October 2023-September 2024
This exhibition showcased the history of women artists of the Ardens. The displays ranged from pottery to poems and from greeting cards to stained glass and all represented work done by the women artists who have graced the community of the Ardens.
This exhibition showcased the history of women artists of the Ardens. The displays ranged from pottery to poems and from greeting cards to stained glass and all represented work done by the women artists who have graced the community of the Ardens.
Ardentown Celebrates One Hundred!
October 2022-August 2023
Our exhibition showcases the history of Ardentown as it celebrates is hundredth anniversary. Enjoy an exhibition filled with artifacts related to the founding, residents, businesses, and cultural organizations that make up Ardentown and it's history.
October 2022-August 2023
Our exhibition showcases the history of Ardentown as it celebrates is hundredth anniversary. Enjoy an exhibition filled with artifacts related to the founding, residents, businesses, and cultural organizations that make up Ardentown and it's history.
Images from the Ardens: 1900-1960
January to August 2022
Our exhibition showcases our collection of paintings, drawings and sculpture created or collected by residents of the Ardens from 1900 to 1960. Come see the condensed version of this show in the Bernie Schwab Community Room.
January to August 2022
Our exhibition showcases our collection of paintings, drawings and sculpture created or collected by residents of the Ardens from 1900 to 1960. Come see the condensed version of this show in the Bernie Schwab Community Room.
Equality: A Tradition in the Ardens
October 2020-August 2021
This exhibition celebrates the traditions of Equality in its many forms in the Ardens. Of course, nationally 2020 marked the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, bringing equality to the voting booth, but equality has many forms. In the Ardens we see it at work thoughout our history. Displayed in the Bernie Schwab Community Room, Equality: a Tradition in the Ardens traces the history of the fight for a more equitable world, starting in our own small corner.
October 2020-August 2021
This exhibition celebrates the traditions of Equality in its many forms in the Ardens. Of course, nationally 2020 marked the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, bringing equality to the voting booth, but equality has many forms. In the Ardens we see it at work thoughout our history. Displayed in the Bernie Schwab Community Room, Equality: a Tradition in the Ardens traces the history of the fight for a more equitable world, starting in our own small corner.
15 Years...15 Treasures Just the Beginning!
October 2019-October 2020
The Arden Craft Shop Museum evolved from a long-held belief in this community: that the Ardens’ history was deeply unique and worth preserving. We now celebrate our 15th Anniversary, with a look at 15 treasures chosen by the Museum and Archives Committee to mark our rich history and the life of our community.
October 2019-October 2020
The Arden Craft Shop Museum evolved from a long-held belief in this community: that the Ardens’ history was deeply unique and worth preserving. We now celebrate our 15th Anniversary, with a look at 15 treasures chosen by the Museum and Archives Committee to mark our rich history and the life of our community.
“They gave us good leave to wander…”
An Exhibition Celebrating 70 Years of the Arden Community Recreation Association
October 2018-October 2019
The Arden Community Recreation Association (ACRA) began more than 70 years ago with a clear purpose: to provide recreational programming for all age groups in the Ardens. The objective of this exhibition is to celebrate those years and honor the many, many volunteers who have made it all possible.
An Exhibition Celebrating 70 Years of the Arden Community Recreation Association
October 2018-October 2019
The Arden Community Recreation Association (ACRA) began more than 70 years ago with a clear purpose: to provide recreational programming for all age groups in the Ardens. The objective of this exhibition is to celebrate those years and honor the many, many volunteers who have made it all possible.
Finding a Home in the Ardens: Camps, Cottages and Castles
An Exhibition Celebrating the Unique Places We Call Home
October 2017-October 2018
Please visit the on-line portion of our exhibit, created by Sharon F. Hess and Katheryn Lawson of the University of Delaware!
There's a Gild for That! (October 2016 - October 2017)
There's a Gild for That! showcases a number of Gilds, past and present and in doing, illustrates the wide variety of talents and interests that bring so much life to the Ardens.
The Arden Club and its Gilds are an important part of the history of our villages and enrich the social fabric of our community. Economics, theatricals, dancing, and singing were all lively activities when the Gilds began, as they are today.
There's a Gild for That! showcases a number of Gilds, past and present and in doing, illustrates the wide variety of talents and interests that bring so much life to the Ardens.
The Arden Club and its Gilds are an important part of the history of our villages and enrich the social fabric of our community. Economics, theatricals, dancing, and singing were all lively activities when the Gilds began, as they are today.
A Rose by Any Other Name...
Fifth annual Shakespeare exhibition
June 2016 - September 2016
The costumes on display have been loaned by the Shakespeare Gild from their extensive collection. While they have been designed to show the richness necessary to reflect the status of their noble wearers, they also reveal the practicality of designing for the stage. While the gowns shimmer like silk and the embroidery appears to contain gold or silver threads, the materials are, in fact, hard-wearing modern fabrics. The illusion is created by imaginative designers and talented seamstresses. Fortunately the Shakespeare Gild has always benefited from talented people in both roles.
The long Shakespeare tradition in the Ardens is rich with players, back-stage folk, front-of- house staff, and fortunately, costumers. We are pleased to be able to share their history with the audiences at this years’ production.
Now--Hei thee forth to the play!
