What To Do: Remembering the art of Weymouth

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times

“Frolic” did more than just frolic and lead the carriage parade each year at Winterthur’s Point-to-Point event.

In addition to his roles as founder and board chairman of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, a philanthropist, and a land and cultural conservationist, George A. “Frolic” Weymouth (1936-2016) was a highly-talented artist.

The Brandywine River Museum (Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org) is presenting a special exhibition “The Way Back: The Paintings of George A. Weymouth” that will open this weekend and run through June 3.

This landmark exhibition of approximately 65 of Weymouth’s best works of art in all media will reveal the breadth of his visual investigations.  From the loose energetic style and monochromatic palette of Weymouth’s early oils in the 1950s, the mature artist, mentored by his close friend Andrew Wyeth, used the mediums of watercolor and egg tempera to create haunting, hushed landscapes and powerful portraits. 

The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue co-published by the Brandywine River Museum of Art and Rizzoli/Skira. The catalogue features an introduction by Joseph Rishel, preeminent scholar and distinguished former curator of European Paintings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art who also selected the works in the exhibition, and a major essay by Annette Blaugrund, noted art historian and former director of the National Academy of Design.  Rishel’s essay celebrates his long-time friendship with Weymouth, highlighting the artist’s larger-than-life personality and his many remarkable achievements as an artist, philanthropist and leader in conservation.  Blaugrund provides insight into Weymouth’s connection to the Brandywine tradition and contribution of his own artistic vision.   

The Way Back: The Paintings of George A. Weymouth is part of an ongoing series of exhibitions organized by the Brandywine River Museum of Art highlighting artists who have worked in the Brandywine Valley. 

It might be cold outside this weekend but there will be plenty of heat generated inside at the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com).  On January 27 and 28, the winery is hosting the annual “Chaddsford Winery Chili” featuring sampling chili recipes from local caterers paired alongside flavorful Chaddsford wines.

The “Chili Participants and Wine Pairings” are varied and extremely taste-tempting.

Mama Mia Italian Fusion will offer Steak & Ale Chili paired with Chaddsford Red while Plum Bistro and Catering is going with Chipotle Chili paired with Sangria. The Chilin Food Cart will have Meat & Sausage Chili paired with Proprietors Reserve Red and The Meathouse is serving House Beef Chili paired with Harbinger.

On Saturday and Sunday, additional food items will be available for purchase from a pair of mobile vendors — The Plum Pit Food truck and Mama Mia Italian Fusion.

There is no cost to attend.  One chili-and-wine sample from each participant is complimentary for guests 21 and older while supplies last, and then all additional wine and food purchases are pay-as-you-go.

Every Friday and Saturday in January, the Chaddsford Winery will present “Wild West Murder Mystery Nights” from 6:30-9 p.m. each night.

Here is the scenario.

The year’s 1880, and there’s an effort underway to resurrect the once-booming Chaddsford Saloon.  A series of murders from a decade back sent the town of Chadds Ford into disrepair, but a certain cowboy reckons the time has finally come to get the town back on its feet.

Guests are invited to head on down to the “Grand Reopenin’” to see what all the fuss is about. The event is billed as “sure to be a gun-slingin’ good time.”

Along with an exciting evening of mystery and suspense, visitors can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an array of Chaddsford Winery wines.

The “Menu and Pairing Lineup” features Texan Picnic Charcuterie Board with Proprietors Reserve White and Barrel Select Chardonnay, Mushroom Tart with Artisan Series Traminette and Chaddsford White, Steak & Ale Chili with Corn Bread with Artisan Series Fusion Chaddsford Red, Rigatoni in a Spicy Sherry Cream Sauce with Sunset Blush  Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork Sliders with Horseradish Slaw with Proprietors Reserve Red and Sangria, Pecan Pie Tart and Banana Cream Parfait with Spiced Apple wine and Coffee.

Tickets are $60 and reservations are required.

The “Wine, Cheese & Honey Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http://www.pennswoodsevents.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.

Penns Woods Winery is joining forces with local cheese makers and local honey artisans to present exclusive pairings of wine, cheese and honey. The tastings will feature five premium Penns Woods wines, each paired with various cheeses and honey from local farms.

The mouth-watering tastings will be held every weekend in January from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. As an added attraction, live music will be featured on January 27 from 2-5 p.m.

Tickets cost $28 per person in advance and reservations are required. Cancellations must be made within 72 hours or ticket holders will be charged the full amount of the tasting. Reservations are made and kept on the hour.

