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.