The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artist’s Reception featuring the works of John Kolbek and Michael Parsons on Friday November 4th as part of their Espresso Yourself Art Series. The dreamlike imagery touching the walls of the popular coffeehouse flowed in and out of the perceptions of those who encountered them until one began to question where the realities of their existence ended and where the fantastic depictions reflected in the works began. It wasn’t long until one was led to discover there were no beginnings or endings as the realities and fantasies emerged as their natural states dictated.Although each artists has their own style and vision that permeates their work, John Kolbek and Michael Parsons share a great deal of traits in their artistic approaches and interpretations of existence. This may lead some to find it difficult to discern the difference between the two. However, if one would double their endeavors to do so, the observer would be enriched by the subtle aspects within the works that distinguishes the individual artist.
John’s work often depicts imagery reliant upon the viewer’s ability to recall the validity of their dream’s logic while Michael often utilizes familiar objects which can be readily seen throughout our waking states and reinvents them so they could be seen within the seemingly contorted context of our dreams. In either case, one is treated to a journey with each image serving as a marker to a new awareness of reality and the dreams that inspires it.
The music for the reception was provided by Singer/Songwriter Jeni Hackett on guitar as accompanied by her bass player simply known as Ken. Jeni has become a favorite among those who frequent the coffeehouse and with good reason. Her voice touches the songs and the hearts of those who listen with a gentleness which guides one to melodious routes leading to solemn reflections and amused smiles. The performance enhanced the reception a great deal.
As always, Jeni presents a mix of material consisting of original works as well as those composed by others. Except for the obviously popularized pieces, a listener is hard pressed to determine which songs are hers and which belongs to another song writer. She has the wonderful ability to make every song her own including (to a large extent) those obviously popularized ones. Jeni and Ken are members of The Steel Creek Band who perform throughout the area and information on the band along with their future performance schedule can be obtained by exploring their website at www.steelcreekband.us.
The John Kolbek and Michael Parsons Exhibition continues until January 1st. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Cheeky Monkey 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150126424220421.327714.636000420&type=1&l=0ac968b925. The next Artist’s Reception in The Espresso Yourself Art Series to be held at The Cheeky Monkey is yet to be scheduled. In the meantime, Cheeky Monkey will host a comedy night featuring the Off Track Players on Friday November 11th beginning at 7pm and an Open Poetry Night on Friday September 16th beginning at 7pm. The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse also 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 570-236-5574 for more information.
1 comment:
I found the work of these two men to be very stagnant and uninspiring. It looks as if they used manicans for the models in the paintings and the subject matter is very weak and boring. I can tell that both men are capable of painting but simply being able to paint doesn't guarantee an interesting painting and this art show proves that point.
Post a Comment