Gregg Silvis at the Mezzanine Gallery

15,000 Dowels

On view May 3-31, 2024

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents Gregg Silvis’ exhibition, “15,000 Dowels,” on view from May 3-31, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, May 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The title of the exhibition comes from the essential material in this body of work. Dowels are pegs of wood or metal or plastic without a distinct head, used for holding together components of a structure.

Over the course of several years of artistic endeavors, Silvis became enamored of dowels, both wood and metal. Each of the pieces on display in the Mezzanine Gallery incorporates dowels, either as a support mechanism for pieces of stained glass or gilded wooden tiles, or as the artistic element itself. A craftsman’s approach is evident in his work – sharp edges, polished surfaces, precise controlled structures.

Silvis explains the work, “I think of the current state of my work in terms of the phrase “organic precision.” I come from a very long line of farmers on one side of the family and a long line of craftsmen on the other side. I have always been fascinated by nature as well as the fabrication process, with a dash of perfectionism thrown in for good measure.”

Silvis, a 2019 Emerging Fellow in Visual Arts: Sculpture from the Delaware Division of the Arts, has come to his visual arts practice via a peripatetic route “with several twists and turns along the way,” including substantial affiliations with academic institutions. Most recently Silvis retired from a 30-year career as an academic librarian.

However, it was his first career as a classically trained musician that he says influences his artistic sensibilities. Silvis earned graduate and undergraduate degrees in music and performance in Ohio. Then, after college he worked extensively as a professional musician playing the challenging instrument of French horn in several symphony orchestras.

Silvis has been exhibiting his artwork since 2017. In the past three years, Silvis’s work has been selected for several national juried exhibitions. Silvis lives in Newark, Delaware.

The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Images in the banner: “Autumn (detail)” (2023), Dowels, gold, silver, & copper leaf, wood panel, 30” x 60” x 4”

Mezzanine Gallery Application

The Mezzanine Gallery, located in the Carvel State Office Building in Wilmington, features one-person exhibitions of Delaware artists in disciplines including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, folk, and media arts.

To be considered for an exhibition, artists may submit a Mezzanine Gallery Application before the annual deadline of March 15.

Individual Artist Fellowship Application

Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellowships recognize artists for their outstanding quality of work and provide monetary awards. Individual Artist Fellows are publicly acknowledged and benefit from the additional exposure to their work. Visual artists who receive Individual Artist Fellowships are also given the opportunity to exhibit in the Mezzanine Gallery.

To be considered for a Fellowship, artists may submit an Individual Artist Fellowship Application before the annual deadline of August 1.

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Visit the Gallery

Hours

Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Photo ID required after 4:30 p.m.

Parking 

On-street and garage parking available

Admission

Free and open to the public.

About the Gallery

The Mezzanine Gallery presents solo exhibitions of work by Delaware artists in disciplines including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, folk, and media arts.

This opportunity is available to Delaware’s emerging and established visual artists who have won Individual Artist Fellowships, or have been chosen by the Division’s annual Gallery Panel.

Opening Reception

Held the first Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m. Dates are subject to change.

Don James

June 7-28, 2024
Opening Reception: June 7 from 5:00pm-7:00pm

Victor Hart

July 5-26, 2024
Opening Reception: July 5 from 5:00pm-7:00pm

Shakira Hunt*

August 2-30, 2024
Opening Reception: August 2 from 5:00pm-7:00pm