The Philadelphia International Auto Show has something for everyone whether you’re a big-time automobile fan, someone considering buying a new auto or just a person with a casual interest in today’s cars. The 2018 edition of the popular show opens on January 27 and runs through February 4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, 610 279-5229, www.phillyautoshow.com).

The Philly Auto Show is one of the premier auto shows in the nation and one reason is that it never has been content to rest on its laurels. The well-attended annual event continually grows, evolves and re-invents itself with new attractions every year. The 2018 show will be the biggest yet with more than 700 vehicles — and more than 40 brands — on display under one roof.

This year’s 117th annual staging of the event features a 700,000-square foot display floor with a wide array of pre-production, production, exotic, classic, and concept cars. As one of the largest auto shows in the nation, the Philadelphia Auto Show annually welcomes approximately 250,000 attendees during its nine-day run.

The Philadelphia Auto Show is a showcase for the newest batch of models to capture the public’s eye including Aston Martin Vanquish S Coupe, Bugatti Chiron, Mosler Raptor GTR, Bentley Bentayga, and Ferrari California T, SSC Ultimate Aero, 2017 Bentley Betayga, Mosler Raptor GTR, and Maserati Granturismo Convertible Sport.

A popular second-year attraction is the Hollywood Rides display. It will feature many of the movie industry’s most iconic automobiles including Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, Vin Diesel’s “Furious 7,” Mater and K.I.T.T.

Camp Jeep will feature the Jeep Test Track, a 30,000-square-foot interactive adventure zone where professional 4×4 drivers allow riders to experience a Jeep’s on- and off-road capabilities. Featured models will be Cherokee Trailhawk, Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.

The 2018 Philadelphia Auto Show hours are noon-10 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on January 29 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on February 5. Tickets are $14 for adults (age 13 and up), $11 for active military, $7 for seniors and children (ages 7-12). Children age 6 and younger do not require a ticket.

Bleak mid-winter days tend to make people cold and hungry. People in cold climates around the world are aware that a great way to get rid of the hunger and warm up is to sit down with a hot bowl of soup.

Sweden is definitely a cold-climate country with more than its share of bitter winter weather. As a result, the Swedish people are well aware of the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of hot soup.

In recognition of this, the American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-389-1776, http://www.americanswedish.org) will hold its annual Pea Soup and Punsch Supper on January 27.

This Saturday, visitors to the museum in South Philadelphia are invited to shake off the chill and warm up Swedish style with an evening of steamy soup and strong drink. This annual event, which is known as Ärtsoppa och Punschin Sweden, is hosted by the museum’s Pea Soup Committee.

Attendees will break bread together over a quintessential Swedish meal of pea soup and punsch, which is a sweet and strong Arrack liquor-based drink. Arrack, a strong Indian liquor, was imported from Java and became the base ingredient for making punsch, which has 25 per cent alcohol by volume and 30 per cent sugar.

This hearty meal, which also includes sharp cheese, bread and dessert, is inspired by a tradition that dates back to medieval times. On Thursday nights, the people of Sweden would eat this filling meal before beginning the weekly Friday fast.

Tickets for the Pea Soup and Punsch Supper are $30 each. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (215) 389-1776.

The Chinese zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 years in which each year is represented by a specific animal and its characteristics — rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

2018 is the “Year of the Dog” according to Chinese zodiac.

On January 27, there will be a special event in Philadelphia to welcome in the “Year of the Dog” when the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (33rd and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-898-4000, www.penn.museum) hosts its 37th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The popular annual event in Philadelphia will feature celebrations of Chinese culture and New Year traditions throughout the day with programs and activities for all ages, including children’s workshops, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions and martial and healing arts demonstrations.

There will be dance performances, Chinese music demonstrations, a Falun Gong presentation, a Tai Chi workshop, a Kung Fu demonstration, a Family Zodiac tour and a Tangram Workshop.

The annual celebration will conclude, as always, with the “Lion Dance.” Lion dancers and drummers begin inside at 3:45 p.m. and, weather permitting, wind their way outside for a firecracker finale.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, $10 for students and free for children (under 6).

Every year when January arrives, Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) celebrates the ultra-popular plant during “Orchid Extravaganza” — an annual event that opens this year on January 20 and continues through March 25.

The largest family of flowering plants in the world is the orchid — a flower that is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful, delicate and graceful flowers in the world. The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew list over 20,000 accepted species with about 800 new species added each year. Additionally, horticulturists have more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars.

