Identities Revealed Through A Mask

“Let’s take a walk.”

The last wisps of the “Stroudfest” festival celebrating the existence of the town of Stroudsburg, PA was leaving its streets as The Living Room Art Gallery opened its doors on Saturday September 1st. Those who attended the festival as well as those who came to town specifically for the Artists’ Reception for their group exhibition titled, “Identity” and Masquerade Ball were met with an overwhelming array of images numbering over 120 pieces along with denizens of the eloquent and macabre worlds which ere reflected in their glorious costumes. The element of mystery prevailed as attendees sought to discover the true identities of those they conversed with while exploring the revelations the artists of the works shared about the true nature of themselves or their subjects.

“And what are you supposed to be?”

Although the sheer number of work made it difficult (if not impossible) to explore each piece to learn of the characteristics it revealed, it was possible to get a sampling as how the theme for the exhibit began to elicit a common approach among the artists who participated. This approach often went beyond merely creating an image depicting the recognizable features of an individual so they could be easily identified, but went below the surface to touch upon the unseen or un-shown aspects of who they are. As one continued to reflect upon such works, it was soon apparent the previously hidden features of the subject were not only found upon the canvas or photographic paper but within oneself.

“You can cut off my head but keep your hands off my cakes.”

The costumes worn among the attendees also had an interesting aspect to them. While many were simply fun outfits to wear (with masks for those who didn’t have one made available by Julie Cebollero of Lady J Creations) making the evening an wonderful opportunity to play “dress up,” many revealed a secret. It was R. Buckminster Fuller who said, “Everyday we put on a mask to face the other masks we encounter.” The secret of our true natures are hidden so those we encounter can accept us on society’s terms which deems it imperative we hide who we really are so we can be acceptable.

“I only had to make adjustments. I didn’t have to piddle.”

Yet, the masquerade aspects of the reception allowed those tired of keeping their secret from the world an opportunity to let everyone know who they were. Some were merchants, some were royalty, some were bandits, and some were devils and beasts. To learn how many saw themselves was indeed a revelation as one may not of suspected such a truth. But, perhaps, we did because, after all, we intuitively know such things by just looking at ourselves and our fanciful desires that often reveal about who we are.

“and you can use the pretzel sticks like chop sticks to pick up salsa without learning how to use them.”

Among the costumes and art, the voice of Trey C (Tracy Sorensen) echoed throughout the room. Singing familiar songs with the aide of her MP3 Player or whatever machine was used (I need to be more technologically with it), Ms. Sorenson belted out one rendition after another causing a “whoa” effect among the listeners. The movements of her long, sleek form which made the thin pretzel sticks available to munch upon throughout the reception look as if they were in need of slim fast transfusions underlined the lyrics she shared with a soulful interpretation. You can learn more about by visiting her facebook profile at www.facebook.com/tracy.sorensen.50.  

“I will always have you.”

The artists who presented their work at The Living Room Art Gallery for their “Identity” Exhibition included Stephanie Troiani, Katie Caprara, Linda Kolbeck, Jessie Roth, Greg Olawski, Tanisha Parker, YaJing Tang/Suki, Robert Roth, Yu Zhang (Rachel), Lu Xhixiu (Lynn), Sander Martin, Elizabeth Streczyk, Steve Truglio, Satilla Flores, Nadene Rose Moore, Donavan O’ Brien, James Silverthorne, Michael J. Strunk, Billy Mack and Renee DeMund, Chris Hodge, Sarah Brush, Abigail Braman, Gregory Montagnino, Joyce Bambach, Eric Goins, Amanda Hayes, Heather Hummel, Charlie Tweedie, Jeff Bensley, Melissa Benzinger, Grace Spezzano, Martelle Jones, Andrea Robbins-Rimberg, RenDi, Celeste Biondo, Shane Izykowski, James Chesnick, Donni “Bones” Ehlert, Mark Watson, Wayne Tuttle, Phyllis Vogel, Abby Oxford, Heidi Hooper, Masked Scholar/J. Reynolds, Jesslynn McCauley, Marcia Flammonde, Drew Von Dred, Keyaira Lynn Von Dred, Katie Solomon, Eric Funn, Dena Simms, John Kolbeck, Christen Elmore, Macy Lynn Photography, Joe Trovato, C. Kari Nespola, Sarah Jane McCready, Amber Trunfio, Kayla O’ Connor, Girl From Mars Photography (Kelly Klee), Vanessa Kresge, Kelly Taylor, Alice Prall, and me. In addition to placing their work on display, many of these artists also contributed their talents to the raffle in which the proceeds were utilized to benefit The Living Room and all its functions. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during “Identity” Artists’ Reception and Masquerade Ball in The Living Room 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150907955845421.475868.636000420&type=1.

“Be careful how you touch it. It’s still wet.”

The current “Identity” Exhibition will continue until September 30th. Their October exhibition will feature a selected group of artists and will be followed in November by another exhibition in which artists will be invited to participate. Information on these exhibitions is yet to be revealed. In addition to their exhibitions, The Living Room presents a weekly Open Mic Nites occurs every Sunday Evening beginning at 6pm which Musicians, Poets, Writers, and anyone who would like to share their talents with an eagerly accepting audience are welcomed to participate.

“Let’s take a walk.”

The Living Room opened in April of 2012 and is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Art Gallery is organized by members of The Living Room Art  community who include Shane Izykowski, Martelle Jones, Elisa Byrne, Tom LeFevre, Darlene Farris Labar, Sarah Bouma, Toby Sabatine, and Billy Mack. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information.