Rehoboth Art League to open satellite site in Lewes

The Rehoboth Art League, a fixture in Henlopen Acres for the last 76 years, will continue its traditional uses at its historic properties in town and expand by opening a new facility – with artist space, classrooms and a gallery – off U.S. 9 near Lewes.

The plans were announced Thursday evening at the league's Henlopen Acres site. Every resident in the small, upscale town, was invited to an event that appears to reflect improving relations between the league and its neighbors.

League officials used the event as an opportunity to share their master plan with town residents and to announce their expansion plans.

"The new satellite location is well-served by public transportation and spacious enough for extensive and innovative arts programming that cannot be feasibly accommodated at the Henlopen Acres location," said Sheila Bravo, the art league executive director. "The space is designed to support artists in several ways including more studio space for working together, individual artist work spaces, a media arts studio and galleries for exhibitions."

The announcement comes after months of meetings between league and Henlopen Acres officials and town residents.

The league was founded by Louise C. Corkran, wife of Henlopen Acres developer Col. Wilbur S. Corkran, and predates most of the homes in town. Butany current residents objected to traffic from league classes and activities and the influx of strangers.

In late June, the long standing impasse between the league and the town seemed to end. Over the last several months, league and town residents have met 11 times to discuss concerns from both sides and how they could be resolved.

At the core of the dispute is the zoning status of the league property, now considered a nonconforming use. State officials would like to see it designated with a special classification such as a cultural zone to give both the league and town residents certainty over what can be done on the site.

"We've been working on it," said Henlopen Acres Planning Commission President John Scheurer. "We've had all these meetings and discussions."

Scheurer said he believes Thursday's announcement shows "some progress has been made."

State Planner Constance Holland, who has tried over the last several years to work with both sides towards a resolution, said she, too, was pleased with the league's announcement.

"This is good news and I hope it's helpful," she said.

The Master Campus Plan, announced Thursday, would preserve and sustain the historic campus in Henlopen Acres. The plan is a first step toward historic preservation designation for the property.

The Corkran's old home, The Homestead and adjacent stables, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places but league officials would like to pursue listing of other buildings on the grounds, as well.

The satellite site – to be located at The Vineyards development on U.S. 9 just off Del. 1 – will allow for expansion and new offerings.

Bravo said that over the months of meetings with town residents, she was encouraged that people in the community treasure the arts organization. She said sitting down with residents also allowed everyone to share their concerns.

"We've had a busy summer of frank and productive conversations with our neighbors in the Town of Henlopen Acres," said Art League Board President Diana Beebe. "We want them to know that we are listening. We have developed creative solutions to respond to their concerns while continuing our mission to encourage and preserve the arts in the region."

Contact Molly Murray at 463-3334 or mollymurray@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter@MollyMurraytnj