In Remembrance of….

The Pocono Mountain Community Chorus of Churches presented their 34th Annual Holy Week Concert Series in three performances which were held at The United Presbyterian Church in Belvidere, NJ on Sunday March 24th, The Salem-St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kresgeville, PA on Tuesday March 26th, and The Cherry Lane United Methodist Church in Tannersville, PA on Wednesday March 27th. The choir consists of members of churches established in the Monroe County PA and surrounding areas (including New Jersey) varying from Roman Catholicism to Unitarian Universalist. Together, they joined to honor a week in which many of those practicing the Christian religion consider to be of paramount importance to their faith.

The Choir was led by Jack Hamblin and accompanied by Gary Raish on Organ while sharing the Piano alongside Judy Munoz. Bob Riday and Chris Souza also performed alongside the choir on flute and violin. Duets and soloists were also performed throughout the series by Ms. Munoz and Mr. Souza who performed “Folia” by A. Correlli, Michael Yasenchock who performed “Savior, Source of Mercy” by Mrs. Hall Hayes, and Deborah Booth who performed “There is a Balm in Gilead” as arranged by Mark Hayes.

The blend of music and voice made each concert in the series an enjoyable experience especially for those who find solace and a divine grace in the sacred nature of the music performed. However, when one experiences the series in its entirety, one discovers each concert has its own unique nuance to it. The subtly of this experience is difficult to convey but this may be because there is something about it that communicates an awareness that is beyond the normal characteristics of perception. All one can truly say is, “It was nice.” You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert series as well as one of the rehearsals in The Special Events 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151513384020421.546231.636000420&type=1.

To many, the week corresponding with the Hebrew Holiday of Passover contains events in which Joshua son of Joseph (aka Jesus The Messiah or Christ) partook of toward the end of his life c. 33 C. E. (Common Era). These include holidays known as Palm Sunday in which he reportedly rode upon a donkey into the city of Jerusalem located in the Roman province of  Judea, Maundy Thursday in which he held his final meal celebrating the Passover holiday with his disciples, Good Friday upon which he was executed by crucifixion for sedition, and Easter Sunday in which some claim he was reanimated (resurrected) after his death and resumed his role as a leader to his disciples until his “ascension into the Heavens” echoing that of an act believed to had been performed by the Hebrew profit Elijah several centuries earlier.

The Pocono Mountain Community Chorus of Churches hold a series of concerts annually in commemoration of Holy week and the events which took place during it. Members of the community are invited to lend their voices and participate in their 35th annual concert series with rehearsals beginning early in 2014. Membership in the choir is free and open to all singers who enjoy sacred music associated with the Christian faith regardless of their level of musical experience. To learn more about this year’s series, how to participate in next year’s series, or The Pocono Mountain Community Chorus of Churches, Please Contact them at theauctioneer@jackhamblinauctions.com for more information.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the OMN

The weekly Open Mic Nite Series held at The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA has gained a well deserved reputation of welcoming a variety of entertaining performers to share their talents with an encouraging audience. The Sunday March 17th installment of the series proved to be consistent with this reputation as individual, pair, and/or groups of performers came upon the stage to bless the mic with their song, poetry, or comedic utterances. This, combined with the equally consistent camaraderie among its denizens whose love for the arts is only surpassed by the love they hold for one another, enables the venue to become a home for each person who enters it.

Another consistency emerges among those who frequent the venue and that is each weekly event has a slightly different tone to it. Some evenings evolve around the sensations deeply hidden in each being which can be extracted from the soul by the means of poetic expression while others focus upon the wordless communication found in the voice of a musical instrument. Each tonal quality of the individual Open Mic Nites leaves attendees amused, bemused, and diffused as the ordinary perceptions of the world become reshaped by the communal experiences uniquely found in The Living Room.

