Citizen Artist Exhibition Opens at Delaware Art Museum

As the nation prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, a powerful new exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum invites visitors to reflect on the role artists play in shaping our shared story. Now on view through July 19, Citizen Artist is a sweeping, thought-provoking exhibition that places artists at the center of the American experience, past, present, and future. 

Described by its curators as “a love letter to artists,” the exhibition celebrates creative labor, public service, and the enduring impact of art on communities across the country.

A Love Letter to Artists  

At its core, Citizen Artist explores the vital role artists play not only as creators, but as historians, storytellers, and changemakers. Featuring more than 200 works by over 110 artists, the exhibition highlights how artists have long contributed to the public good, often in ways that go unseen.   

Rather than focusing on art as an individual pursuit, Citizen Artist emphasizes collaboration, community, and the powerful connection between artists and the people they serve. 

Art in Service of Society 

The exhibition is anchored in two defining moments in American history: the New Deal programs of the 1930s and 1940s and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) initiatives of the 1970s. During both eras, artists were recognized as essential workers, hired to document everyday life, create public works, and expand access to the arts. These programs provided not only employment but also helped shape the cultural identity of the nation.  

From murals and photography to theater, music, and community-based projects, the work created during these periods continues to influence how we understand American life today. 

A Dynamic Exhibition Experience 

Citizen Artist unfolds across two visually distinct sections, guiding visitors through these eras with color-coded galleries and a wide range of media. Paintings, prints, photographs, puppetry, archival materials, and ephemera come together to tell a layered and compelling story. Multimedia elements, including the Bloomberg Connects app, offer deeper insight through commentary from artists, curators, and scholars, while music and historical imagery bring the exhibition to life in unexpected ways. 

Delaware’s Role in a National Story 

One of the most compelling aspects of Citizen Artist is its focus on Delaware’s contributions to these national movements. The exhibition highlights how federally funded programs helped shape the state’s cultural landscape, supporting artists, expanding access to the arts, and strengthening community connections. 

Organizations across Delaware, including Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and Hagley Museum and Library, benefited from these initiatives, while the Delaware Art Museum itself grew through early acquisitions tied to New Deal programs. 

A Contemporary Call to Action 

Building on this legacy, the exhibition also looks to the present through the Citizen Photographer initiative, featuring 24 images by Delaware residents responding to the question: What does it mean to be a Delawarean at America’s 250th anniversary?   

Developed in collaboration with community partners, the project invites participants, and visitors, to reflect on identity, place, and the role of art in shaping public understanding. 

Why It Matters Now 

As the country approaches this historic milestone, Citizen Artist offers a timely reminder: investing in artists is an investment in society. Through their work, artists help us interpret the past, understand the present, and imagine the future. 

Experience Art That Tells America’s Story 

Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply exploring things to do in Wilmington, Citizen Artist offers a meaningful and memorable experience. Step inside, take your time, and discover how artists, past and present, continue to shape the story of a nation.