A Phenomenal Forwardian Night

On a night filled with event cancellations made necessary due to the wintry weather and the slippery roads that resulted, a numerous gathering of art lovers converged upon The Castle Inn Art Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Saturday January 25th to experience The Forwardian Arts Society’s Publication Party/Artists’ Reception for their “Forwardian Exhibit” featuring the Artists and Photographers whose work appears in the current Issue of their online Literary and Arts Magazine. The fortitude of those who shared a determination to attend the event in spite of the forbidding climatic conditions proved to be nothing short of phenomenal. Yet, as each person arrived at the gallery, the creative accomplishments of the artists whose work were upon its walls gently surpassed their heroic endeavors while simultaneously providing them with a welcomed reward for their journeys.

The works presented in The Forwardian Exhibit included those created by Susan Washington, Stephen Washington, James Chesnick, Kelly Ann Klee (aka Girl From Mars), Laurinda Faye Rubin, and Patricia A. Griffin. A warming sensation of colors and images flowed throughout the gallery allowing the chill of the season to fall away from the limbs of all who were drawn to the exhibit’s aesthetic qualities. The penetrating effects of the work touched the soul with its warmth allowing each person to embark on a deeper journey as they were guided inwardly by the contours and hues found in each piece.

This illuminating expedition was soon extended beyond the gallery’s thresholds as The Forwardian Arts Society’s Facilitator and its magazine’s Publisher, Paul Adam Smeltz (Yeah, that’s me), shared some welcoming words to the gathering. A number of “Thank Yous” were included in his remarks expressing his gratitude to those whose work appears in the exhibit, to The Castle Inn Art Gallery for placing the work on its walls, and to The Castle Inn for being the magnificent facility that it is. Paul concluded his remarks by introducing the musical guest for the evening.

Woodrow is a duo well known throughout the Northeast PA and surrounding regions for their uncanny interpretations of songs allowing those who have grown to love them to gain a new perspective and familiarity. The duo, consisting of Theresa Ratliff on vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar and Vocals, are well known to those who frequent The Castle Inn during their 2013 Indie Friday Nite Series as well as the performances they give during The Sherman Theater’s Open Mic Nites held in their Living Room annex located next to the venue in Stroudsburg, PA. On Friday March 28th, Woodrow will be the opening act for the Rick Springfield Concert scheduled to take place at The Sherman Theater.

The duo is also known for its tour de force variety of songs from different eras they present and, during conversation I shared with Ms. Ratliff and Mr. Bramkamp earlier that night, revealed that they simply play songs they like. This simplistic musical approach of liking the songs they select inspires the duo to treat each song with a profound respect and to pay homage the composition by exploring its depth of which they would reveal during their performance. Their interpretive discoveries filled The Castle Inn throughout the night as each rendition of songs ranging from Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy” to The Clash’s “Straight to Hell” surpassed many of the  qualities embodied in the original version. This was evident in the eyes of those who heard them who could be seen thoughtfully reflecting upon their newly revealed meanings as their lips gently moved to sing the words that played upon their hearts. You can learn more about Woodrow and their music by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow.

As the final notes of their performance dissolved among the gathering, an Open Mic event was announced inviting all who had their own talents to share to do so. However, the conversations taking place throughout the Gallery and the Shoppes aligning the halls of The Castle Inn proved to be quite engaging and surpassed any interest to partake of the opportunity. Still, Paul Adam Smeltz (Yep, that’s me again) was possessed with the overpowering urge to share a play he had written with the crowd. He did so with the help of Theresa Ratliff of Woodrow and Ron Earl Thompson, Jr. who wonderfully performed the piece titled, “Wait a Minute.” An applause with some smiles accompanied the conclusion of the skit.

Conversations continued for the remainder of the evening as words shared affectionately with one another soon evolved into sentiments embodied in the fond adieus exchanged between friends who are preparing to depart. A smile was seen in the eyes and upon the lips of those moving toward the door that denoted the experience of having had a satisfying evening. This sensation had its effect beyond The Castle Inn as those who stepped foot outside were greeted by a flickering dance of lights which were reflected upon the snow covered landscape. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Forwardian Exhibit’s Publication Party/Artists’ Reception in The Forwardian Arts Society 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152200662940421.1073741875.636000420&type=1.

The Castle Inn Art Gallery is located within The Shoppes at The Castle Inn complex in Delaware Water Gap, PA and is curated by Jose Santamaria. The Gallery showcases a variety of local artists who reside in the Pocono area of PA. The Forwardian Exhibit featuring the work of Susan Washington, Stephen Washington, James Chesnick, Kelly Ann Klee (aka Girl From Mars), Laurinda Faye Rubin, and Patricia A. Griffin will continue to be on display until February 28th. Food for the Publication Party/Artists’ Reception was provided by the gallery while the wine was provided by Big Creek Vineyard and Winery located in Kresgeville, PA www.facebook.com/BigCreekVineyardandWinery and can be found at Dirt and Vine www.facebook.com/dirtandvine who also offers earthen ware pottery and jewelry and is located within The Shoppes at The Castle Inn complex.

The next exhibition at The Castle Inn Art Gallery is titled, “Forwardian Eclectic” and will be presented from the beginning of March until the end of April. The date and time of the Artists’ Reception along with a complete listing of the artists participating in the exhibit is yet to be determined. You can learn more about The Castle Inn Art Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-Inn-Art-Gallery/159174520808670.

The Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA was built in 1906 and was the last of the great hotels to be built in area. It housed an ice cream parlor, a mosaic floor, bowling alleys, a pool, and a billiard parlor. Performances were presented which included those given by Opera legend Enrico Caruso, Marching Band Leader John Phillip Sousa, and Big Band Leader Fred Waring along with the Pennsylvanians. This all came to an abrupt end when fire touched the Inn in the 1970s and it laid dormant until 2005 when it was purchased by Theresa Veltri and Frank Paccione who continues their endeavors to bring the Inn back as an asset to the community and all who visit it. You’ll be able to learn more about The Shoppes at The Castle Inn and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/historiccastleinn?ref=ts&fref=ts.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts seeking to support and encourage creative individuals and groups as they go forward toward their dreams. “Forwardian” was created with the desire to provide artists, photographers, writers, and poets an avenue to express their creativity. Since its debut publication in May 2010, it has gained a reputation for presenting meaningful poetry, engaging stories, and captivating images of the highest caliber. The managerial staff includes Sarah Jane McCready who serves as the magazine’s Editor in Chief, Alexa Carpenter who serves as its Poetry and Literary Editor, Chris Sullivan who serves as its Assistant Poetry and Literary Editor, Andrea Robbins-Rimberg who serves as its Art and Photography Editor, and Paul Adam Smeltz who serves as the magazine’s Publisher. You can learn more about The Forwardian Arts Society, its literary and arts magazine, and all they offer to the creative community by exploring their website at www.theforwardianartssociety.com or by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forwardian-Arts-Society/91146283760.