The underlining tone for Sunday March 17th seemed to be a humorous one as Billy Mack, the series’ long established host, welcomed the gathering while sharing several of the jokes he has become well known for. This lol precedence reared it’s smiling head throughout the night as comedy proved to be the focus of many who sought to bring their humor to the gathering. During his introductory set, Billy was joined by Vid Larrison, Aiden Pentheus (aka Joel Craig III), Amy Swagg (aka Swag Amy or Amy Burowski), and Jesse Morales who enhanced the entertaining opening as they laughed their way from one song to another.

At the conclusion of their set, guitarist Jack Shaffer, who was the first of the performers who were signed up for the evening’s festivities, took to the stage. He gave a solid performance as his interpretations of familiar songs brought new life to them. He was followed by Jesse Morales whose energetic talent engulfed the gathering as he performed a light hearted set whose finale was sealed with a kiss. He was followed by the comedy team known as “David and Kes” whose infectious humor spread among the crowd before an inoculation of WTF could be injected to their bloodstream. They were followed by a guitarist named, “Dan” who came from Philadelphia to be a part of the event and whose instrumentals wooed the gathering as each note struck a chord upon the strings which held them together. Dan was followed by another guitarist who traveled a distance to be a part of the Living Room.

He was known as “Not For Coltrane” and his powerfully performed songs penetrated the room. It was discovered Not For Coltrane hosted an Open Mic Nite on Friday evenings at The Hava Java Café in Allentown, PA. This news encouraged many who were intrigued by his performance to travel to the town to explore their talent in this, for some, unexplored venue. More information about Not For Coltrane and the Open Mic Nites he hosts can be found at www.facebook.com/NotForColtrane?ref=ts&fref=ts. Not For Coltrane was followed by the evening’s featured performer who is known as Wilbium.

Wilbium is a musical artists well know to the denizens of the Living Room. He has signed in on many occasions to perform during the Open Mic Nite’s customary 15 minute sets allotted to all who come to share their talent and Wilbium has been featured in other Open Mic Nites and other events held at the venue. His electronic voice aided by a computerized I have no idea what it’s called breathes a new essence into the songs he interprets. This essence flows into the forms of those who inhale it and it’s effects can be seen in their manifested desire to celebrate its rapture in dance. Wild laughter moved among the bodies who swayed with and into one another in delightful abandonment. As for me, the experience brought a question to shyness infused in my mind. Can anyone see me dancing?

Wilbium was followed by a return of Kes, who earlier performed comedy with David, was accompanied by his guitar and, together, they shared songs which delighted the crowd. Kess was followed by Aiden Pentheus (aka Joel Craig III) whose poetry contrasted the laughter prevalent throughout the evenings with sentiments which opened and purified the heart. Aiden was followed by Dee and Lex whose combination of song and the poetic style known as “Spoken Word” lured each individual into each piece to create an understanding of each message it contained. After a time, Lex left the stage as Dee continued to perform as a soloist. She was followed by Amy Swagg (aka Swag Amy or Amy Burowski) whose poetic manifestations of the soul’s existence never fails to enhance it through the ears of those who embrace her words.

As Amy left the stage, the reflective power of words continued as a poet known as “Ben” placed his words into the minds of those eager to partake of their every nuance. Ben was followed by Al Shivers who explored his comedic talents in an improvisational experiment with the gathering. Hardly any test tubes where harmed during the course of his set. Al’s performance was followed by that presented by electric guitarist Dave Pugh who has been absent from The Living Room for several week and whose return was appreciated as it proved to bring a fitting end to another Open Mic Night.

The remnants of the laughter along with the enriching elements of song and poetry moved in partnership among those walking through the Living Room’s doors as they entered the streets of Stroudsburg, PA. It was a partnership that sought to be renewed in eager anticipation which could only be precipitated by the passage of a week cumulating in a return to the venue. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday March 17th Open Mic Nite  in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151501176525421.545088.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite series will take place on Sunday March 24th beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm). Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed to do so. The featured performer for the evening will be Lauren Zuniga. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which is currently presenting their exhibition titled, “Pop Culture” featuring the work of local artists from throughout the area. The exhibition continues until March 30th. The Artists’ Reception for the April exhibition will take place Saturday April 6th from 6pm until 10pm. It will feature four specially selected artists who are yet to be announced. The exhibition will continue until April 30th.

