The natural beauty and dynamic cultural landscape of coastal Sussex County have long been known as a haven for artistic inspiration. Younger artists, in particular, say they feel supported by local organizations such as the Developing Artist Collaboration, which hosts regular craft shows, pop-up exhibitions, peer networking events and the open-air West Side Creative Market in Rehoboth Beach.
The Cape Current caught up with a mix of artisans, including graphic and jewelry designers, folk, visual and spoken-word artists, who use art to creatively explore the natural, social and political worlds of the Cape Region.
Gracie Schlapo is an innovative jewelry designer inspired by the beach, nature, found objects and the human connection reflected in her statement pieces.
Itzel Aguilar (Hernandez) is a classically trained mixed-media, visual and spoken-word folk artist whose work is inspired by Latin culture and politics.
Orion Cameron is a graphic artist, painter and family man overflowing with enthusiasm for his art as a way to shape and share his world.
Together, they represent a new class of artists coming of age and expressing their excitement, anxieties, views and vision within the Cape Region’s vibrant coastal art scene.
GRACIE SCHLAPO
For beach-based jewelry designer Gracie Schlapo, making art is as much a way of life as Dewey Beach itself.
“My mom was an art teacher, so it is ingrained in me,” Schlapo said. “I can make macramé, I can make quilts. Growing up, we were always doing something or making something.”
After relocating to her favorite summer vacation spot nearly 11 years ago, Schlapo said her custom and permanent jewelry business, Revelry Grace, started as a hobby. She initially began using macramé and found natural items like driftwood and beach sand to create custom jewelry for herself and her friends.
Splitting time between her artistic pursuits and bartending at one of the locals’ favorite spots, Schlapo said her business evolved as she became more involved in the arts community.
“I stay very busy at the bar, and for me, being creative calms my brain.”
At Revelry Grace, Schlapo specializes in custom permanent jewelry fitted to the individual. She also makes pieces from cremation ashes and beach sand provided by her clients to commemorate special people, places or events in their lives.
Despite her busy schedule, Schlapo said she enjoys connecting with clients personally at boutique pop-ups and building her online presence.
“I have a website, but I really love the face-to-face interaction at pop-ups.”
Gracie’s Local Faves
Favorite place to get inspired:
I absolutely love the beach. We drive on Keybox Beach as often as possible, and that is a place where I can sit, create, get ideas and relax. Life can be so busy. Sitting on the beach without any worries can really open up your creativity and put your mind at ease.
Favorite local event or happening:
The Developing Artist Collaboration puts on the West Side Creative Market on Mondays and Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. I participate almost every Monday, and it’s so nice being able to meet people from the community and other artists. There’s always live music, food trucks and around 20 local artists with handmade items.
Best hidden gem:
I have really been into getting a wellness IV at LifeMed in Rehoboth. Between running my own art business and bartending in Dewey every weekend, it helps. I also enjoy a trail walk on the Thompson Island Trail.
Favorite spot to go out at night:
My favorite date-night spot includes old-fashioneds, oysters and a side of fries at Henlopen City Oyster House. Chase that with a flaming coffee at Back Porch Café, and that’s the perfect combination. The flaming coffee may also be a bit of a hidden gem.
For more information or to inquire about a custom piece, follow Gracie Schlapo on Instagram and TikTok or visit her website.
Instagram: @revelrygrace
TikTok: @revelrygrace
Website: revelrygrace.com
ITZEL AGUILAR (HERNANDEZ)
This year, Itzel Aguilar is getting attention as an artist and Latina advocate. Aguilar recently accepted an Emerging Artist Fellowship awarded by the Delaware Division of the Arts, with several exhibitions planned statewide in the coming months, including one at CAMP Rehoboth.
Rooted in her mestiza heritage, Aguilar said her work explores the intersections of identity, ancestry and cultural memory, as well as the resilience of tradition in contemporary contexts.
As a classically trained mixed-media artist, Aguilar attended Delaware College of Art and Design while creating art at home in Georgetown and traveling internationally for residencies in Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
While she uses her mother’s maiden name, Aguilar, for her art, those who follow politics may recognize her as Itzel Hernandez.
The Georgetown resident recently ran a brief but ambitious campaign for mayor of Georgetown, her hometown and the Sussex County seat.
“We need to get more young people involved in government,” she said. “I wanted to establish myself as an artist, but it is time to represent the community.”
Itzel’s Local Faves
Favorite place to get inspired:
My favorite place to get inspired is The Listening Booth. I’m currently practicing a spoken-word piece for an exhibition, and it’s become an important space for rehearsal and experimentation. It gives me the support to test ideas out loud and refine my performance. It’s rare to find a space where you can fully experiment and still feel safe, and that sense of safety is essential to my creative process.
Favorite local event or happening:
The Hispanic Festival celebrates culture, and it’s the one time each year when the people of Georgetown can come together and share food, music and traditions in a space that feels joyful and connected. Since its transition to Georgetown, it has grown immensely. It has become a beautiful reflection of the Latino/a/e community in Southern Delaware and the importance of celebrating culture openly and collectively.
Best hidden gem:
One hidden gem I would say is not so hidden anymore is the Creative Market. It has flourished over the years, and I really enjoy the music and atmosphere there. What I appreciate most is how it supports local people and culture. I had the honor of hosting my own pop-up event there in the summer of 2024, which allowed me to present my work in an open and welcoming environment while building meaningful connections. I highly encourage others to experience it because it truly brings community, creativity and culture together.
Favorite spot to go out at night:
I don’t go out at night very often, but when I do, I enjoy going to the Rusty Rudder. It’s a fun place with a great atmosphere, good music and an energy that always makes the night enjoyable.
Upcoming Exhibitions:
Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover – through Aug. 14
Historic Odessa Foundation, Odessa – Sept. 19 to Oct. 24
CAMP Rehoboth – Nov. 4, 2026 to Jan. 8, 2027
Mezzanine Gallery, Wilmington – January 2027
Website: itzelaguilarart.com
Instagram: @hun.ixchel
ORION CAMERON
Wherever Orion Cameron shows up, expect enthusiasm.
Making the most of his trip to Indian River Inlet for the photo shoot, Cameron brought his skimboard, explaining he would have brought his surfboard if he had known he would be on the north side at Coin Beach.
A family man with two young children and his wife at home, Cameron grew up in lower Delaware and said he likes to take advantage of any beach time he gets. Hence, the skimboard came too.
A graduate of nearby Sussex Central High School, Cameron went on to study graphic design in college, but the multimedia artist said he really enjoys painting and finds inspiration wherever he goes.
Locally, Cameron has created murals for businesses such as Taco Reho and Arena’s concert stage in Milford.
The painter noted he switched to printing stickers of his artwork after years of emulating artists such as Basquiat and Banksy with unauthorized work in conspicuous places.
“I like to do all things creative,” he said. “The political climate can affect art, and it comes through as a way to express feelings when you don’t otherwise have a platform. It’s a little bit of therapy.”
Orion’s Local Faves
Favorite place to get inspired:
In nature itself. I moved close to Love Creek, and I love the creek, but I also really love to surf.
Favorite local event or happening:
That’s hard. There are so many cool things that happen around here.
Best hidden gem:
Back in Cape Henlopen State Park, there’s a little place I like to go.
Favorite spot to go out at night:
My lady and I like to get out to Lewes Oyster House whenever we can get a night off from the kids.
Instagram: @orionwcameron
