Edward Loper Jr. receptions at Chris White Gallery, 5-9pm, Fridays,  July 7 and 14.

Here are three chances to see “Wilmington and Beyond”, the work of Ed Loper Jr. and two other artists. Click here for details of this exhibition on display at the other end of the block from SsAM.

Our Church, Chris White, and Shipley Lofts

In a moment of far-sighted inspiration, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew purchased the property at the other end of the block. For decades, the 5-story brick building was a wreck. Glass was gone from the windows and the HVAC units on the roof had fallen to the basement. Trees were growing out of the building over the street.

Finally, a successful effort was led by Chris White, at the time our senior warden as well as an attorney for the Legal Aide Society of Wilmington. Others in our church lent their resources to the renovation, as did the City of Wilmington, the State of Delaware, and the federal government of the United States. The resulting non-profit organization manages 23 studio apartments, most of which are affordably priced. Artists are given priority leasing.

In the building is a two-level contemporary art gallery which celebrates the arts.

Tragically, Chris White was killed on the sidewalk outside the gallery just before the building was to open. The gallery and the non-profit organization is named for him.

Our church still owns the property on which the building stands and at least three members of our church are board members of the Chris White Community Development Corporation, the 501(c)(3) corporation which governs the building and gallery. As of July, 2022, the three members of our church serving on the board were Sharon Leyhow, Geoff Sawyer, and Danny Schweers. Please contact them with questions or if you feel called to join in this community ministry.

Learn more about the Chris White Community Development Corporation and Shipley Lofts.