The next group show in which local artists are invited to participate in will have a theme with is “The Human Form” may entail any interpretation of the phrase the artist deems relevant. The Artists’ Reception will take place Saturday May 4th from 6pm until 10pm and will feature Nude Body Painting, music by The Current (formerly Dream of Fire), a Fashion Show, and a Drag Show. The exhibition will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until May 30th. The date designated for artists to drop off their work is Friday May3rd. The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

A Life For Artzsake

On Saturday March 9th, For ArtzSake introduced author T. M. Brown and her book titled, “A Life Not My Own” to the public in a book signing event they held at the newly named Studio 8 (formally known as The Galleria) which is located in Stroudsburg, PA. A large gathering of Literary Lovers filled the space sharing a desired to experience the excitement one encounters when introduced to a newly written novel and the person who wrote it. It’s a rare opportunity to gain an author’s insights to their work prior to reading it and those who entered the studio eagerly explored them while becoming enchanted by Ms. Brown’s welcoming demeanor and cordiality.

It was with a slight sense of disappointment when Ms. Brown had to momentarily discontinue her intercourses with those that met her in order to take her place at a table so she could begin the loving process of signing copies of her book for those who have purchased it. However, this sense of disappointment quickly dissipated as words personalizing each copy flowed from her pen onto the blank spaces found upon the title page. Smiles, special words, and connections filled the exchanges between author and reader inspiring new memoirs to be written within by both.

As the event progressed, Ms. Brown shared from her book through a reading from it. In a soft voice which still maintained the strength of one wanting to be heard, part of her story was revealed. It moved the listeners to retrospection as the uniquely familiar phrases and emotional subtext found within her words touched upon the chords that played their life’s song. The conclusion of the reading seemed to had created a sense of urgency among those who had purchased the novel to leave so they could read more of the work. However, the joy they experienced in the company they have become acquainted with bade them to stay and the majority of them did.

The reading encouraged the few who had not yet purchased the book to do so and Ms. Brown happily returned to her table to accommodate their desire to have their copy signed. As the final purchased books were signed, a raffle offering items related to the book ensued. A delight was seen in the eyes of those who held their ticket waiting to learn if their number were among those to be drawn and announced. Some were and some weren’t but a joy of the raffle touched the gathering regardless. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Book signing event in the Stroudsburg Art District 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151420282390421.539464.636000420&type=1 and the Creative Arts 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.434843849920405.98788.250942068310585&type=1.

The book, “A Life Not My Own,” is a compilation of memories of the author’s childhood and young adult life. Ms. Brown was born in Baltimore City, MD and has received a BA degree in Psychology along with a MS degree in System Engineering. In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. You can learn more about Ms. Brown, her book titled, “A Life Not My Own,” and how to purchase a copy by exploring her website at www.author-tmbrown-com.webs.com.

In addition to hosting the book signing and reading given by Ms. Brown, the Studio presented the visual work created by an artists simply known as, “Persia.” Her deceptively simplistic images possessed the uncanny ability to entreat each viewer to delve deeply into the subconscious aspect of her work. Several pieces had images within the dominant image which added a texture to the overall work. A number of the pieces were placed upon a clothes line creating the sensation they were just drawn and painted waiting for a warm breeze to become dry. This added a smile to many faces as their eyes explored the images. You can learn more about Persia and her work by contacting her at poetryPersia@aol.com.

Studio 8 (formally known as The Galleria) is located on 6th Street in Stroudsburg, PA and is one of the galleries within the epicenter of an emerging Art District of the town. The space is shared by Gigi and Company Dance Studio owned by Jeannine “Gigi” Quinones and For ArtzSake whose founding Director Sara Smith-Katz curates the art gallery aspect of the space. A variety of art related events and classes take place in the venue which are offered to the public.

#For ArtzSake represents national and international artists of all mediums and holds exhibitions at Studio 8. Several events such as the book signing and art exhibitions described in this article are scheduled to take place throughout 2013. Their next exhibition it yet to be announced. You can learn more about For ArtzSake and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/For-ArtzSake/197412433691630.

