A Transregional Castle

The Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday September 10th for their Exhibition titled, “Transregional Aesthetics” which derives it’s name from the contributions of the artists who came from various countries to show their work. They included Melissa Jordan, Ira Kvetny, Michelle Jane Lee, Mira O’ Brien, Nickolas Roudane, and Alan Ruiz (who curates the exhibit) along with Eoin Burke and Jim Desscino. While each artist brought their individual insights based upon their life’s (which included their geographical) experiences to their work, together they produced a show that not only complimented each other’s work but also brought a sophisticated aura in which those who came to see the exhibit could contemplate how deeply the area in which we find ourselves effect our perceptions and how we regard life as a whole.

The work itself was displayed in what some would refer to as a simplistic almost Zen like fashion. There was a sense of separation between each piece (or grouping of pieces) which entreated the gallery’s visitors to focus upon each one as if it were the only work the establishment was exhibiting. It isn’t until one steps back from their transfixed gaze when it is remembered there were other images and sculptures to be explored in the same satisfying manner. Perhaps the sparse placement of the pieces were meant to underline a theme which suggest, while each region and point on the planet (including ourselves) may seem separate from the rest, it is all part of a whole from which we can derive a great sense of comfort from.

The reception greeted a sizable number of people which could be largely attributed to The 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Jazz and Arts Festival which was in the fullness of its festivities while it was taking place. However, the interesting aspects of the work may have been all that was needed for area art lovers to attend this very unique exhibit. As for me, it was a very pleasing experience as it allowed me to explore another realization of the unity inherent in the human condition without hearing the insipidly repetitious echo of “We are The World.” You’ll be able to find more photographs in The Visual Arts 2011 (Part 2) Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316388700421.390846.636000420&l=559eabb691&type=1.

The Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA was built in 1906 and was the last of the great hotels to be built in area. It housed an ice cream parlor, a mosaic floor, bowling alleys, a pool, and a billiard parlor. Performances were presented which included those given by Opera legend Enrico Caruso, Marching Band Leader John Phillip Sousa, and Big Band Leader Fred Waring along with the Pennsylvanians. This all came to an abrupt end when fire touched the Inn in the 1970s and it laid dormant until 2005 when it was purchased by Theresa Veltri and Frank Paccione who continues to endeavor to bring the Inn back as an asset to the community and all who visit it.

The Transregional Aesthetics Exhibition continues in The Castle Inn Gallery located in Delaware Water Gap, PA until November 4th. The Production Coordinator for the exhibition is Kristin Speranza while Jose Sanatmaria serves as the Gallery’s Director. More information about the exhibition as well as The Castle Inn can be gained by explore their website at www.castleinndwg.com.