Photography Prime and Simple

A new Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA known simply as “Prime” celebrated its debut with an Artists’ Reception on Saturday September 21st. The gallery is located at the Stroudsburg Studios and their first exhibition was titled, “Simplicity” which featured the work of area photographers. A competition based upon each photographer’s proficiency in the aspects of the art was held with the three top winners awarded a prize during the event. Music for the event was performed by Jesse Morales.

A great number of photographers both participating in the exhibit and those who wanted to view their contemporaries’ work along with many who where present simply because they love the photographic arts filled the modestly sized space. The room was also filled with a sense of excitement as an optimism was shared by many of the attendees interpreting the existence of this gallery as part of a trend leading to a viable art community being established in the town. Those who had experienced the town when it had vibrant art scene a few decades ago, shared their memories with those new to the area. This led to an anticipatory communal speculation of what the future could hold if this was indeed the case.

During the early and mid 1990s, a plethora of galleries began taking route along the Main Street of Stroudsburg, PA. The Pocono Arts Council (known then as The Monroe County Arts Council) was a driving force in the art community and established monthly Art Walks which encourage art lovers to travel and partake of one gallery after another during the first Saturday of the month. The numbers of galleries were so plentiful and filled with lively conversation that many found it a challenge (if not an impossibility) to experience all the art in one night. This endeavor was further put to the test with the presence of musicians and street artists along with activities to enjoy like horse drawn carriage rides throughout the town vying for the attentions of the many attendees who visited the town.

However, during the late 1990s, a mass exodus of galleries took place which disseminated the cultural community. Much of this was due to the area’s lack of consistent leadership in the artistic community and the lack of support the area business community had for the endeavor. But mostly, the decline was due to the galleries’ economic dependence upon commissions form sold artwork to pay the rental fees so they could remain open. The fallacy in this reasoning was the fact those living in Monroe County have always experienced hard economic times and were (an remains to be) ill equipped to afford expensive pieces of art when they could barely afford to feed their families or pay their bills of necessity.

However, during the mid 2000s, The Sherman Theater was bought by Richard Berkowitz who revitalized the structure and the Artistic Community through the presentation of a variety of performances ranging from concerts by local bands to theatrical productions presented by local troupes. This encouraged others who lived outside the area to invest their time and talents to the local artistic community initiating several creative ventures enhancing the town’s aesthetic soul. Although much of The Sherman Theater’s reinforcement of the local creative community has given way to presenting national and international artists who are more likely to enhance ticket sales, the venue remains one of the epicenters of the arts.

It was during this time members of the business community began opening their doors to the artistic community by placing artwork on their walls. These venues for the arts proved to be advantageous outlets for the display of creative work as their economic wellbeing didn’t rely upon solely upon the art being sold. The most prominent of these businesses was Dreamland Creations which was owned by tattoo artist Myke Maldonado whose main source of income was the creation of body art upon the many who patronized his shop. Moreover, Dreamland Creations distinguished themselves among area businesses by not only inviting artists to present their work on it’s premises but presented themed exhibitions with Artists’ Receptions to celebrate their work.

However, this respite for the arts began to end during the late 2000s when the international economic collapse took place leaving Stroudsburg more financially devastated as ever and many of the local businesses housing art closed. The exception to this setback to the artistic community was Dreamland Creations who continued to thrive as many saw the venue as a vibrant alternative to what was perceived to be a stagnating conservative view of what is acceptable in the arts held among elitists. Still, this too came to an end when Myke Maldonado closed the shop for personal reasons in the December of 2011. The hopes of artists disenfranchised by those whom Dreamland Creations thought to be an antithesis to were deeply disheartened by the news. 

However, hope sprung back into the Artistic Community in the April of 2012 when The Backstreet Studios and Galleries, owned by past president of The Pocono Arts Council Andrea Robbins Rimberg, opened its doors. The occasion was noted by many to be the beginning of a re emergence of the arts in the area especially when Ms. Rimberg revealed her dream of establishing the part of town where her gallery was located as “The Stroudsburg Art District.” This hope was built upon when The Sherman Theater acquired the space known as The Living Room in April of 2012 which began presenting numerous local bands in concerts affordable to most citizens of the area. It was in this venue Then Living Room Gallery first presented exhibitions with Artists’ Receptions in a manner echoing those presented at Dreamland Creations.