Gigi and Company Dance Studio offers instructions in a variety forms of dance along with performances. A schedule of classes and performances is available to all who asks for one. You can learn more about Gigi and Company Dance Studio and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Gigi-Company-Dance-Studio/200927543295977.

The Saturday March 9th For ArtzSake’s book signing event featuring T. M. Brown and her book titled, “A Life Not My Own” at Studio 8 proved to be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The event produced great conversations, thoughtful memories, and a desire to return to the studio to partake of its future offerings. I look forward to doing so and I hope to see you then.

A Thoughtful OMN

Those who have frequent The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA in the past has found the venue to be a home where their love for the arts can dwell in an open environment conducive to their growth. A creative family has developed during its 10 month existence among its denizens who are free to share not only their talents but all the experiences and emotions that contribute to their lives. Among these sharings are those associated with the loss of a friend who passes from this world to the next.

The Sunday March 3rd installment of The Living Room’s weekly Open Mic Nite Series embodied its usual sense of camaraderie and the profound joy that accompany it. However, this was tempered by a special celebration of the life of a friend of the series named, “Sam.” Although I don’t remember meeting this young man, the effect his recent passing had on those who were touched by him were felt by all who were present whether they knew him or not.

The evening began as Billy Mack, the series’ long established host, welcomed the gathering, shared his recollections of Sam, and expressed his gratitude for the gifts their friendship has given him. He was soon joined by Katherine Freeman and Eric Funn with all three performing together. After their set, Eric remained on stage to give his performance. He was followed by Electric Guitarist Matt B., then Patrick Cummings took the stage to blessed the mic. Patrick was followed by a group known as DNA. After their set, a member of the group named, “Dee Vision,” remained to perform as a soloist.

During Dee Vision’s performance, he mentioned he didn’t know Sam but had a friend who passed away some time ago. He then sang a song in memory of his friend as all who were present listened with the deepness of their hearts. Tears touched many eyes that were wiped clean by the love of their friends who held them close. Dee Vision was followed by the evening’s featured Artists Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards.

Billy Mack’s introduction of Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards included a recollection of how Mark was one of the first musicians he toured with. A great affection grew out of their mutual love for music and remains steadfast up to the present day and will most likely remain so for some time to come. Together, Mark and Raianne’s sweet, earthy tones of their original songs permeated the room and all who dwelled within it. A thoughtfulness filled the air as their calming demeanor allowed each piece to be echoed within the heart.

According to their website, Mark and Raianne began an organization in 2010 called, “The Massachusetts Walking Tour” formed to support arts and culture in the small towns of their home state of Massachusetts. The tours consists of musicians, poets, and artists traveling on foot with backpacks to perform in a string of concerts which are arranged in collaboration with local arts councils, school systems, town parks and recreation, and a variety of cultural groups inhabiting each town they visit. Their 4th Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour is scheduled to take place June 16th - 29th. You can learn more about the tour by exploring its Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Massachusetts-Walking-Tour/144854998919196?ref=ts&fref=ts. You can learn more about Mark Mandeville by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Mandeville/135424873151332?ref=ts&fref=ts and about Raianne Richards by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Raianne-Richards/111323855581827?ref=ts&fref=ts.

After Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards completed their set, a special tribute presented by Sam’s Friends took the stage. The group of friends included Abigail Braman, Elizabeth Starship, Mike Strunk, Renée De Moonunit, Daniel McLaughlin, Billy Mack, Katherine Freeman, Baily, Zeke Cats, and others. A combination of life affirming poetry, song, and stories were shared in honor of Sam.

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t know Sam but could not help but to be touched by all that transpired. It was mentioned he was very quiet but that ability to be silent in the midst of a world who demands all to embrace a whirlwind approach filled with noise did not keep him from letting his friends know how much he loved them. This gave me pause to reflect how my ability to share my thoughts relating how I feel about those who are in my life has diminished throughout the years.

