A Soho Coexistence

The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie (aka Soho in the Burg) held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday May 4th for their exhibition titled, “Coexist” featuring the work of Jean Benfante in their facilities at the Newberry’s building located in Stroudsburg, PA. Since my last visit to the gallery, a number of architectural and decorating changes had been made to the large space making it even more vast then before. These modifications served to enhance not only the venue but also served to bring validity to their claim of being Soho in the Burg as it did recreate the feel of the well known art district found in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, NY.

A large number of art lovers attended the Reception and were soon struck by the intricate beauty and depth of the work created by Ms. Benfante as a variety of styles and techniques of her endeavors intrigued many. One of these techniques consisted of presenting an image on paper utilizing oil crayons in which the texture of the paper used contributed to the manner in which the colors and other aspects of the image it contained were applied. In some cases, the application of colors upon the papered surfaces allowed for a certain ease in creating the image thus allowing its intrinsic beauty to come forth organically.

This process brought to mind how a sense of oneness can be developed between the artist and his/her work allowing the process of creativity to flow more smoothly from the soul and beyond. This approach not only enhances the ability of the artist but also those who experience the work as an internal communication takes place allowing one to see not only the image presented but to see a beauty within oneself more clearly than ever before. This sensation was keenly felt while being present in each of the pieces created by Ms. Benfante.

In addition to Ms. Benfante’s work, the creative endeavors of other artists could be found throughout the gallery. Those included pieces created by Steven Washington, Susan Molina-Washington, Andrei Protsouk, James Chesnick, Jim Smeltz, and many more. There were also a number of deftly crafted sculpted and photographic works created by the Gallery’s Owner and Curator Andrea Robbins Rimberg. Ms Rimberg was present throughout  the reception as was her well known effervescent energies which created an atmosphere of joy and delight in which those who attend the reception could breath in while allowing the qualities of the work they explored to create a place in their heart.

In addition to the stunning work surrounding those who entered the Gallery, a sense of calmness conducive to the reception were provided by artists in the creative disciplines of the musical and culinary arts. These individuals were Don Slepian whose gentle tone emanating from the instruments he utilized provided an echo of all the eye could see in the work presented in the gallery and Chef Guarino Cortese of Chef II Go whose masterfully created cuisine purposely reflected the work found throughout the gallery and were prepared while those who subtly drooled watched and waited until their palate could be adored with the flavors contained in each sampling of his art. Together, these two artists brought a taste and sound to the gallery experience which enhanced the memories of all who were there.

The “Coexist” Exhibition featuring the work of Jean Benfante continues at The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie in the Newberry’s Building in Stroudsburg, PA until May 28th. Their next exhibition will feature the work of Patricia A Griffin with an Artist’s Reception scheduled for Saturday June 1st beginning at 4pm. The exhibition will continued to be displayed until July 21st. You’ll find more photographs taken during the “Coexist” 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 currently has facilities at the Newberry’s (aka J. J. Newberry’s) Building which was a national five and dime store chain which originated in Stroudsburg, PA in 1911 and closed during the 1990s. In addition to their exhibitions, the gallery provide art lovers an opportunity to discover and/or enhance their creative skills through a series of classes and workshops. The next of these workshops to be held at the gallery will be their Oil Painting Workshop led by Jim
Smeltz scheduled to be held on Tuesday May 7th. You can learn more about The Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie, their facilities at The Newberry’s Building, and all it offers by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BackstreetStudioAndArtGallerie.