Photographic Fantasies for the Community

The Pocono Community Theater held an Artists’ Reception on Sunday September 4th for their exhibitions. The exhibition presented in their front gallery was titled, “Fantasy” featuring the works of Myke Maldonado, Peter Ambush, Shane Izykowski, Don Manza, and Joan Sayer while the exhibition presented in their back gallery was titled, “Photo” featuring the work of John Kopp. The exhibition opened to a modest gathering but this did not diminish the excellent qualities contained within the work.

The general mood among the work in the “Fantasy” exhibit seemed to be a dark one. Several of the images contained monsters, dissatisfied fairies, and scenes of torture which was somehow perversely refreshing as compared to the “Feel Good” images society associates with a fantasized existence. The exhibit correlates a realization there is a darker side to what we dream about and we should be careful (unless we prefer the darker side to prevail) what we wish for and fantasize about.

The “Photo” Exhibition had nearly the opposite mood going on. Many of the pieces depicted automobiles in a way epitomizing the term, “Joy Rides” as colors were manipulated to create a sense of celebration. A motto of an automobile manufacture once proclaimed, “It’s not just a car. It’s your freedom.” and the images Mr. Kopp presents reflects the truth of that assertion without trying to sell the viewer of them a car. Although one can appreciate the expertise in creating each image not much more can be said about them except they were fun. Perhaps that is all one needs to say as having fun can be a profound experience in and of itself. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Visual Arts 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

In addition to hosting art exhibits, The Pocono Community Theater presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past. They also host special events such as their Pocono Got Talent competition and their Book Club which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown. The “Fantasy” and “Photo” exhibition will continue until October 23rd while the next exhibition will begin in November featuring the work of Marcos Oksenhender. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Website www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.