A Pallete in Bloom

A wise and wonderful woman recently wrote upon her face book wall, “Welcome to the land where you can get sunburn and frostbite in the same week.” The land she was referring to is that associated with the Pocono region that is located in Monroe County, PA. Her words proved their validity as the unseasonable chilled temperatures of the memorial day weekend lingered along the 50 degree mark inspiring those who had put away their winter garb to retrieve the restricting material and place them once again upon their form. It was under these meteorological conditions did The Gallery at Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA hold their Artists’ Receptions in the front and back galleries of the venue on Saturday May 25th.

However, as soon as one walked through the glass doors leading into the theatre’s lobby, a feeling of reassurance that Spring and even Summer will eventually become a consistent guest in our daily lives made itself know through the beautiful arrays of flowers depicted in the theatre’s photographic exhibitions. The exhibition presented in their lobby (front gallery) was titled, “A Pallete of Petals” featuring the works of James Chesnick. The exhibition presented in the hallway leading to their second and third screening rooms was titled “In Bloom” featuring the works of Cortney Torres. Both of the exhibitions were a welcomed site as more than a few of the many who arrived to experience the work eagerly removed their heavy coats in order to frolic freely among the fields of flora.

Although some may be quick to say a picture of a flower is, after all, a picture of a flower, a subtle difference of approach in presenting their horticultural subjects could be seen between the two photographers. Mr. Chesnick presents the boldest aspects of the specimens he captures within his camera by placing the majority of the images on large canvases demanding those who nonchalantly walk through the lobby toward the film of their choice to stop and consider their aroma even if it can’t be sensed through to conventional senses. In contrast, Ms. Torres entices those who venture down the hall to see their selected film into the smaller frames in order to minutely explore the intricate details of each aspect of the floral design. This is especially true of those images presented in black and white in which the absence of color highlights each strand and fiber of the plant to the point where the imagination ventures beyond the beginnings of its genesis. More work created by James Chesnick can be viewed at www.carzwellco.com while more images created by Courtney Torres can be found at www.facebook.com/corttphotog.

During the receptions, the images upon the theatre’s walls pollinated those who viewed them inspiring a great number of conversations to blossom forth. The true essence found in the warmth of the season made its way around the room and into the hearts of many who were present. This inner beauty was reciprocally reflected in the images not only within the photographs but also in one another as the afternoon progressed. It was good to feel it. You’ll find more photographs taken during the receptions in The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151611158600421.1073741828.636000420&type=1.

The Exhibitions continues until July 14th. Their next exhibitions will take place from July 14th and continue until September 8th. In addition to hosting art exhibits, The Pocono Community Theater presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past. They also host special events such as their Book Club which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.