Le Soho du le burg (pardon my French)

The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday February 9th for their exhibition titled, “The Red Show” which featured the work of over 15 artists sharing their creative endeavors while incorporating the color and/or concept of red in their work. The exhibition wasn’t presented in the gallery but in the Newbery’s building located nearby which allowed for a larger crowd to enjoy the work. This change of venue proved to be as much as a treat to the artistic sensibilities of those who attended the reception as the work that was presented.

One immediately was captured by the vastness of the space which the event’s host, Andrea Robbins Rimberg, excitedly filled by entreating each guest with her delightful imaginings reflecting the potential the space has for the artistic community. Among these included dance classes and other events designed to entice the creative nature from the depth of every soul yearning for expression. However, acquiring the space as a permanent addition to her already established Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie remains a process to be overcome. But, the excitement Ms. Rimberg created within all who she talked to stirred a hope that her dreams will manifest themselves into a wonderful reality as they have become our dreams as well.

In the meantime, the work presented upon the gallery’s walls proved to be an enjoyable collection of images and were enhanced by the conversation many have inspired. The two dimensional work was also accented by the sculpted pieces who sometimes felt as if they were participants of the number of conversations that were shared during the course of the reception. In combination, the entirety of the work and the varied topics of the discourses that ensued made the reception a pleasant place to spend a late afternoon and early evening. The works included those created by Andrei Protsouk, Jorge L. Cruz, James Chesnick, Marcos Oksenhendler, Joyce Bambach, Jim Smeltz, and many more.

Due to the recent meteorological conditions, the gallery scheduled an additional Artists’ Reception to be held Sunday February 10th for those who were unable to attend the Saturday event. If the Saturday experience could be considered as an indication of what could be in store for those who come the following day, then a treat awaits every art lover who ventures in. In fact, the entire exhibition may well serve as an indication the arts in Stroudsburg, PA are in the process of flourishing to a new level especially when one considers the creation of several other venues established within the past year throughout the town. This is in keeping with one of Andrea’s dreams to establish an Art District which is becoming more tangible with every event of this nature that takes place.

The “Red Show” Exhibition continues at The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie in the Newberry’s Building in Stroudsburg, PA until March 9th. Their next exhibition is yet to be announced. You’ll find more photographs taken during the “Red Show” Artist’s Reception in The Stroudsburg Art District 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151420282390421.539464.636000420&type=3.

The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie opened its doors to the public in April of 2012 and is owned by Andrea Robbins Rimberg. Prior to the establishment’s opening, Ms. Rimberg became well known for her creativity as many of her pieces were and continues to be presented in prestigious museums throughout the United States. She is also know for her undying dedication to the arts which she utilizes her exuberant energies to promote at every opportunity. Among her many positions serving in organizations and groups relating to the arts, she is the president of the Pocono Arts Council and the Arts and Photography Director of The Forwardian Arts Society literary and Art magazine titled, “Forwardian.”

The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie is currently renting the Newberry’s Building and plans to hold a number of art related events and opportunities there. Newberry’s (aka J. J. Newberry’s) was a national five and dime store which originated in Stroudsburg, PA in 1911 and closed during the 1990s. During its time, it evolved from a family owned business created by John Josiah Newberry into a chain acquiring over 500 stores throughout the United States until it was bought by the McCrory Stores who downsized the business and eventually became bankrupted. The closing of one of the chain’s stores in New Hampshire inspired the composition of the poem titled, “Beans and Frank” written by Donald Hall. You can learn more about The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie, their new facilities at The Newberry’s Building, and all it offers by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BackstreetStudioAndArtGallerie.