Art Takes A Back Street

As galleries and spaces presenting art in the Stroudsburg, PA and surrounding areas continue to experience an ongoing series of closures, it gladdens the heart of many local art lovers to witness the Grand Opening Celebration of Andrea Robbins Rimberg’s Backstreet Studio which occurred on Saturday April 14th. The gallery features Ms. Rimberg’s varied work which includes those created in the medium of acrylics, sculpture, and photography capturing the vibrancy of their creator’s effervescent soul. An intriguing smile never fails to touch the face of all who catch a glimpse of her work which is almost constantly seen in numerous sites throughout the area as well as other parts of the United States and the world.

However, the physical dimensions of The Backstreet Studio could not contain the number of admirers of Ms. Rimberg and her work. So, those who came to the studio were quickly directed to partake of the festivities at the neighboring Galleria located across the street. Upon entering, one discovered a treasure-trove of food, art, music, and friends all waiting to be welcomed by those who ventured in. This included a performance by Jazz Icon Bob Dorough on piano who was accompanied by Jay Sanchez on percussion as Ms. Rimberg’s son, Robbie Robbins, also provided music.  You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception at The Galleries 2012 gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150689199485421.453100.636000420&type=1.

The experience of the Grand Opening brought to mind the recollection of the monthly Art Walks events prevalent during the 1980s and 90s. Art lovers were able to traverse among numerous galleries located throughout the town of Stroudsburg in order to partake of the variety of art they displayed while enjoying the many treats ranging from strolling, musicians and clowns to horse drawn carriage rides they encountered on their routes. Although the events were scheduled to end at a specific time, they were well known to devour the majority of the evening to the delight of all who partook of them.

Admittedly, the Grand Opening of The Backstreet Studio wasn’t quite as elaborate as the Art Walks of the past were, but it’s energy and lack of an end time (official or otherwise) allowed its attendees to continue to create wonderful memories together. And, that very ability to do so is what many who remember those times were inspired to recall with a hope those days will begin their return so even greater memories can be created in a more vibrant creative environment. But for now, a good amount of memories were created by the Grand Opening Celebration to sustain the happy gathering until future events associated with The Backstreet Studio and its neighbors in the back streets of Stroudsburg, PA are revealed.

As mentioned earlier Andrea Robbins-Rimberg has her work displayed throughout numerous locations around the world. Throughout her life, she has served the arts in just as numerous capacities. Among her may current positions, she is serving as the President of the Board of Directors for The Pocono Arts Council and as the Art and Photography Director for The Forwardian Arts Society Literary and Arts Magazine “Forwardian.”

On Ms. Rimberg’s website, she states, “… I keep my eye on living subject matter and make my language as plastic as possible in the description of it. Human observation might gradually discover and define these universals … man is beauty, magnificence, a miracle being - ART… representations of gods.” It is in these representations a divine spirit inspiring many with laughter and hope touched the gathering who enjoyed the celebration. You may learn more about Ms. Rimberg, The Backstreet Studio, and all they have to offer the community at her website at www.sculptureworks.biz or by calling 570-223-2222.

The Galleria in Stroudsburg, PA in which the reception was held is a space shared by Bridget William, Gigi and Company Dance Studio, and Sara Smith-Katz who is the founding Director of “For ArtzSake” and curates the art gallery aspect of the space. The artists featuring their talents in their next exhibition are yet to be announced. Please feel free to contact The Galleria at 570-580-0996 for information about their future exhibitions and all the establishment has to offer.