Art is alive and thriving in Delaware’s coastal towns—and one beloved group of artists has a brand-new home.
The Cape Artists’ Gallery in Lewes has relocated from its quaint but cozy space on 3rd Street to a much larger venue at 107 W. Market Street, formerly home to Stepping Stone. Now renamed the Lewes Art Gallery, the new location sits closer to the canal near Front Street and offers roughly three times the space of the previous 126-year-old building, which is currently being sold. The expanded gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors even more room to explore a diverse collection of local artwork.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the Abraxas Studio of Art on 2nd Street—Lewes’ bustling main strip filled with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Unlike the cooperative model of the Lewes Art Gallery, which showcases work from more than 30 artists, Abraxas Studio is the vision of a single artist: Abraxas Hudson. A talent who sold his first painting at just 14, Hudson creates striking seascapes, landscapes, still lifes, and portraits using oil and graphite. His work reflects a deep appreciation for light and color, bringing each piece to life with a sense of reverence and emotion.
Hudson’s art has found collectors around the world, and he also shares his expertise by offering lessons in sketching and oil painting. An avid traveler, his portfolio often features scenes far beyond the local coastline. His studio is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Another cornerstone of Lewes’ vibrant art scene is the Peninsula Gallery, located on Savannah Road just east of the canal. Home to around 30 resident artists, the gallery showcases an impressive range of styles and mediums. Since its modest beginnings in 1996, Peninsula has grown into one of Delaware’s largest galleries dedicated exclusively to original fine art, now boasting 3,000 square feet of display and custom framing space.
Peninsula Gallery hosts monthly themed exhibitions that highlight groups of artists connected by a shared concept. Each new show is celebrated with an artist reception, offering visitors a chance to meet the creators and experience the work in a lively, welcoming setting. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Looking ahead, Rehoboth Beach is gearing up for its outdoor art season. The Rehoboth Beach Arts Festival kicks things off on Saturday, May 16, at Grove Park near the circle. Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival will feature 34 artists presenting works in painting, ceramics, woodworking, stained glass, and jewelry. This event is a collaborative effort between the Rehoboth Art League and the city of Rehoboth Beach.
The Rehoboth Art League also hosts its renowned 53rd Annual Outdoor Fine Art and Fine Craft Show across two weekends—August 1–2 and August 8–9. This large-scale event draws artists from across the East Coast and beyond, offering not just art but also food, music, and live demonstrations. Later in the year, the League’s 42nd Annual Holiday Fair Fine Craft Show will take place on November 7–8.
In addition to these major events, the Rehoboth Art League regularly hosts exhibition openings, typically held on Friday evenings. These receptions feature light fare, drinks for purchase, and a chance to engage with artists and fellow art lovers. With the exception of the Arts Festival, all League events are held at its campus in Henlopen Acres.
This overview only scratches the surface of Coastal Delaware’s rich and ever-growing art scene—but it’s a great place to start exploring.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
Skip to content