Jeanette Slocomb Edwards (1890-1989), Brandywine Park, Oil on canvas, 28 x 32 in. (71.1 x 81.3 cm), Gift of Elisabeth S. and Richard E. Poole, 2014.1.15.
What does 250 years of Delaware history look like through the eyes of our neighbors? To answer, we invited 25 diverse voices from across our state to serve as community curators. Each selected one piece from our collection, making Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History an exhibition curated entirely by our local community. Each post in this series features one object and the personal story of why it was chosen to represent our region’s history or felt particularly relevant to our contemporary moment.
Meet the Community Curator
Aubrey Plaza
Actress, Comedian, Producer, & Writer
Aubrey Plaza is an American actress, comedian, producer, and writer known for her distinctive deadpan comedic style. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware where in her youth she took part in community theater, acting, performing improv, and directing one-act plays. Plaza took improv classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City and studied film and television production at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2006. Plaza is widely recognized for her roles in Parks and Recreation, Legion, The White Lotus, The To-Do List, Life After Beth, Ingrid Goes West, and Emily the Criminal.
Curator Reflection
The Brandywine River, depicted in this painting of Brandywine Park by Jeannette Slocomb Edwards, captures the beauty and mystery of Delaware. The railway bridge peeking through the trees, a nod to the bustling city minutes away and the trees bending into the river bank. I know this spot.
One of my most vivid childhood memories was riding my bike with my cousins from North Franklin Street, braving the bumpy ride down Monkey Hill and the swirling dirt paths to the river. There was a rope swing on one of these trees. I swear it’s the same one depicted here. It was perfect for our swing. Playing in the river was exhilarating. So many stories of adventures gone wrong and imagining what could have happened on those rocks. It fed my imagination and still does. It was like a scene from an old movie but we were in Delaware in the mid 90’s. I realize now, how lucky I am to have grown up in a place as timeless as Wilmington.
The mystery and rich history of the Brandywine River represent the magic of Delaware. To most people I meet, Delaware is an enigma. What happens there? What is it like? I like to keep it a secret…
About the Artist
Born in Wilmington, Edwards trained at the Clawson S. Hammitt School of Art before moving with her husband to New York. Finding herself unable to paint in their apartment, she began to write and published her first book of poetry—Songs Against the Dark—in 1936. She earned a degree in lyric poetry from Columbia University before moving back to Delaware. There, she began painting again, studying with artists including John McCoy and Edward Grant. She became a charter member of the Studio Group, an organization founded by women artists in Wilmington. She continued to write as well and founded the First State Writers group and the Wilmington Poetry Society. In 1950, she was appointed Poet Laureate for the state of Delaware.
Engage Beyond the Artwork
In what ways does this painted landscape serve as a repository for personal and collective histories?
About the Exhibition
On view until January 3 – Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History is an exhibition curated entirely by Delaware community members reflecting on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Visit and explore all 25 objects, community reflections, and the opportunity to add your own reflection.