The celebration of the orchid species features thousands of orchid blooms along with a variety of displays and special exhibits throughout its four-acre conservatory. “Orchid Extravaganza” will also feature stunning displays of orchids in planting beds, containers and innovative exhibits.

As one of the first plant collections at Longwood, orchids have held a place of distinction since 1922. The site’s talented horticulturists celebrate the beauty and variety of orchids with an artful display that includes a towering 12-foot-tall archway, a spectacular orchid curtain, and hundreds of vibrant Vanda orchids adorning the Silver Garden. 

Approximately 5,000 colorful orchids hang from baskets, create inspiring arrangements and adorn unique forms throughout “Orchid Extravaganza.” Those who visit the floral extravaganza in March will have the opportunity to see Longwood Gardens’ rare sky-blue poppies in bloom in the Conservatory during Longwood’s inaugural Winter Blues Festival.

Another attraction is “OrKid Days,” which are scheduled for February 19 and March 17. Each “OrKid Day” includes a kids’ performance, craft sessions and the “Orchid Sorting Game.”

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and $12 for students.

On January 26, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, 215-299-1000, www.ansp.org) is hosting a special event called “Wild Wizarding Weekend” will celebrating Fourth Fridays with “Dinos After Dark,” featuring pay-what-you-wish admission, family programming and an indoor beer garden.

Visitors to the museum for this special evening event, will be able to meet live animals, enjoy interactive activities and wander the historic museum with a drink in hand.

If you’re a fan of the cold-weather season, there’s a special event coming up that you’re bound to enjoy — the 2018 Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival (Various locations around New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey, 215-862-5067, www.Winterfestival.net).

The popular annual event is running now through January 28 in the two towns which straddle the Delaware River in Upper Bucks County — New Hope in Pennsylvania and Lambertville in New Jersey. The festival’s organizers list two main goals — to provide a healthy cold-weather experience in their river town communities and to demonstrate that their diverse communities are alive and well in the winter.

The list of ticketed events includes

Blues, BBQ & NFL Playoffs, Winter Fest Jamaican Jam, Winter Festival Pub Crawl and/or After Party, Taste of Winter Fest, Concert & VIP reception, Beef ‘n’ Brew, Karaoke Night, Chili Cook-off, Winter Walking Food & Shop Tour, and Inn to Inn Dinner & House Tour.

The featured concert will be the John Hall Band Reunion on January 26 at New Hope Winery (6123 Lower York Road, New Hope)

Artists will be presenting live sculpting demonstrations at three locations — HG New Hope Pizza (6510 Lower York Road, New Hope) and Triumph Brewing Company (400 Union Square Drive, New Hope) on January 27, and Suez Water (11 Bridge Street, Lambertville) on January 28.

On January 31, Norristown Farm Park (2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, 610-270-0215, https://www.montcopa.org/874/Norristown-Farm-Park) is hosting a “Winter Full Moon Hike” starting at 5:30 p.m.

If you’re restless to get outdoors, this is a good opportunity.

Visitors will have the opportunity to be in the park past sunset and a chance to view the winter landscape by the light of a full moon on this evening hike.

The hike will cover approximately two miles and non-slip footwear is recommended. The hike will be about two miles.

Participants are requested to meet in Parking Lot 5. The event is free and open to all ages.

On February 1, the park will have a “Groundhog Predictions” event at 1 p.m.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz/) will present a “

” on January 27.

“Tinicum Tim,” the nature preserve’s resident weather-soothing groundhog, will emerge. Hopefully, he will not see his shadow and provide an omen for six more weeks of winter.

Other topics covered during the walk will be — How do animals survive the winter and what tools do scientists have to predict the weather?

The festivities will continue with an afternoon of music, crafts, snacks, guided walks, and more.

The free event’s guided walks will begin at 9 a.m. The “Groundhog Burrow Parade” will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The Blue Cross RiverRink (Delaware Avenue at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com), is an immersive winter-themed experience with a popular bar and restaurant called The Lodge, winter beer garden-style landscaping, a brand-new light show, and a retail shopping experience from Art Star Gallery & Boutique.

The outdoor rink’s hours are 1-10:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on Sundays. Skating admission price is $3 and skate rental costs $10.

A popular winter attraction in downtown Philly is America’s Garden Capital Maze at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park).

