The art exhibit runs from February 25 to March 21. (Photos courtesy of the Delaware Division of the Arts)

The First State’s employees are getting their time to shine their artistic juices.

The Delaware Division of the Arts is celebrating the creative talents of state employees and their families with the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, now open to the public at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University.

The free exhibition, running through March 21, 2025, highlights the diverse artwork of over 200 participants, with pieces created by state employees and their immediate family members.

The exhibition features a wide range of artistic categories, including Adult (Amateur, Intermediate, and Professional), Teen, and Youth.

A variety of cash prizes, ranging from $50 to $400, will be awarded to the best works in each category, along with a Best of Show and a People’s Choice Award.

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Governor Matt Meyer praised the event, emphasizing the importance of creativity in the workplace.

“Creativity is at the heart of innovation, and Delaware state employees embody that every day—whether through problem-solving, collaboration, or finding new ways to serve the people of Delaware,” Meyer said. “This exhibition reminds us that the arts are woven into the fabric of who we are, and the ingenuity that drives artistic expression also fuels our innovative work across state government.”

The event is not only a celebration of artistic achievement but also underscores the value of creative expression in professional settings.

Research has shown that engaging in the arts enhances problem-solving skills, boosts morale, and promotes innovation—qualities that are vital in the workplace.

“Art is an integral part of our daily lives,” said Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball said. “It inspires, connects, and enriches our communities, often in ways we may not even realize.”

The exhibition will be on display at the Arts Center/Gallery, with varying hours throughout the week. A special awards ceremony and celebration event will take place on Sunday, March 9, from 12 to 4 p.m., where visitors can view the artwork, meet the winners, and enjoy refreshments, activities, and giveaways.

The exhibition is sponsored by the National Arts Program, in cooperation with the State of Delaware and the Delaware Division of the Arts. It offers a unique opportunity for artists of all skill levels to showcase their work and compete for prizes. All submitted pieces must be original works created by current state employees or their immediate family members, with all artworks completed within the past three years.

Art exhibition hours

• Monday: Closed to the public
• Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturdays, March 1 and March 8: 12 – 4 p.m.
• Sunday, March 9: 12 – 4 p.m.

Click here to view the virtual gallery.

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.

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