November 26th, 2011
A Builder Blacksmith, A Woodturner, A Painter, Touring The Artists Studios, Roxana, Dagsboro, Southeastern Sussex County…and a beautiful day to boot
Rehoboth Beach
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who work with his hand and his mind is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.” st. thomas aquina
The Delmarva Peninsula surprised us with a gorgeous Black Friday. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love to spend it in Delaware, my home. Black Friday brought lots of shoppers to the tax free shopping we offer in the State.
Rehoboth was very crowded. The weather? 68 degrees!! No parking to be found. My car was heading south on Rt. 1 to the town of Bethany Beach and then heading west for a few miles to start my own little tour of the 17th Annual Southeastern Artists Studio Tour.
Following are the 3 artists that I visited on Friday; all very different and all pursuing their passion.
Keith Toms is a Builder Blacksmith, originally from England, he makes Sussex County his home. He is located at 35160 Roxana Rd., Frankford, DE. Tel. 302-519-3731 E-mail? keithtoms@verizon.net.
Even though the address says Frankford, I really call that area Roxana. To get to it from Rt. 26 in Millville, take Rt. 17 to Roxana, go through the traffic light which is the junction of Rt. 17 and Rt. 20 and you will find his studio about 100 yards on the right. It is a garage next to a white house.
“The ability to directly shape metal has held my fascination since 1993, using the energy and rhythm of hammer and anvil, hot metal is transformed into subtle forms and curves that are inspired by both nature and industry. The techniques I use are much the same as they were hundreds of years ago, with a few modern twists that allow more contemporary design.”
Sunflowers are a specialty of his. You can see it in a lot of his work. He really can build anything. You can go through his portfolio and see some of his work.
I was looking at a piece to hang pots. It was huge. You would need a large kitchen. Keith told me that some of the bigger pieces do not take as long as the smaller ones. The smaller ones can take up to 50 hours for just one piece.
Keith is at his studio practically every afternoon. You can call him or e-mail him at keithtoms@verizon.net.
To be able to transform metal into such art was beautiful to see.
The next artist on my list was Tom Frey. He is a woodturner located at 30424 Marina Rd., Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-732-6172. E-mail? tefpwf62@gmail.com. His studio hours are by appointment.
It is a little tricky to get there but just follow these directions and you will find it. Go west on Rt. 26. This becomes Rt. 26/20 in Dagsboro. Turn right at the stoplight to go into Dagsboro. Go through the stoplight in the center of the town (now Rt. 20) and turn right onto Piney Neck Rd. Go approx. 3 miles, take a right on Marina Rd. and his house is 3rd on the right. Got it?
“Tom has pursued a specialty of thin-walled, natural edge turnings using mostly local woods that are stressed by nature. A soft matte finish has become a second hallmark of Tom’s work. In 2009, Tom achieved Master designation in the Delaware By Hand organization.”
We were received with big smiles from Tom and Pat, his wife. She had hot cider, cheese balls, made by her and crackers. Delicious. I was hoping my kids would not eat the whole thing.
I am in awe of his work. It is so delicate using the most unique pieces of wood. He told me he has plenty of wood to work with. He does get mesquite from a friend and supplier in Texas. Mesquite is now being used for hardwood flooring.
His minis were so cute and he told me they were so easy to make. So, here he is at work.
His works of art are, definitely, conversation pieces. They are perfect for the person that has it all. Here are some more pictures.
Thanks Pat and Tom. You were so gracious receiving us all into your home.
The next artist is a self made painter; Damon Pla. If you were in Rehoboth Beach for the Independent Film Festival you probably saw his work. Every year artists submit their work, hoping to be chosen for what best describes the theme of the Festival. He won!!
I stopped by his Damon Pla Fine Arts Studio located at 119 South Newport Way, Dagsboro, DE 19939. From Rt. 1 go west on Rt. 26, turn right onto White’s Neck Rd. (Millville Pet Shop on corner). Travel 1.6 miles. Turn slight right into Bethany Forest. Take 1st left onto South Newport Way. House is at the end of the street facing you.
“Through ambience, composition, movement and light, creating art will always be an instrument for me to interpret my perception of our surroundings. To quietly converse with the viewer through my work, provoking thought and meditation, is my passion.”
His studio was comfortably crowded, people asking him questions. I met his Mom, who was visiting from Ft. Lauderdale. Damon is originally from Florida; home is here now. His wife was there to help out, as well.
His paintings were amazing capturing the essence of his subjects. You can contact Damon by calling him at 302-541-6057 (studio), 302-841-3790 (cell), or visit his website, www.DamonPla.com. Just like everyone else, he is on Facebook; facebook.com/damonpla.
He offers original paintings, limited editions, commissions, trompe l’oeil/murals.
It was great meeting you and your family, Damon.
Some were hungry, so, to finish a really nice day off to Nicola Pizza on Rehoboth Avenue we went. I told you at the beginning that Rehoboth Beach was so crowded; like any summer day. Finally, we found parking.
As usual, Nicola Pizza, hit the spot.
A walk through the Boardwalk and looking out to sea in such a clear and warm day, we were able to see Cape May, New Jersey.
Note: Some of the Artists will be open on Sunday November 27th from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Please check www.artstudiotour.com.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
Tags: art studios, Artists Studio Tour, blacksmith, Builder Blacksmith, Damon Pla, Damon Pla Fine Arts, Delaware Beaches, Events, Keith Toms, rehoboth beach, Shopping, Southeastern Delaware, Things to do at the beach, Tom Frey, Woodturner
Thanks for all the wonderful updates to things going on in our area !