While I have made many wonderful friends and experienced some life enriching times, I have also encountered the opposite which I allowed the traits of regret and insensitivity to take root in my soul. As a result, I don’t share all that much about my feelings for fear of being hurt. The tribute and all that related to it made me wonder am I really willing to leave this Earth without telling those I love that I do? Will I allow the hurts from the past regulate my future? Time will tell but I hope not.

The tribute was followed by poetry shared by Joe Landolfa whose presence was new to the Living Room’s Open Mic Nite but has become an icon among those who remember the opportunities to share and partake of the poetic arts throughout the Monroe County, PA area during the 1990s. He was followed by Amy Swagg (aka Swag Amy or Amy Burowski) who has presented her poetry on numerous occasions at The Living Room. She was followed by Guitarist T. J. Meister who was joined by Billy Mack for a few selections. The evening ended with a performance by Wilbium whose musical intricacies move the crowd to remember that in all life’s sadness there is always room to dance. As the last note from Wilbium echoed throughout the room, Billy Mack bade those who attended the evening’s installment of the Open Mic Series a fond adieu.

Solemn smiles touched the faces of those who were leaving. Memories held their place while the bridges to the future were being built on their foundations. A new week to discover opportunities to share a love for poetry, music, and all The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite has to offer will arrive soon and, with it, an opportunity to let those who share the experience know that they love them, too. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday March 3rd Open Mic Nite  in The Living Room 2013 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151501176525421.545088.636000420&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite series will take place on Sunday March 10th beginning at 7pm (sign up begins at 6:30pm). Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with an audience are welcomed to do so. The featured performer for the evening will be Rob Lately. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which is currently presenting their exhibition titled, “Pop Culture” featuring the work of local artists from throughout the area. The exhibition continues until March 30th. The Artists’ Reception for the April exhibition will take place Saturday April 6th from 6pm until 10pm. It will feature four specially selected artists who are yet to be announced. The exhibition will continue until April 30th. The next group show in which local artists are invited to participate in will have a theme with is “The Human Form” may entail any interpretation of the phrase the artist deems relevant. The Artists’ Reception will take place Saturday May 4th from 6pm until 10pm and will feature Nude Body Painting, music by The Current (formerly Dream of Fire), a Fashion Show, and a Drag Show. The exhibition will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until May 30th. The date designated for artists to drop off their work is Friday May3rd.

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 Living Room is organized by members of the 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 on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Pop Goes the Culture

The Living Room Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA has gained the welcomed reputation of embracing the artistic community by inviting its members to place their work in their group exhibitions which is presented every other month without the restrictions or inhabitations found in more traditional galleries. The month of March reinforced this reputation by gathering artists who wish to share their creativity in its current exhibition focusing on the elements associated with the concept of “Pop Culture.” Artists are encouraged to manifest their interpretations of the Pop Culture theme unique to their style and approach to their creative perceptions. This provides those who love the arts an opportunity to experience a wide variety of captivating and thought provoking two and three dimensional imagery which encourages those who enter to not only explore the art displayed throughout the room but that which is waiting to be discovered within each heart.

The Living Room Gallery held an Artists’ Reception to demonstrate their love for those who participated in their Pop Culture exhibition on Saturday March 2nd. Over 100 pieces of art adorned the gallery along with a multitude of greetings shared among friends leading to the excited conversations relating to the work and other topics. This combination of art and camaraderie created a loving atmosphere allowing the venue to truly become a “Living Room.” To enhance the experience of those who attended the reception even further, The Living Room Gallery presented music which was performed by Jesse Morales, an Art Raffle, and karaoke.

The evening’s enhancements began as the Art exhibition’s organizer, Shane Izykowski, took to the stage in order to welcomed everyone to The Living Room Gallery. His words reflected the excitement the exhibition has generated while creating an anticipation for those which are yet to come throughout 2013 and beyond. It was at their conclusion when Jesse Morales was introduced to the audience.

