Biggs Museum of American Art

10/19/2026

What’s better than books, art, and tea on a Sunday? 📚 Our latest book club paired “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides with a mourning brooch containing human hair. That might sound spooky at first but hairwork, jewelry or artwork made from human hair, has been a feature of craftwork throughout history. Hairwork is often used for private worship or mourning.

From the Middle Ages through the early twentieth century, memorial hair jewelry remained common. Hair, considered to be a remnant of the person it was cut from, has also often played a part in myths and legends. The Victorians popularized hair jewelry, especially for mourning purposes and even to celebrate someone's achievements in life.

This mourning brooch was a curated pick to help us explore themes of grief, memory, secrecy, and loss. We found that literature and art can reveal different perspectives on the same emotional ideas.

Next month we’re exploring “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Join us on November 8 (2 – 4 PM) to chat with fellow readers, enjoy a tea party atmosphere, and see the paired artwork. Free!

10/17/2026

A spark of creativity: American Artist Quote of the Month

10/16/2026

Paint Dover! 2026 🎨🍂 Thank you to everyone who joined us alongside Downtown Dover Partnership to celebrate art, community, and history.

Paint Dover! Through the Years is on view through November 8 with favorite works from past years, new paintings created this summer, and now selected works from this year’s event. Plan your visit to experience Dover through the lens of an artist.

Reminder: The Museum will be closing early Saturday, October 17 at 12 PM for our annual fundraising event.

Current Exhibitions:
Paint Dover! Through the Years through November 8, 2026
CreatiVeterans through November 1, 2026
Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years of Delaware History through January 3, 2027
Before Words: The Art of Peter Paone through April 25, 2027

10/15/2026

CAPTION THIS 🎃 🖼️ Entertain us for a feature! Peter Paone described his work as the reverse of illustration, artworks “waiting for a story to be written about them.”

We want to hear from you! Observe the character, setting, details, and weird possibilities within this scene. Where does the image take you? Participate in two ways:

Caption This: Give the artwork a short, clever, funny, mysterious, or unexpected caption for a chance to be featured on our page.

Tell the Story: Take the idea further with a short story, scene, poem, dialogue, etc., for a chance to be featured on our blog.

👇 Comment below or click the link to submit your response & learn more.
https://bit.ly/PaoneStorytellers

Check back next month for the results and the next character prompt. Feel free to submit all seven at your own pace.

Please click the link to complete this form.

10/15/2026

Early closure Oct. 17! The Biggs Museum of American Art will close at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, for our annual fundraiser, Cirque du Surreal ✨🎪. We look forward to seeing you during our regular hours, which resume on Sunday.

If you’re a Cirque du Surreal attendee, here are a few reminders:

• The event runs from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
• The dress code is evening wear. We encourage guests to embrace the surreal theme by dressing in whimsical and creative styles.
• The main event will take place outside on the grass, so plan to wear practical footwear.
• The forecast for this Saturday evening is projecting temperatures under 50 degrees F. There will be a coat check when you arrive.
• Parking will be available in the lots next to and behind the Museum. There is free parking around The Green, Legislative Mall, and Loockerman Street. There is also paid parking in the lot on W. North Street.

Thank you for supporting The Biggs and helping us serve our communities through arts and culture!

10/14/2026

Craving 2010s nostalgia? Hopecore? Escapism? Listen up! The best day of your life is happening on October 22. Catch Zac Barnett, the lead singer of the multi-platinum rock band American Authors and the voice behind the famous hit “Best Day of My Life,” in Dover at the Schwartz Center for the Arts.

Enjoy a LIVE performance and exclusive pre-show talk as Zac takes the stage to share his story and wisdom from his career as a singer and songwriter. The 2013 upbeat song you know carries a life-changing message. Save your seat and let its lyrics transform your life as Zac explains the deeper meaning with memories, humor, and music! If you missed out on Oceans Calling, need radical positivity, or simply a night with good vibes, this is for you.

Enjoy a budget friendly night in an intimate venue. Free for students and kids. DSU Alumni and Museum Members enjoy 20% off.

Tickets are on sale now. Don’t miss out. The best days of your life are waiting ☀️
🔗 https://bit.ly/zacbarnett-americanauthors

Presented by The Biggs & Delaware State University.

Image courtesy of the artist. Photo credits: Emme Hardy.

10/10/2026

What a wonderful gathering to honor art and life 💚 Thank you to everyone who joined us Thursday night to celebrate the opening of “Before Words: The Art of Peter Paone.” The night was filled with awe and wonder as communities gathered to experience a phenomenal collection of works by Peter Paone; many pieces were displayed, viewed, and enjoyed for the first time. We were honored to be joined by Paone’s wife, Alma Alabilikian, in welcoming the beginning of a beautiful showcase of unique works. Additional thanks to Carlos Erazo for a fantastic musical performance for our reception guests.

On view through April 25, 2027.

10/08/2026

HORNETS TAP IN 🔥🩵💚 Go Deep, Give Back: A Homecoming Conversation with DeSean Jackson
Biggs Museum of American Art x Delaware State University

Delaware State University | DeSean Jackson |
| Byron Jackson | Loren LoRosa | Brown Girl Grinding | SportsRhythms

📷: Michael Nicholls-Pierce

📍 Schwartz Center for the Arts

10/08/2026

Expect the unexpected 🎈There’s a lot to see, do, and experience at tonight’s opening of “Before Words: The Art of Peter Paone.” Here’s what you CAN expect:

The reception starts at 5:30 PM. Open to members-only; sign up for a free membership level (or higher) in person or online to enjoy.

Live music will be performed by Carlos Erazo on the first floor. Light refreshments will be provided. Remember, no food or drinks are allowed in the galleries.

Over a hundred works with many themes are displayed. Explore at your own pace, but be mindful of other viewers. Unfamiliar with the artist? In-gallery text is a great learning resource.

Remember this, Peter Paone described these works as “waiting for a story to be written about them.” As you walk through the galleries, be sure to wonder, imagine, and create a world of tales. A fun chance to share your stories will be available.

More than a first look, honor the legacy of Peter Paone amongst the community. This exhibition is presented in collaboration with the artist before his passing in May 2026.

Don’t fret about digesting all the art. Each visit will be a new experience as you notice new details, make new connections, and think of a new story waiting to be told. This show is up through April 25, 2027, giving you time to visit again and again. (Trust us, you’ll want to!)

Learn more thebiggsmuseum.org/biggs-museum-event/?EventId=a23V400000LGSvVIAX
Untitled (2024) by Peter Paone. Courtesy of the artist's estate.

10/07/2026

sneak peek 🖼️🔨 Check out our art preparator, Kassandra Florez and curatorial intern Laura Shidle, behind the scenes installing “Before Words: The Art of Peter Paone.” This exhibition will leave you searching for words! Get your first look tomorrow, Oct. 8, at opening night.

Members-only; sign up for a free membership level (or higher) in person or online (recommended).

The opening reception starts at 5:30 and lasts until 7:30 PM. Free admission.
Full details online. 🔗 thebiggsmuseum.org/biggs-museum-event/?EventId=a23V400000LGSvVIAX