Theo and Me at PCT

The Gallery at The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA held Artists’ Receptions for an exhibition in their front gallery titled, “At the Museum” featuring the work of Theo Solomon and an exhibition in their back gallery titled, “I’ve been Everywhere, Man” featuring the work of Paul Adam Smeltz on Saturday July 20th. The warm day offered a cooled respite to the modest number of art lovers who ventured into the venue. The conversation the reception inspired enhanced the experience of moving from one piece of art to another allowing aspects of each work to emerge through the thoughts and voices that were shared.

The photographic work of Theo Solomon captured the delight many who came to the exhibit has often felt whenever they had visited a metropolitan gallery to explore its wonders. The images also captured how the images depicted upon a gallery’s wall are often reflected by the behavior of those who come to view the work. This was made very evident in one of the untitled pieces Mr. Solomon created depicting an individual sharing her thoughts of a painting titled, “The Death of Socrates” which was created in 1787 by Jacques-Louis David.

The painting depicts Socrates who was a classical Greek Athenian philosopher who lived from 470 BCE to 399 BCE and has been credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. However, his thoughts on issues prevalent at the time led to a trail in which he was found guilty of both corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens and not believing in the gods of the state. His punishment was to die by drinking a poison known as Hemlock. The image is of Socrates raising his finger to share one last philosophical point for his disciplines to contemplate as he draws his last breath.

The photograph created by Mr. Solomon of a woman in a gallery in which the Jacques-Louis David painting is on display holds her finger up in the same manner as Socrates does thus creating a correlation between the events. Even though it’s unlikely the woman will soon embrace the effects of a poisoned death, the image does denote the effects a powerful thought may have upon those who choose to listen and keep it in their heart. Of course, one can’t hear the words being spoken by the woman or by Socrates. But, this very fact can illustrate the effectiveness of an expressed concept has on those who are exposed to it even if it is left unheard.

In the back gallery of The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center which leads to the 2nd and 3rd movie theaters of the venue are some photographs taken by me. Now, I’m not going to share anything regarding the quality of the work as it’s really up to others to interpret and say their peace. But, I will tell you it was good to chat about each photograph and what moved me to take it with those who came to the reception. I’m sure my utterances were filled with excitement as this was the first time my work has ever been featured in an exhibition and I would like to thank The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center and it’s gallery curator, Marcos Oksenhendler, for the opportunity to share my work and experiences with others. 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 September 8th. Their next exhibitions will take place from September 8th and continue until November 17th featuring the work of Michael Parsons. An Artist’s Reception is yet to be scheduled. 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 in the theater. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.