A Rural SOHO

SOHO in the BURG in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artist’s Reception on Saturday June 1st for their exhibition titled, “Farm Field Forest” featuring the work of Patricia A. Griffin. Huge canvases depicting various animals in this ark-like exhibit filled the spacious gallery. The intrinsic beauty of each animal found its way into the paintings which was particularly noticeable when one would look into its eyes.

It may be debatable whether or not a non human animal has a soul or that it could be discovered by looking through its eyes. After all, what one may see could be merely a reflection of what we wish to attribute to the creature. And, there is also the debate on whether the soul exists or not. Regardless of the deposition of all these debates, Ms. Griffin uncannily captures the essence of each animal in her work whether one considers this essence to be evidence of a soul embodied in a non human being or not.

In fact, one wonders if it really matters. I found in my wanderings through the gallery that each image created by Ms. Griffin contained what I sensed as love. Whether the love I sensed came from the eyes of the animal depicted, the admiration felt by the artist for the subjects she painted, or the image merely reflected something that has been hidden inside of me does not matter. What matters is experiencing the love that exists within us whether it is found in the talent of an artist, a touch of a lover, of in the mew of a kitten because love enhances us regardless of its source. In any case, the effect I experienced while viewing Ms. Griffin’s work enhanced me.

In addition to Ms. Griffin’s work, the creative endeavors of other artists such as Steven Washington, Susan Molina-Washington, Andrei Protsouk, James Chesnick, Jim Smeltz, and many more could be found throughout the gallery as well as a number of deftly crafted sculpted and photographic works created by the Gallery’s Owner and Curator Andrea Robbins Rimberg. Along with the delightful conversation to be partaken of during the reception, Don Slepian shared his gentle musical talents and Chef Guarino Cortese of Chef II Go masterfully created a cuisine purposely reflecting the work found throughout the gallery which was prepared on site. You’ll find more photographs taken during the “Farm Field Forest” Artist’s Reception in The Stroudsburg Art District 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151420282390421.539464.636000420&type=3.

Patricia A. Griffin was born in Philadelphia, PA and received her B. F. A. from Moore College of Art and Design. She has spent the past 24 years traveling, teaching, and painting. According to her website, the animals she depicts in her work gives her an endless opportunity for reflection, growth, and human expression. Her saturated palette generates a powerful and dynamic “push-pull” vibration which dominates her paintings. These elements transform her paintings from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Ms. Griffin has received numerous awards with her work which are being shown in museums throughout the world. Her work can also be seen in The Forwardian Arts Society literary and Art magazine titled, “Forwardian.” You can learn more about Patricia A Griffin and her work by visiting her website at www.patriciaagriffin.com.

The “Farm Field Forest” featuring the work of Patricia A. Griffin will continue to be on display at  SOHO in the BURG (aka Backstreet Studio and Gallery) in Stroudsburg, PA until July 21st. A Painting on Site demonstration will be given by Ms. Griffin on Saturday June 8th beginning at 11am. Ms. Griffin will also give an Artist’s Talk at the Gallery on Saturday July 6th at 4pm. The next exhibition presented at the Gallery will be their Water Show which welcomes artists to submit their work depicting Boats, Bridges, Beaches, or any subject relating to water. The Artists’ Reception is scheduled to take place Saturday August 3rd beginning at 4pm and will continue to be displayed at the Gallery until September 16th.

SOHO in the BURG is an extension of the Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie which opened its doors to the public in April of 2012. The space is owned by Andrea Robbins Rimberg who has become 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 former president of the Pocono Arts Council and currently is the Arts and Photography Director of The Forwardian Arts Society literary and Art magazine titled, “Forwardian.” You can learn more about SOHO in the BURG, Ms. Rimberg, and all their creative endeavors by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BackstreetStudioAndArtGallerie.