A Forgotten Beauty Found at The Sherman

The Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artist’s Reception on Thursday May 10th for an exhibition titled, “agriCULTURE-The Beauty of Forgotten Farms” featuring the photographic work of Kim Pollard. Although the attendance to the reception was sparse, the images Ms. Pollard captured populated the theater’s lobby with distant memories echoing their way to our present thoughts. There was a beauty and profound sense of homage found in her work which also contained a touch of melancholy one is touched with whenever something once treasured highly is recollected.

The photographic depictions of abandoned family farms found throughout The Northwestern New Jersey area were once teaming with the life and activity associated with an agricultural existence. One can still see the shadows of the workers and their animals while looking at the photographs with one’s heart. Yet, we find them now teaming with another sort of life consisting of dragonflies and other animals reminding us that when something is abandoned, something else makes it their home.

There are many times we find ourselves feeling abandoned in our lives. Family, friends, and situations seem to leave us behind in order to pursue a more comprehensive existence. However, although the nostalgic memories of their absence can leave an emptiness in our heart, this emptiness can be filled while we invite others to live there beginning with ourselves. The “agriCULTURE-The Beauty of Forgotten Farms” exhibition will continue until May 30th. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the reception in our Special Events 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150780327730421.465788.636000420&type=1.

Kim Pollard is a photographer based in Blairstown, NJ. The majority of her work derives from scenes found in nature and are made available to individuals as framed and unframed prints, photo notecards, and postcards. In addition to the exhibit being presented at The Sherman Theater, her work can be seen in the current issue of “Skylands Visitors” magazine published in the Southwest New Jersey area. She is also featured on the Back Cover of The Forwardian Arts Society’s current issue of their Art and Literary Magazine, “Forwardian” and served as a juror for The Forwardian Arts Society’s “Cover to Cover II” exhibition to determine whose work will appear on the front and back covers of the magazine’s upcoming issue. You’ll be able to view her work in Skylands Visitors magazine at www.skylands.com and her work in Forwardian at www.theforwardianartssociety.com/Fowardian-Archive.html.

On her website, Kim states, “The world looks so different when I view it through the lens of my camera. I simply love art. I enjoy capturing moments in time. Unexpected surprises in nature … you stumble upon when you weren't even looking for them.” She also says, “An interesting photo can be a conversation piece and a focal point. … It can make you smile, make you think, and make you feel. I hope you enjoy my photos and that they add something to your wall as well as your life.” And, they certainly do. You can learn more about Kim Pollard and view her work at www.facebook.com/kimpollardphotography.