Description
The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present Community, a solo exhibition of new work by Tanya Bracey, on view March 6–27, 2026. An opening reception will be held Friday, March 6, 5:00–7:00 p.m., in the Mezzanine Gallery, located in the Carvel State Office Building at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.
In Community, Bracey’s figurative paintings explore “people capacity” – the strength, grace, and innate potential that emerges when individuals come together to support one another and create change. Each work is titled for a real or historical role in society, reflecting the many ways communities are shaped through the contributions of people who uplift others.
Bracey describes the series as an invitation to see ourselves, and each other, more clearly. “My artwork is a reflection of the people, their culture, and what matters to me,” she writes. “My work allows the viewer to step into the character and arrive at the new view of seeing themselves.” Throughout the exhibition, Bracey’s interest in mental and spiritual wellness underscores the belief that art can spark self-awareness, build empathy, and reveal how our paths connect.
Tanya Bracey’s path to the studio began with the simple joy of watching her father draw – an early spark that grew into a lifelong practice. After rediscovering her artistic drive in the 1990s, she pursued formal training at the Delaware College of Art and Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She describes her style as “classical realism with a Fauvist kick,” blending traditional technique with bold, expressive color.
Bracey’s figure-centered work has reached audiences through exhibitions and community-based arts spaces, shaped by a multifaceted background that includes teaching art to at-risk youth and a career in healthcare.
The Mezzanine Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission is free.