A New Year for Art Lovers

On Saturday January 5th, The Living Room Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA began the new year of 2013 with an Artists’ Reception for their exhibition titled, “For the Love of the Art.” Over 100 pieces of art created by local artists adorned the gallery whose varied styles and approaches to their individual mediums further enhanced the inclusive atmosphere which the venue has become well known for since its debut in 2012. This was experienced by a multitude of art lovers who collectively felt the event not only officially ushered in the beginning of a new year but of a new era of creative expression in the area.

A great deal of creative freedom was embodied in each piece and that same sense of freedom and exuberance was felt throughout the evening. Gone was the restrictive nature many galleries in the area require of the artists that the work they display be pleasing enough so the community’s conservative standards are met and be commercially viable enough so the venue would receive its commission in order to continue it mission in “Supporting the Arts.” Besides not extracting a commission for any of the works which are sold during the exhibition, The Living Room Gallery encourages artists to present any topic in any style or artistic approach he or she chooses.

This not only allows each artist to explore their creative abilities to the fullest, but it also invites those who come to experience the work to expand their imaginations and increase their perceptions to a new level. The evidence of this was found by listening to the numerous conversations and taking note of the quality of the topics the participants were engaged in. The essence and deeper meaning of many pieces were verbally explored as interpretations were discussed and even respectfully argued over by those who found a kinship with their themes. It was a good night to be an eavesdropper.

Along with presenting art that challenges the ordinary realities of those who attend their receptions, the Living Room Gallery also enhances the joy of the experience through the entertainment they present. This night was no exception as the arts of music and dance was included in the evening’s festivities. The first to perform was an acoustic duo titled, “Public Displays of Rejection” who usually performs as a trio but one member was absent for the event.

The guitarists who performed were Rick Delgado and Shane Reimer. Their soulful renditions flowed through the room as each utterance from their voices and musical instruments inspired many conversations to take pause to hear the song singing in their heart. One could only speculate how spectacular their sound would have been if their absent guitarist Keith Haynes was with them as the duo’s performance proved to be outstanding. But, having had experienced Keith’s performances in the past, I am personally reassured their musical union would be even more impressive. You can listen to “Public Displays of Rejection” at www.soundcloud.com/PublicDisplaysofRejection.

As their performance concluded, the For the Love of the Art exhibition’s organizer, Shane Izykowski, took the stage in order to welcomed everyone to The Living Room Gallery. During this time, he shared some very unique qualities of this particular exhibition. These included many artists who have never shown their work before were alongside those who haven’t shown their work in quite some time. All were inspired to place their creative endeavors in The Living Room’s welcoming environment which included four year old Issac Katz whose piece titled, “Murmalock” hangs as a mobile from the ceiling in the center of the gallery.    

It was also announced that a new community outreach program designed to increase the awareness of the level of talent of the artists exhibiting at The Living Room has begun. This entails artists’ works will be exhibited at various venues throughout the Monroe County, PA area. An exhibition is currently running at the Starbucks coffeehouse located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA and will run until January 30th. Future exhibitions presently scheduled will be presented in February at The Tea Room Restaurant and at Four Corners Fitness during March. Both venues are located in Stroudsburg, PA. All artists who would like to have their work shown at these and other future venues throughout 2013 are invited and encouraged to contact Shane Izykowski through his facebook profile at www.facebook.com/shaneizykowski?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.

As Shane’s remarks drew to a close, Dequan Waters-Smith took the stage. This was the first time many of those attending the reception had encountered this dancer in his un costumed form. He is best known for his street antics as the dancing chicken serving as a mascot for the Cluck-U fast food establishment. Wearing a suit, tie, and hat, Mr. Waters-Smith danced with the same veloce energies one may have acquired while avoiding contact with passing motor vehicles. You can view his performance on video as it was presented at The Living Room on their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378?ref=ts&fref=ts or see him dancing on the sidewalks of Stroudsburg on his Youtube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns-4TJWNVIU&list=PLDA33DF35D5BD5EEB&feature=mh_lolz.

After Dequan completed his performance, the band known as The Clubber Lang Gang took the stage. The name of the band derives from the character the actor known as “Mr. T” portrayed in his debut performance as a boxer in the film “Rocky II.” The actor is best known for his participation in the 1980s television show titled, “The A Team” along with his Mohawk haircut and excessive gold jewelry.

The band consists of Jason Ecke, Patrick O’ Gallagher, Jonathan Sampson, Johnny Gee,  and new comer to the group Jessie Ledergerber who made her musical debut during the reception. Although no members of the band sported a Mohawk or any noticeable jewelry, the overpowering hypnotic effect of their music did provide the sense of being knocked out in the best possible way as one spell bounding song followed another. Their space-folk approach to their songs was an incredible experience as their mystical effect transfixed the audience while being transcended to another plane of existence. You can learn more about the band and hear some of their music by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/clubberlanggang?ref=ts&fref=ts.

As the effects of the music created by The Clubber Lang Gang began to dissipate, preparations were made to begin selecting those who have won items donated for the popular art raffle. Several items reflecting the vast variety of the exhibition were offered by several of those whose works appeared in the show. So, it was with great excitement when the opportunity to possess something made by someone who was featured in the show came within reach of the ticket holders. Cheers of recipients and sighs of disappointments mingled around the room as each winning ticket was announced but the later was soon replaced with congratulatory sentiments as a love for the arts emerged among the gathering. It was especially nice for me as I won a photographic piece created by Toby Sabatine. Woo woo.

As the raffle drew to a close, it was soon time for those who came to visit the gallery to bid their farewells to one another. Some of these biddings were touched with the sadness one encounters when something wonderfully enriching comes to an end, but most reflected an anticipatory exuberance as thoughts of the next exhibition entered the realm of dreamlike contemplation. The For the Love of the Art exhibition will continue to be displayed in The Living Room Gallery until January 30th but the memory of the Artists’ Reception that celebrated the work and the love that went into each piece will linger long after the end of the month. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during the For the Love of the Art Artists’ Reception in The Living Room 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151402355470421.537393.636000420&type=1.

The Living Room 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. The Artists’ Reception for the February exhibition will take place Saturday February 2nd from 6pm until 10pm. It will feature four specially selected artists and the theme for the evening will provide an opportunity for those who attend to relive their Prom Night. The exhibition will continue until February 20th.

The next group show in which local artists are invited to participate in will have a theme. The theme is Pop Culture which may entail any interpretation of the phrase the artist deems relevant. The Artists’ Reception will take place Saturday March 2nd from 6pm until 10pm and will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until March 30th. The date designated for artists to drop off their work is Friday March 1st. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information about the venue, what it offers to the community, and how to participate and become involved with the art related work it does.

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. There is also a featured band scheduled each week that enhances the enjoyment of the event. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series at it’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom?ref=ts&fref=ts.