Delaware artist Paula Brown invites viewers to reconnect with the beauty, light, and emotional resonance of the natural world.

Wilmington, Del. (October 1, 2025) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present “IN-JOY: Nature’s Soul Story”, a solo exhibition of works by Delaware artist Paula Brown. The show will be on view from October 3–31, 2025, with a free opening reception on Friday, October 3, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In this new body of work, Brown channels her passion for the natural world into vibrant landscapes, seascapes, and cloudscapes created in soft pastels and oils. Her art captures the expression of light and the unique energy radiating from each subject – land, sea, sky, and earth.

Brown’s inspiration for the exhibition stems from her travels across national parks, nature preserves, and scenic sites along the East and West Coasts. From the sunrises over Atlantic beaches to Yosemite’s rushing waterfalls, from the calm of Pacific harbors to the stormy skies above Winterthur, she brings forward the “soul light” and emotional resonance of every environment she paints.

“I approach nature as a storyteller,” said the Brown. “These paintings invite us to listen to the rhythms of the natural world and remind us of the joy and peace found in connecting with it.”

Describing her artistic philosophy, Brown refers to herself as a “nature whisperer.” She is captivated by the shifting seasons, the moods of weather, and the power of light. Through her work, she seeks to share the messages of strength, joy, curiosity, and peace that she perceives in the natural world. Each canvas becomes a heart-felt expression—what she calls “soul story telling”—that inspires viewers to connect more deeply with the environment and recognize its beauty and fragility.

About the Artist

Paula Brown calls herself a “Heartist,” because her paintings express and reflect the light and heart of nature. Her muse is nature. Her joy is to capture its soul essence, moods, light, shapes; the patterns that draw us into valuable healing connection within its world. Paula’s work has gained her national and international awards as well as signature status in both Philadelphia and Maryland Pastel Societies. Her most recent honor is being named a 2025 Fellow by the Del Arts Council. She has taught workshops and classes in pastels, oils, line/watercolor Heart Scape Journaling, on both coasts from Los Angeles, CA to Wilmington, DE.

About the Mezzanine Gallery

The Mezzanine Gallery, located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building (820 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE), is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gallery highlights the work of Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellows, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent throughout the year. For more information, visit https://arts.delaware.gov/mezzanine-gallery.

Images in the banner: “Cotton Candy Seaside Stroll” (2024), soft pastels, 12”x9”. “River Dance” (2023), soft pastels, 16”x20”. “Star Struck” (2025), oil, 20”x16”.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.