Central Basics

The PoconoArts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA held two Artists’ Reception on Saturday August 4th in their facilities. The photographic work of John Kopp was featured in the Artspace Gallery alongside other gallery members while the photographic work of Sherwood Samet was presented in the Center’s Studio Gallery. The exhibit featuring Mr. Samet’s work is titled, “Back to Basic.” Both exhibits demonstrated the variety of approaches one can embark upon in the art form he or she endeavors to explore.

Mr. Kopp’s work primarily depicts motorized vehicles adding various degrees of hues and saturations to the images creating a unique feel to the essence of the subject. Some of the techniques he employs allows the viewer’s imagination to complete the photograph in their minds by merely suggesting an outline or detail relating to the image. Other techniques allow the viewer to redefine their appreciation of a classic vehicle by enhancing their perception of it through Mr. Kopp’s enhanced photographic alterations. In either case, the work is pleasing and enjoyable to view.

The work created by Mr. Samet employs another approach to the art of photography by capturing colorful landscape images and presenting them in Black and White. What may be considered an absence of color actually increases one’s awareness of the numerous hues embodied in the images through Mr. Samet’s deft use of lighting. One can consciously see the distinction between the colors inherent in many of the pieces which may had remained unnoticed if they were presented otherwise. As someone who likes to take pictures, the “Back to Basics” exhibit reminded me why I like black and white photography as it offers a great deal more to the photographer and viewer than meets the eye.

John Kopp is a retired commercial photographer and teacher which allowed him to become an active artist/photographer exhibiting his work in various galleries throughout the United States. Locally, he has exhibited at The PoconoArts Cultural Center’s ArtSpace Gallery for which he is currently curating Altered States 2 exhibition  and Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA. He is a board member at the Pocono Arts Council. You’ll be able to learn more about John Kopp by exploring his Website at www.johnkopp.com.

While Sherwood Samet remains well known for his medical contributions to the Monroe County, PA area by being it’s first obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, his work in photography has become equally renowned. According to the Pocono Arts Council’s newsletter, Sherwood Samet’s exhibition titled “Back to Basics” is his first venture into black and white photography in 25 years and came into being “… by chance when I recently converted one of my color images to black and white and was happy with the outcome.” The exhibition is a retrospective collection of black and white images created during the past 35 years with some converted from color. You’ll be able to learn more about Sherwood Samet by contacting him at slsamet@ptd.net.

Although the work presented by the Photographers were of a high quality and intriguing in some respects, the attendance to the reception proved to be quite a bit less than the images and artists deserved and may be due to the lack of promotion it received. Personally, I am aware there is always a reception at The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA every first Saturday of the month but did not learn who were the featured artists until I received The PoconoArts Council’s Online Newsletter the day prior to the reception. This lack of promotion for the exhibits held at the center has been an ongoing trend for some time.

However, I had become aware of a Wood Festival held in Milford, PA  during the weekend of August 4th and 5th which The PoconoArts Council is involved in through their promotional efforts several weeks ago. I am also aware of several upcoming events The PoconoArts Council will present as well through their promotional endeavors. All of these events and festivals are worthy of the attention they receive to help make those who would like to partake of them aware they exist so they’re able to. But, the exhibitions at The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center also deserve attention and it’s hoped The PoconoArts Council will expand the efforts to promote what seems to be endeavors closer to their hearts to their monthly exhibitions.

The exhibitions featuring the works of John Kopp, Sherwood Samet, and other artists continue until August 31st. The reception was sponsored in part by Kash and Fedrigon who are Attorneys at Law along with treats provided by The Cakes and Scones Bakery in Greentown, PA and The Sweet Creams Restaurant in Stroudsburg, PA. The Artists featured for September is unknown at this time. In addition to the visual work displayed throughout the center, their Hall of Poetry is currently featuring the poems of Jan Selving who has received her MFA degree in poetry from Arizona State University and has published in national literary journals including Ploughshares, Antioch Review, Crazyhorse, and Denver Quarterly. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150596801360421.441769.636000420&type=1. 

The PoconoArts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA operates under the auspices of The PoconoArts Council which is 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 center 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, The PoconoArts Cultural Center, and all they offer the creative community at www.poconoarts.org.