Fifth annual Shakespeare exhibition
June 2016 - September 2016
The costumes on display have been loaned by the Shakespeare Gild from their extensive collection. While they have been designed to show the richness necessary to reflect the status of their noble wearers, they also reveal the practicality of designing for the stage. While the gowns shimmer like silk and the embroidery appears to contain gold or silver threads, the materials are, in fact, hard-wearing modern fabrics. The illusion is created by imaginative designers and talented seamstresses. Fortunately the Shakespeare Gild has always benefited from talented people in both roles.
The long Shakespeare tradition in the Ardens is rich with players, back-stage folk, front-of- house staff, and fortunately, costumers. We are pleased to be able to share their history with the audiences at this years’ production.
Now--Hei thee forth to the play!
Authors of the Ardens
Storytellers, Historians, and Dreamers
Opened October 2015
Storytellers have long held a central place in the communities that nurture them. Whether they are recounting the brave history of their societies, spinning tales of fun and fantasy, or preserving the wisdom of their time, these tellers of tales are valued for their imagination and wisdom. Not surprisingly, the Ardens have long been home to many authors.
While the efforts of artists like painters, musicians, and actors are easily seen, writers tend to lead more isolated lives. We become aware of their work only once it has been published or presented on stage. We must seek out their books, articles, poems, and plays to enjoy their work. Fortunately, in the Ardens, we do not have to search very far to find these talented friends and neighbors.
During the research for this exhibition, the Museum & Archives Committee gathered the names of over 45 authors who have lived in the Ardens. Some of these are generally well known, such as Upton Sinclair and Helen and Scott Nearing; some are known within their fields, such as Mike Curtis on Single Tax and Linda Eaton on historic textiles. All are known for the originality and creativity they bring to their chosen subject.
In this exhibition, the visitor will find a wealth of knowledge on a wide assortment of topics. In addition to examples of their work, there is a short biography of each author and, when possible, a photograph. Fourteen authors are featured in individual vignettes. Selecting which books to feature is rather like choosing a favorite flavor of ice cream – like the different authors, they are all tempting. We have tried to show the diversity and depth the authors of the Ardens. Of course, there is always much more to learn, to explore, and to enjoy.
We hope this exhibition will whet your appetite to discover more about the authors you know and find fresh adventures with new writers and tellers of tales.
Storytellers, Historians, and Dreamers
Opened October 2015
Storytellers have long held a central place in the communities that nurture them. Whether they are recounting the brave history of their societies, spinning tales of fun and fantasy, or preserving the wisdom of their time, these tellers of tales are valued for their imagination and wisdom. Not surprisingly, the Ardens have long been home to many authors.
While the efforts of artists like painters, musicians, and actors are easily seen, writers tend to lead more isolated lives. We become aware of their work only once it has been published or presented on stage. We must seek out their books, articles, poems, and plays to enjoy their work. Fortunately, in the Ardens, we do not have to search very far to find these talented friends and neighbors.
During the research for this exhibition, the Museum & Archives Committee gathered the names of over 45 authors who have lived in the Ardens. Some of these are generally well known, such as Upton Sinclair and Helen and Scott Nearing; some are known within their fields, such as Mike Curtis on Single Tax and Linda Eaton on historic textiles. All are known for the originality and creativity they bring to their chosen subject.
In this exhibition, the visitor will find a wealth of knowledge on a wide assortment of topics. In addition to examples of their work, there is a short biography of each author and, when possible, a photograph. Fourteen authors are featured in individual vignettes. Selecting which books to feature is rather like choosing a favorite flavor of ice cream – like the different authors, they are all tempting. We have tried to show the diversity and depth the authors of the Ardens. Of course, there is always much more to learn, to explore, and to enjoy.
We hope this exhibition will whet your appetite to discover more about the authors you know and find fresh adventures with new writers and tellers of tales.
Additional Past Exhibitions at the Arden Craft Shop Museum
Other past exhibitions at the Arden Craft Shop Museum include:
Customary Suits of Solemn Black (June 2015)
The Craft Shop: A Place to Work, To Live, To Dream (October 2014 - October 2015)
An Ostentation of Peacocks, Or, What Are Those Men Wearing? (June 2014 - September 2014)
A Taste of Arden (April 2014 - May 2014)
Dressed to the Nines: The T-Shirts of the Arden Fair (October 2013 - October 2014)
Louise Roberts Christmas Cards (December 2013 - March 2014)
What's in a Costume? (June 2013 - September 2013)
Remembering Bernie (Spring 2013)
A Walking Tour of the Ardens (October 2012 - October 2014)
Modern Interpretation of a Classic: Shakespeare in the Ardens (Summer 2012)
Betty Solway Smith (Spring 2012)
Johanne Schroeder (Spring 2012)
Artisans and Athletes (Summer 2011)
Customary Suits of Solemn Black (June 2015)
The Craft Shop: A Place to Work, To Live, To Dream (October 2014 - October 2015)
An Ostentation of Peacocks, Or, What Are Those Men Wearing? (June 2014 - September 2014)
A Taste of Arden (April 2014 - May 2014)
Dressed to the Nines: The T-Shirts of the Arden Fair (October 2013 - October 2014)
Louise Roberts Christmas Cards (December 2013 - March 2014)
What's in a Costume? (June 2013 - September 2013)
Remembering Bernie (Spring 2013)
A Walking Tour of the Ardens (October 2012 - October 2014)
Modern Interpretation of a Classic: Shakespeare in the Ardens (Summer 2012)
Betty Solway Smith (Spring 2012)
Johanne Schroeder (Spring 2012)
Artisans and Athletes (Summer 2011)
