The Monkey Throve Tonight

The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA held a Closing Reception on Saturday December 11th 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 Eric J. Becker on Guitar along with Abby Braman who accompanied him on Banjo and Harmonica.

The original songs were also accompanied by some stories associated with them which added to the enjoyment of the performance. There was one song not written by Eric which was “Blue Christmas” which is well known for being sung by Elvis Presley. However, his treatment of the song humbled Elvis’ and other previous artists’ renditions of it.

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 Kolbeck, Myke Maldonado, Chris Francz, Alexandra Carpenter, Alison Grey, Paul (yeah, that‘s me). Although the exhibition held its closing reception on December 11th, it will continue one more day until December 12th. This will give those who could not make the reception one final chance to place their bids on the pieces to help raise funds for The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Cheeky Monkey 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_art.

The Pocono Medical Center’s THRIVE to Survive Program 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. Please Contact Helen Vitoria at 484-221-3592 for more information on how you can make a donation by placing a bid on the work resented in the exhibition.

Other future events at The Cheeky Monkey include “Just Say It: A Spoken Word Symposium” which takes place every Thursday evening at 7pm and singer/songwriter Jeni Hackett on Friday December 17th. 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.