A Flair For The Local Soho

The So-ho in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Friday December 13th for their exhibition celebrating the 9th Anniversary of The Local Flair Magazine. The work presented in the show served as a retrospective of the publication consisting of the images provided by the many talented artists and photographers whose work introduced the more than 50 issues to the public over the years through its covers. Honoring their contributions to the magazine by placing them in a gallery setting provided those who visited the venue an opportunity to reflect upon the meaningful and life enriching moments they expereinced as they opened an issue and were encouraged by what they discovered with each turn of a page.

From the very first issue, a hidden sophisticated beauty was revealed not only to be a part of the Pocono Region experience but within each reader as well. The magazine introduced its readers to the numerous alcoves placed throughout the area that were unknown to even the most adventurous of local residents. Few realized the influx of people from the metropolitan areas of the country who came to live in the more natural settings of Monroe County, PA during the 1980s and 90s would bring to the area an elegance reflected in their refined taste.

Ali Keblish Schratt, owner and publisher of The Local Flair Magazine, was one of these happy few. During the early 2000s, she realized how much her life was enriched by the restaurants, boutiques, and spas she had visited and developed a desire to share her discoveries with others. Her desire led her to create the publication in 2004 which not only provided information about these establishments to its readership but also inspired them to go beyond the boundaries of their financial limitations and aspire to live a more cultured life. Ms. Schratt endeavors to produce a magazine her readers and the establishments she loved deserved seemed a daunting one, but her background in the arts and dedication to her dream not only became a reality but the stuff the dreams of others are made of as well.

Those who frequented the stores and shops the magazine was distributed quickly noticed how unique it was compared to other locally produced publications. It’s high quality paper was smoother to the touch allowing the vibrant colors of the images upon its cover to maintain their hues and did not rub off upon one’s fingers as those printed on newsprint did. The words, “Priceless, Take one” appeared upon the Local Flair’s cover which not only told the individual who was fortunate enough to pick up this particular copy that is was free, but, in introducing a new way of communicating it was a free publication, the magazine would also be a innovative factor in the lives of its readers from that point on.

The reception at The So-ho in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA was a well attended one filling the huge space with those who were and continue to be touched by the magazine and all it offers. The hope to realize a lifestyle depicted throughout its pages permeated the gallery and beyond its walls. Conversations echoing an appreciation of the magazine were enhanced by the delicious culinary offerings of Chef G (aka Guarino Cortese) chefIIgo@yahoo.com, Marco Antonio’s www.facebook.com/MarcoAntoniosRestaurant, and Kitchen Chemistry www.facebook.com/pages/kitchen-chemistry/245276232196. Still, as numerous as they were, the gathering was merely a sampling of all whose lives are influenced by the publication.

Unfortunately, the pervasive economic environment the area has experienced throughout living memory continues to prohibit many from partaking of, what many consider, the luxurious amenities presented in the magazine. There is too little money left over from purchasing enough food to feed one’s children and pay the bills necessary to maintain a livable home to buy a $200 sweater. But, being aware that a world outside their poverty exists may inspire someone to effect the changes needed to improve the financial conditions of him/herself and his/her neighbors. And, if and when this person comes forth, it may be someone who was inspired by what they have seen in The Local Flair Magazine. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Friday December 13th Artists’ Reception celebrating the 9th Anniversary of The Local Flair Magazine in The Stroudsburg Art District 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151420282390421.539464.636000420&type=3.

The Local Flair Magazine is a full-color bi-monthly publication which celebrates the art of living in Northeast PA and beyond featuring pictorials and articles relating to art, fashion, food, and natural living. The magazine also seeks to promote excellence in community businesses, services, and efforts and has become established as a guide whose editorial coverage, staff, and advertisers can be trusted. You can learn more about The Local Flair Magazine and all it offers to the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/LocalFlair.

The So-Ho in the BURG Gallery is located on the corner of 6th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA which was the location of the J. J. Newberry’s store. The gallery opened its doors to the public in April of 2012 and is owned by Andrea Robbins Rimberg who has become well known for her exuberant energies and creativity as many of her pieces are on display in prestigious galleries throughout the United States. The “A Retrospective of Local Flair Covers” exhibit is being shown in concurrence with the gallery’s exhibition titled, “HOLIDAZE: My Favorite Things” which will continue to be displayed until December 31st. The next exhibition to be presented at the Gallery is yet to be announced. You can learn more about So-Ho in the BURG, their future exhibits, and all the gallery has to offer the creative community by contacting them at 570-807-1623.