The Vergence of Womanhood is Centered

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday September 3rd in their ArtSpace Gallery. The featured Artist in the main gallery was Joann Castrillo who presented her latest series of work titled, “Women On The Verge.” One can hardly look at her work with wondering which is more fascinating in regards to the individual pieces. Is it the vibrancy of the colors and they way she molds each image to the surface or is it her selection of the surfaces themselves which often consist of wooden boards or some other non conventional material. In either case, one can’t help but to be captivated and impressed by the deftness of skill embodied in her work.

The images presented in Ms. Castrillo work invites the viewer to enter the work. In fact, one can almost hear a voice seductively entreating the one to partake of all the luxurious emotionality the piece has to offer. A smile begins to form as one begins to encounter the full experience which is led to a deep feeling of satisfaction as the time we dwell within it increases. Some may describe this as hypnotic but I simply consider it being in a state of a profound pleasure although they could be the same thing.

In addition to the ArtSpace Gallery, The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center also houses a Studio Gallery which featured works created by Shirley Epstein and Tricia Lowrey Lippert. Both artists focused their works on the theme of nature. Ms. Epstein presented soft watercolor images of flowers and other works of nature while Ms. Lippert presented oil painted images of a variety of pets which reflects her love of animals. Both artist’s work were pleasing to the eye as their eye for detail and ascetics enhance the beauty found upon each canvas.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center also boasts a Hall of Poetry and Writings on which poets and writers may share their talents with those who enter their center. This month the wall featured the poems of Ka-Son Reeves whose words form images in the mind by reflecting the realities we experience. Although Mr. Reeves is best known for his visual works, his poetry seems to touch a deeper chord than the images he creates. I, personally, am not sure what it is but this may be because there are much more inner landscape I need to explore before I can find the words to describe what they are. Yet, I sense there is something and it isn’t always to know what that something is. But, knowing there is a something can lead us to a wonderful journey of discovery even if we never find out what that something is.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center reception took place in the midst of the Stroudfest 2011 festival which occurred throughout the town. You’ll be able to find photographs I took during the festival in Stroudfest 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude. However, you’ll find more photographs I took during The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center reception in the Visual Arts 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

The current exhibition continues until September 30th. The next exhibition at The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center will be presented in The ArtSpace Gallery and begin with an Artist’s Reception on Saturday October 1st. It will continue until the end of the month. Please Explore The ArtSpace Gallery Website at www.poconoarts.org/artspace for more information.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center is part of The PoconoArts Council which is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the ArtSpace and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Council and all they offer at www.poconoarts.org for more information.