A Flowery Vacation at The PCT

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday April 28th for their exhibitions presented in their front and back galleries. The images shown in the front gallery featured the work of Andrea Robbins-Rimberg titled “Wild About Flowers.” The images shown in the back gallery featured the work of Penny Ross titled “Vacation Time.” Although the images with their contrasting hues and detail seemed to be worlds apart, there was a certain psychological aura created when one contemplated their combining effects.

The work presented by Andrea Robbins-Rimberg offered photographs depicting flowers in all their glorious arrays. The vibrancy and colorful detail one has come to eagerly expect to experience while viewing her work joyfully adorned the walls of the Theater. In many instances, I personally found myself beginning to feel like a Bee buzzing about in order to contemplate the soft intricacies of the flowers before partaking of their nourishing nectar.

Of course, the buzzing sensation I mentioned could have been partially produced by the wine I consumed during the reception. But, the images Ms. Rimberg expertly magnifies has the uncanny ability to create a desire within the viewer to co-join with the subjects she photographically captures. One can philosophically speculate this desire is a nostalgic reminiscence of a time when the human population of the planet was much more akin to its natural environment than it is now. Yet, regardless of the reason why one is so attracted to her work, it isn’t as pertinent as the fact the beauty of the images produces a joy in which one wants to be a part of.

While the colorful array found in Ms. Rimberg’s work entices viewers with their vibrant beauty and detail, Penny Ross’ skill to attract those who desire to explore her work is much more subtle. Instead of the sharp lines and detail the media of Digital Photography utilizes, Ms. Ross allows the softer elements found in the medium of Water Colors, Crayons, and Woodcuts to produce a calming effect enticing the viewer of her work to enter so they can simply relax.

The cool calming colors prominent in Ms. Ross’ work reminded me of an interview Fred Rogers, gave in regards to how his PBS show for children, “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” came about. His creation of the show came when he realized, while children love the excitement the world has to offer them with all its colorful adventures, they sometime would also like to have someone simply sit down and talk to them. Ms. Ross’s work takes the mind away from the hustle and bustle of an excited life and simply talks to it while taking it on vacation.

Although the work presented by Ms. Rimberg and Ms. Ross appeared to be a stark and irreconcilable contrast to one another, together they produced a certain balance that many a counterbalances sometimes inexplicably produces. Ms. Rimberg’s exciting depictions flowers and Ms. Ross’s images of places where one can rest seem to say, “While one’s soul can be enhanced through the excitement and joy found in the act of Buzzing about like a Bee, one’s soul can be enhanced through finding a place where one can just be.” You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150717369405421.457049.636000420&type=3&l=9cf034d51b.

Andrea Robbins-Rimberg has had 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 by exploring her website at www.sculptureworks.biz.

Penny Ross has been painting watercolors in the Northeast Region (aka The Poconos) of PA for over 30 years. She has received a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Cincinnati in June 1962. She later received her Master of Arts degree from New York University in 1987 where she concentrated on Japanese woodblock printing under the tutelage of Bill Paden. In addition to The Pocono Community Theater Gallery, her work can be seen in numerous galleries and venues throughout the area.

On Ms. Ross’ website, she states, “…I use painting to discover what is hidden in me as well as in nature. I strive to find the truth about my subject and myself and to bring it before the viewer. It has been said that I paint because I have to. Perhaps that is true….I did not know that a life time of painting would effect my philosophy of life or my spiritual growth. The work you do makes you who you are.” And indeed, the work one does can not only bring out who the artist is but also who those who experience it is as Ms. Ross’ work clearly exemplifies. You may learn more about Ms. Ross by exploring her website at www.pennyrosspainter.com.

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 exhibitions titled, “Wild About Flowers” and “Vacation Time” will continue until June 17th while the dates for their next exhibition is yet to be announced. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Website www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.