Celebrating the Arts and Culture in Delaware County

Wallingford, PA – The Delaware County Arts Consortium reminds area residents that they need look no further than their own back yard this holiday season if they want to find quality art and cultural activities for the whole family.

Few communities have the variety and abundance of creative experiences that we enjoy. From the nation’s first community theater to professional musical performances, ballet companies, distinctive galleries, natural beauty, history museums, special events and classes for people of all ages, Delaware County has it all!

According to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Delaware County is home to more than 200 arts and cultural organizations, which pump more than $39 million into the local economy and provide 1,200 jobs. In 2011, you could have attended more than 4,300 different events!
Below is a sample of events coming up this month and next. For details on these and many more events, check

Delaware County Arts Calendar

www.phillyfunguide.com/delawarecountyarts

Come out and discover the arts in Delaware County:

• The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) presents GIRL TALK: A Celebration of Women Playwrights, November 9-10 at 7:30 pm in Penn Wood High School’s charming proscenium 300-seat theatre, 100 Green Avenue, Lansdowne, PA. For more information: 610.745.4013 or http://celebrationtheater.com
• The Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford presents Picturing Poe: Illustrations for Edgar Allan Poe’s Stories and Poems on view through November 15. Édouard Manet, Gustave Doré, Paul Gauguin, James Ensor, Aubrey Beardsley, Arthur Rackham, Harry Clarke, Barry Moser and Robert Motherwell are among the more than two dozen artists featured in this exhibit, with work reflecting each artist’s own time and personal interpretation of Poe’s work. Coming up: A Brandywine Christmas, from November 23 – January 6. The museum celebrates the season with holiday displays including an extensive O-gauge model railroad, an elaborate Victorian dollhouse, and thousands of whimsical “critter” ornaments on holiday trees. For more information: (610)388-2700 or www.brandywinemuseum.org
• The Community Arts Center in Wallingford hosts its award-winning “Friday Night Live” on Friday November 16, featuring live music by Cormorant’s Fancy, plus the second annual CAC Art Bazaar. Admission is $10. CAC and The Potters Guild present the “Best Holiday Show EVER!” from December 1-8, opening daily at 10:00 a.m. The sale features unique, handmade, items from over 50 local and regional artisans. Free admission and ample free parking. For more information: call (610)566-1713 or visit www.communityartscenter.org
• The Delaware County Symphony presents the second of its Chamber Concert Series on Sunday November 18 at 3 p.m. in the Meagher Theatre of the Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. Life Center at Neumann University in Aston. This concert will feature two works – The Overture on Hebrew Themes by Sergei Prokofiev, and Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen. Both works are scored for unconventional ensembles. Tickets are $10, $8 for seniors/students (free for college students with ID), and free for children 12 and under with paying adult. Special group prices are available. The Symphony’s next full symphonic concert will be on Sunday December 2, entitled Russian Fairy Tale featuring  the beloved opera Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden) performed by Pacific Encore Performances Opera Company . For additional information: (610)879-7059 or www.dcsmusic.org
• The Chester Children’s Chorus performs Mozart’s Requiem on November 18 at the Lang Concert Hall at Swarthmore College. The choir, under the direction of John Alston, will perform the Requiem with the Swarthmore College Chorus and Orchestra. The Chorus also will be performing a special holiday concert on December 15 at St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church in Media. Admission is free to both events. For more information: (610)328-8286 or www.swarthmore.edu/Humanities/music/ccc
• The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts in Media Borough presents DR. DOLITTLE featuring Philadelphia actor Bill Vargus from November 20 – January 27. Part of the Theatre’s 2012-13 Broadway Series, Dr. Doolittle is a fun show for the entire family. The Philadelphia Zoo will have its ZOO ON WHEELS at Saturday afternoon matinees during the month of December! For more information: (610)891-0100 or www.mediatheatre.org
• Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, America’s first repertory theatre, presents Sherlock Holmes and the Crucifer of Blood, now through November 25. Then, December 7 – 24 will mark Hedgerow’s 20th annual presentation of the classic Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a Delaware Valley holiday tradition. Tickets $10 – $32 depending on performance time. For more information: (610)565-4211 or www.hedgerowtheatre.org
• Main Line Art Center in Haverford brings the work of 50 local artists to its gallery for its popular Holiday Fine Craft Sale, running Nov. 30-Dec. 9.  The sale features handmade, exceptional jewelry, beautiful and functional ceramics, stunning glass art, unique accessories, fine soaps and more.  Admission is free and parking is plentiful.  On Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 pm, the Art Center will host a free special event for ages 21+, Bubbles & Baubles, mixing shopping with some festive cocktails.  For more information: (610)525-0272 or www.mainlineart.org
• Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College will offer gorgeous greens, holiday accents, and long-lasting wreaths at the Holiday Greens Sale on Saturday, December 1 from 10 am to 2 pm. They will offer supplies to create your own artistic holiday decor. Admission is free. For more information: (610)328-8025 or www.scottarboretum.org
• Darlington Arts Center in Garnet Valley presents a Coffee House Concert Series. On Friday, December 7, enjoy soulful electro-acoustic singer Angela Sheik. Tickets are $15.  The series resumes with concerts in the spring. For more information: (610)358-3632 or www.darlingtonarts.org
• Media Arts Council hosts 2nd Saturday on December 8, 6 to 9 PM. Celebrate this festive season at the 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll along State Street where there will be live music on the street and beautiful art in various shops. The Main Stage Event is by ONE, a classic Indian fusion performance on sitar, guitar and tabla player.  For more information: www.mediaartscouncil.org
• International Ballet Classique under the Artistic Direction of Denis Gronostayskiy presents the holiday favorite “Nutcracker” Ballet December 14 – 16 at the Fred P. Meagher Theater at Neumann University in Aston. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $16.00 for students and seniors. For more information: (610)459-9221 or www.academyballetru.com
• Rose Tree Pops presents a winter concert on January 27 at 3PM in Marple Presbyterian Church.  It will feature Kristine Strecker, French Horn soloist in the first half and Memorable Movie Music 
after the intermission.  For more information: (610)642-1573 or www.rosetreepops.org
• The Tuscarora Lapidary Society offers exciting classes and workshops in gemstone cutting and jewelry making.  The winter schedule of classes beginning in January will be posted on the TLS website, www.lapidary.org, by the beginning of December.  The offerings will include cabochon cutting (rounded gemstones), chain maille, bead-stringing and off-loom bead-weaving, as well as wirewrap jewelry and mini gem-tree construction.

About the Delaware County Arts Consortium

Formed in 2010, the Delaware County Arts Consortium is an informal group of 16 arts and cultural organizations located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The DCAC exists to advance the economic vitality of the nonprofit arts community; promote the value of Delaware County’s cultural resources to the local community and beyond; exchange information; and share existing individual resources to better serve the community.