In the beginning of 2013, Ms. Rimberg expanded her Back Street Studio and Gallery by moving portions of it to the vacant J. C. Penny’s building and soon transformed it to The So-Ho in The Burg Gallery. Both The Living Room and The So-Ho in The Burg Galleries have become the premier art establishments in Stroudsburg epitomizing the dichotomy of artistic expression in the area. The Prime Gallery at Stroudsburg Studios continues this pattern by providing hope to those who yearn for a creative renaissance in the Poconos through its egalitarian acceptance of quality photographic work in its establishment.

The photographic work presented at The Prime Gallery’s Simplicity exhibition proved to be an outstanding examples of the art form. The Artists’ Reception was well complimented by the delicately placed arrangement of food and the wine provided by The Tolino Vineyards located in Bangor, PA www.facebook.com/TolinoVino. Music was provided by Jesse Morales who has become well known at The Living Room during their weekly Open Mic Nites. His energetic performance on both ukulele and guitar included many pieces found on his recently released EP titled, “Elephant Upwards.” As with the Open Mic Nites, those experiencing Mr. Morales’ exuberant delivery of his songs as well as those composed by others could not help themselves but to allow the smiles upon their hearts to be reflected upon their lips.

As mentioned earlier, the exhibition also served as a competition to recognize the best among the best of the participants. There is no doubt the quality of the work made the choice of the winners of the “Prime Selects” trophies which were specially designed for the awards a difficult one. This task was left to the Gallery’s owners, Shane Izykowski and Stephanie Troiani, and special guest judge Vinzon Lee who has gained a reputation of being one of the best photographers in the area. Each photographer’s work was evaluated as pertaining to his/her mastery of the photographic elements of lighting, composition, and creativity. Andrew Young received Third Place for his work titled, “Paper Cutter,” Don Manza received second place for his work titled, “Flower Fractal,” and Sean Turrell received first place for his work titled, “Poise.” A hearty congratulations were shared as the work of these phenomenal photographers were recognized by all.

In addition to the music, food, and photographic art, the reception featured a photo booth that consisted of dressing area similar to that of a theatrical dressing room with costumed accessories provided to enhance the experience. Attendees were invited to enter the area and play with the garb to create a style and setting to be photographed in. The laughter taking place behind the curtained area enticed the curiosity of many attendees with some brave enough to take a peek in order to learn of what escapades were taking place. Those who did so soon relished the thought of taking advantage of the photographic opportunity and quickly adored themselves in their alter egos’ attire.

The Stroudsburg Studios is located at 427 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA and is owned by Stephanie Troiani and Shane Izykowski. The Studios offers photographic services specializing in infant and children's portraits, weddings, special events, maternity, headshots, senior portraits, commercial, and almost every photographic service you can imagine. You can learn more about The Stroudsburg Studios by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/StroudsburgStudios.

The Prime Gallery at the Stroudsburg Studios is said to be the only fine art photography gallery in the Poconos and the owners curates the exhibitions. The Simplicity exhibition continues until November 30th with the theme for the next exhibition yet to be announced. You can learn more about The Prime Gallery at the Stroudsburg Studios by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/primegallery for more information.

The Artists’ Reception at The Prime Gallery at the Stroudsburg Studios was an enjoyable one and it was good to see so many pieces of high quality work displayed. Being someone who endeavors to capture photographic images with some degree of professional quality, it was especially advantageous for me to partake of the opportunity to share conversations with other enthusiast about the art and the techniques it employs. I learned a lot from my first visit to the gallery and I look forward to learning more as I return to the gallery for their future exhibitions. I hope there will be many of those to come and I’ll see you there. In the meantime, you’ll find more photographs I took during the Saturday September 21st Artists’ Reception in The Prime 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151910874145421.1073741871.636000420&type=1.