Lewes drawbridge mosaic work continues

Even though much activity in Sussex County has come to a halt because of the spread of COVID-19, work on the mosaic mural destined for the Lewes drawbridge this fall has continued – safely, of course – in a small way.

Although more than 50 Lewes in Bloom members volunteered to help with the project earlier this spring, fundraising and activity had to be halted for everyone’s safety. Since then, however, artist and mural designer Lorelei Meanor has worked solo on the panels in her studio. She has been aided by Art in Bloom Co-chair Sue Sandmeyer and volunteer Linda Rancourt, who continue to do grout and tile work on the panels safely in their own garages.

All three are members of Art in Bloom, a committee of Lewes in Bloom, which is sponsoring the artwork and raising funds to pay for materials.

When these panels are completed, the first 50 feet of the 100-foot mural will be finished. Sandmeyer, mural project director, said, “There is so much enthusiasm within the community that we didn’t feel we should stop working on the panels as long as we abided by the city and state’s guidelines for social distancing.”

Ed Zygmonski, Art in Bloom co-chair and treasurer, and a project fundraiser, said, “We raised almost half of our goal before the closures were instituted and have continued to receive donations during this period. The support for this project – both in terms of volunteers and donors – has been phenomenal.”

Sandmeyer said, “When it is safe to bring volunteers together again, work will resume on the final 50 feet of the mural.” She still anticipates a fall installation.

Donations for the Lewes Drawbridge Mosaic Mural are still being gratefully accepted and can be made by sending a check to Art in Bloom, P.O. Box 61, Lewes, DE 19958. To donate online, go to www.lewesinbloom.org/art-in-bloom-donations/.