Thriving at The Monkey

The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Friday November 12th for an exhibition to benefit the "THRIVE to Survive" Foundation. The well attended event featured a variety of artists whose work centered around the exhibition’s theme which was the color pink. The evening also featured music performed by Singer/Songwriter Jeni Hackett who provided her audience with a listing of songs they were invited to circle their favorites so she may sing them during her set. This enhanced the event as many added their internal voice to the familiar choruses while she taught their hearts some new one through her original works.

The range of the visual works were equally impressive as they ranged from American Indian wall hangings to Japanese glass works to huge paintings and photography. The artists who participated in the exhibition includes William Mohlenhoff, Brianna Ace, Rendi, Laura Below, Morgan Crespo, Karalina Davis, Sherley Escribano, Denise VanNess, Ashley Zucker, Ka-Son Reeves, Helen Victoria (who curates the exhibition), John Kobek, Myke Maldonado, Chris Francz, Alexandra Carpenter, Alison Grey, Paul (yeah, that‘s me). The exhibition continues until December 12th. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Cheeky Monkey 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Proceeds from the sale of the work presented at The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse will go to The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program which was created is to increase breast cancer survivorship rates in our community. One of their goals is to build a new facility in which would serve the local female population in regards to the issues related to the condition and provide the appropriate treatment when the need arises. More information about The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program can be gained by exploring their website at www.poconohealthsystem.org or by contacting them at 570-476-3367.

As mentioned before, funds for The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program are raised through the sale of the donated works. This is done through a silent auction in which visitors to The Cheeky Monkey can write their bid for each piece on a form found on the wall adjacent to the one they’re interested in purchasing. This can be done until the closing date of the show which is December 12th and the item will be available for pickup on that date. Please Contact Helen Vitoria at 484-221-3592 for more information.

Other future events at The Cheeky Monkey include “Just Say It: A Spoken Word Symposium” which takes place every Thursday evening at 7pm. The event is free and open to all who love the written word. The Forwardian Arts Society will hold a Film Lovers Gathering at the Cheeky Monkey on Friday November 19th at 7pm featuring the 1965 film titled, “Incubus” starring William Shatner. The event is free and open to all who love the art of film. There will be a discussion period after the screening in which The Cheeky Monkey offers a free crepe with a purchase of a beverage to the attendees. The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse offers a variety of coffee, drinks, and culinary treats along with events such as the one described in this article. Please Explore The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse Website at www.cheekymonkeycoffee.com or Call 570-420-8222 for more information.