Jesse has become well know among those who frequent The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite held every Sunday evening. He has also performed at The Living Room during its many concerts either alone or alongside other musicians. His performances never fails to enliven the room with his considerable talent and the joy his songs encompass. His performance during the Pop Culture Artists’ Reception proved to be consistent with those many have enjoyed previously and delighted those who were introduced to his life confirming energies for the very first time. Although there were a number of songs he sang that were composed by established artists, the majority were original pieces which were recorded on his CD titled, “Elephant Upwards” and were made available for sale along with some T Shirts. You can learn more about Jesse by exploring his facebook profile at www.facebook.com/morales.jt?ref=ts&fref=ts and his new CD by visiting www.jessemorales.bandcamp.com/album/elephant-upwards.

After Jesse completed his performance, it was karaoke time. The word “karaoke” is derived from two Japanese words meaning “Empty Orchestra” in which a singer sings along to a instrumental version of his/her favorite song to a group of people. The concept can trace its origins to the 1940s when films presented songs with subtitles which allowed audiences to sing along while “Following the bouncing ball.” It gained popularity when semi portable machines were developed during the 1970s and placed in numerous gathering places such as bars, night clubs, and restaurants throughout Japan. It is currently a very popular form of entertainment in the modern “Pop Culture” as the advent of computer technology has enabled almost anyone to present a Karaoke event any place where friends gather.

The Living Room Gallery’s first Karaoke Night was hosted by Lorelei Sands who was a DJ for the Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company (PIBCO) which was an internet radio station located in Stroudsburg, PA airing a variety of music along with interviews presenting the creativity and views of many local individuals and groups. A sense of delight was seen in Ms. Sands eyes as she announced each singer or group of singers so they could approach the microphone in order to perform the song they selected. This delight proved to be contagious as the audience delved into each performance and found a deep appreciation for the talent residing within the singer.

While there were many singers who sounded wonderful while adding a dimension to the song through their interpretation of it, there were others who…. well, it’s Karaoke. In either case, the experience was a lot of fun for both the singers and those who heard them. The joyous atmosphere it created inspired an announcement there may be a Karaoke night established at The Living Room in the near future. Many who hesitated to perform thought their courage may increase as their desire to participate during these future events. I include myself among them although I wonder how many garage doors will open if I do. Smiles.

The Karaoke portion of the evening was, like the machine which enabled the event to proceed, placed on pause while the art raffle took place. The raffle provided an opportunity for those who enjoyed all the Living Room Gallery to lend their financial support to the venue. Several artists donated their work so attendees of the reception could purchase and place a ticket in a cup corresponding with the piece. Since the gallery doesn’t charge the artists an entry of hanging fee or a commission once a piece is sold, this fun fundraiser helps the venue to continue supporting the creative community through its endeavors without resorting to the demeaning practices to gain funds excessively common in other galleries.

As the raffle drew to a close, the karaoke resumed with the same fervor it embraced before it paused. The laughter and singing continued until time came for those who came to visit the gallery to bid their farewells to one another. It was a fun night popping with good conversation and singers making a joyous noise to the artistic endeavors that surrounded them. This, and the delicious cup cakes made by Sarah Jane McCready, who happens to be the editor in chief of The Forwardian Arts Society’s Literary and Art Magazine, “Forwardian,” helped make the reception a part of the popular culture which will linger throughout the ages. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during the Pop Culture Artists’ Reception in The Living Room 2013 Part 2 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151501176525421.545088.636000420&type=1.

The Pop Culture exhibition will continue to be displayed in The Living Room Gallery until March 30th. The Artists’ Reception for the April exhibition will take place Saturday April 6th from 6pm until 10pm. It will feature four specially selected artists who are yet to be announced. The exhibition will continue until April 30th. The next group show in which local artists are invited to participate in will have a theme with is “The Human Form” may entail any interpretation of the phrase the artist deems relevant. The Artists’ Reception will take place Saturday May 4th from 6pm until 10pm and will feature Nude Body Painting, music by The Current (formerly Dream of Fire), a Fashion Show, and a Drag Show. The exhibition will be on display at The Living Room Gallery until May 30th. The date designated for artists to drop off their work is Friday May3rd.

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  committee 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 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.