The number of attendees of the June Reception was a bit less than those of those held previously at the gallery but the energies deriving from a profound love for the arts was noticeably present. Curiosity, excitement, and wonder filled those who came out to the reception as the work presented by the featured artists ranged from the peculiar, to the macabre, to the classical surrealism, and to realism. Experiencing such a variety of created approaches and styles to the arts was enjoyable.
The beauty found in the pieces presented by Heidi Hooper is quite captivating but the most interesting aspect of her work is not what is depicted but the materials she utilized in their creation. Those of us who do their laundry every couple of months and feel a great sense of accomplishment when our clothing is placed in the dryer before too much mold and mildew builds up upon them knows performing the annual task of emptying the dryer’s lint catcher thingy can be a chore. But, one of the amazing aspects of the artistic perspective of life is the ability to transform an everyday menial task into something wonderful. Ms. Hooper demonstrates this ability as the images she presents in the exhibition were created from the lint she pulled out of her dryer and formed into images reflecting the style associated with Andy Warhol. During my conversation with her I discovered she welcomes donations of lint so to benefit her endeavors which led me to contemplate an annual pilgrimage to her studios. You can learn more about Ms. Hooper and her artistic approach by exploring her website at www.heidihooper.com.
The macabre nature of Rob Hafner’s sculpted pieces could well create a sensation of dread and discomfort if they weren’t so captivating to the eye. Although Mr. Hafner depicts horrific scenes with some presented encased in glass to create the illusion the sculptures are actually found specimens, they all contain a sense of fun. Mr. Hafner’s work can be favorably compared to the images found in the cinematic work of Director Tim Burton but a certain degree of originality enhances each piece so it isn’t merely an imitation of the style. I did have a nightmare about Mr. Hafner’s pieces but found myself laughing myself awake as one had a hard time leaving it’s jar. You can learn more about Rob Hafner and his work by exploring his Facebook Profile at www.facebook.com/rob.hafner?fref=ts.
A great variety of creative styles and approaches could be found in the work presented by Erick Bakke. Pieces created through the mediums of Oil, Watercolor, Lithoprint, and Pastel filled the majority of the room depicting surreal images reminiscent of those conjured up by artists like Salvador Dali to images reflecting the beauty found in the human form. One piece in particular depicted a nude whose features were subtly obscured by the shadows that surrounded her. This enticed those who viewed the work to enter its realm more deeply by adding a sense of mystery to the subject. Once upon a time I would have lifted the piece to see if the lighting was more conducive to viewing the nude’s attributes but I’m much too mature to contemplate such things now. You can learn more about Erick Bakke and his work by exploring his Facebook Profile at www.facebook.com/eric.bakke.56?fref=ts.
The Black and White images found in the Photography presented by Sepia Prince were few in number but each had a power in its essence which spoke the truths inherent in subject depicted. Each photograph shared a non verbal statement about life, politics, and/or society that spoke loud enough to create a deafness in those who would seek not to listen. The spacing of the work enhanced the significance of each piece as the vastness encouraged the viewer to spend a considerable amount of time with one image before moving along the wall to view another. I found myself contemplating upon some of the voices I’ve heard from within while viewing Mr. Prince’s work several hours after I left the gallery. You can learn more about Sepia Prince and his work by exploring his Website at www.sepiaprince.com.
Although one can’t quite say the combined presentation of the artists’ works in The Living Room Gallery was a seamless one in which a flow was created connecting one set of pieces with another, but the slight perception of a loose stitch here and there proved to make it an interesting exhibit as distinctions between the creative approaches and styles of the individual artists were emphasized. All in all, it was a good collection of work encouraging many to view it while expressing their appreciation through a series of Oooos, Ahhhs, and Hmmms.
In addition to the work created by Eric Bakke, Rob Hafner, Heidi Hooper, and Sepia Prince. The event presented music performed by Dee Smoov Allen who shared the stage with Tycho. Those who frequent The Living Room’s Open Mic Nite on Sunday evenings are well aware of the talents of Dee and Tyco. Their weekly performances never fails to heighten the Open Mic events and their considerable talent proved to be an asset to the reception as well.
Prior to their performance, Shane Izykowski took the stage to welcome those who gathered for the event while sharing a number of announcements related to the arts. One of which was the search conducted by Sky Gallery for artists who would like to have their work considered for being presented on Billboards. The project is a joint venture being offered by Adams Outdoor Advertising and The Living Room. All artists and photographers meeting the submission criteria are welcomed to participate. The deadline for submissions is Saturday August 3rd. More information can be gained by contacting Shane at thelivingroomgallery@gmail.com.
As the announcement regarding Sky Gallery’s search concluded, the auctioning of artists to create a portrait began. Sonia Leticia, Rendi, Kara Williams, John Catalano, and Eric Bakke were the artists up for bid. Those attending the reception who wished to have their portraits produced by any of the artists were encouraged to make a bid in order to raise funds for The Living Room and its endeavors. The auction proved to be fun as art lovers were engaged in a friendly bidding wars filled with laughter.
As the auction concluded and the artists prepared to create a portrait for the winning bidders, Guitarist Dee Smoov Allen took to the stage with Tycho. The songs they performed encouraged many who frequent the Living Room’s Open Mic Nites to happily relive the moments they performed there while those who haven’t seen them perform in the venue were struck by the quality of their performance. Many among the Reception’s attendees place money in their tip picture to show their appreciation for their musical talents. The appreciation was reciprocal.
The Living Room Gallery’s June exhibition featuring the work of Eric Bakke, Rob Hafner, Heidi Hooper, and Sepia Prince will continue to be displayed until June 30th. The next exhibit will be a group show in which local artists are invited to participate. The theme for the exhibit is yet to be announced. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during the June Artists’ Reception in The Living Room 2013 Part 3 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151625325480421.1073741831.636000420&type=1.
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. 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 which occurs every Sunday Evening beginning at 6pm. Musicians, Poets, Writers, and anyone who would like to share their talents with an eagerly accepting audience are welcomed to participate. There is occasionally 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.
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