Located on the Greenfield Lawn, the maze features vibrant plantings, topiaries, twinkling lights, and décor that showcases all of the public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes that are located within 30 miles of Philadelphia. A “Welcoming Gazebo” is located at the center of the maze.

The Wintergarden and Maze is billed as “a way to celebrate in William Penn’s original center square and the 32 regional gardens and arboreta that make this region America’s Garden Capital.”

Dilworth Park Wintergarden participants are Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, The Barton Arboretum & Nature Preserve of Medford Leas, The Gardens at Mill Fleurs, The Highlands Mansion & Garden, The Philadelphia Zoo, The Woodlands, Tyler Arboretum, Tyler Formal Gardens at Bucks County Community College, Welkinweir, Winterthur, and Wyck.

The roster also includes Ambler Arboretum, Arboretum at the Barnes Foundation, Awbury Arboretum, Bartram’s Garden, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Brandywine River Museum of Art, Camden Children’s Garden, Chanticleer, Hagley Museum and Library, Haverford College Arboretum, Henry Botanic Garden, Henry Schmieder Arboretum, Hortulus Farm Garden & Nursery, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Longwood Gardens, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Mount Cuba Center, Nemours Estate, PHS Meadowbrook Farm, and Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.

America’s Garden Capital Maze will be open now through February 25 – 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

On January 26 from 7-10 p.m., the rink at Dilworth Park will host a “Zombie Skate.”

Victory Brewing will be choosing the best dressed zombie for a prize including a Victory gift card, Eastern State Penitentiary tickets and Rothman Ice Rink passes. Be on the lookout for zombies from Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls lurking around the rink. Zombie-themed food specials and Victory’s HopDevil will be available for purchase in the Rothman Cabin.

Every year, the Garden State Discovery Museum (2040 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 856-424-1233, www.discoverymuseum.com) presents a special program called “Passport to Discovery.”

This weekend’s event is “Passport to Discovery: Japan.”

The activities salute our neighbor from the far east – the island country that gave America sushi and tempura.

On January 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., “Passport to Discovery: Japan” will provide an educational look at the customs of the Asian island country.

Visitors to the museum will travel to the Land of the Rising Sun! and join friends from Genji at Whole Foods Marlton for sushi making demonstrations and sushi tastings. Also included will be a visit to Milly’s Which Craft Art Studio crafted by A.C. Moore for Japanese inspired crafts.

February 3 will be the date for “Passport to Discovery: Italy.” Other activities in the series are “Passport to Discovery: A Frosty Weekend” on February 10 and 11, “Passport to Discovery: Africa” on February 17, “Passport to Discovery: Ireland” on March 3 and 4, and “Passport to Discovery: Polynesia” on March 17.

Admission to the Garden State Discovery Museum is $13.95 for adults and children 12 months and over and $12.95 for seniors.

Another fun activity not far from the Garden State Discovery Museum is the “Sea Turtle Hatchling Naming Contest” at the Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, 856-365-3300, www.adventureaquarium.com). In January, the Aquarium welcomed its own “Baby New Year” of 2018 – its new loggerhead sea turtle hatchling.

The Adventure Aquarium needs your help naming him – but you have only a few days left to do so.

During the month of January, donate spare change toward your favorite name at the voting station located in the Main Lobby of the Aquarium. All proceeds collected will be donated to Sea Turtle Conservancy and help sea turtles in the wild.

The name options are D’Artagnan (Dart for short — of “Stranger Things 2” fame), Davey, Tyrion (after the fan-favorite “Game of Thrones” character) and Maverick (as a homage to “Top Gun”).

The young turtle is a part of a rehab and release program. Every year, the Aquarium receives a hatchling from North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Sea Turtle Program to rehabilitate for one year.

Biologists will help guide and train the hatchling to do activities it would normally do in the wild as sort of “survival school” for sea turtles. After a year, the hatchling is released into the wild off the coast of North Carolina along with other yearlings from aquariums over the country.

You can now visit the young turtle on exhibit in Sea Turtle Cove, adjacent to Ocean Realm where the Aquarium’s adult sea turtles reside.

Other attractions at the Adventure Aquarium include “Caribbean Currents,” “Hippo Haven,” “Creature Feature,” “The Grotto,” “Touch a Shark,” “Ocean Realm,” “Stingray Beach Club,” “Shark Bridge,” “Piranha Falls,” “Penguin Island,” “Shark Realm,” and “Little Blue Beach.”

Admission to the Adventure Aquarium is $29 for adults and $21 for children (ages 2-12). Children under two are admitted free with a paying adult.