A So-ho New Year Celebration

The So-ho in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held a New Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday December 31st, 2013. A multitude of art lovers from the Pocono Area and beyond gathered to share their memories of the passing year while celebrating the arrival of 2014 in the welcoming environment the venue has become well known for. A recent cold contracted by the gallery’s owner, Andrea Robbins-Rimberg, did not diminish her effervescent buoyancy as she greeted her guest between sniffles.

A delight filled the air as party goers chatted while sipping a variety of elixirs to a musical backdrop provided by DJ Matt Abell as assisted by Linnea Pond who inspired many to move their form in joyous dance. An assortment of percussion instruments were also available for the drummers among the gathering whose desires to enhance the rhythm of some very cool Santana songs by providing them with an audio dimension of a live performance elevated the celebratory mood of the event. A delicious assortment of culinary delights were created by Chef G (aka Guarino Cortese) chefIIgo@yahoo.com and served throughout the evening. Their succulent flavors were wonderfully seasoned by the gregarious smiles provided by the waitresses who served them.

A great many New Year’s Eve traditions were honored during the evening which included some unfamiliar to many who attended the party. One of these were the tradition originating in Latin American countries which entailed presenting someone with a pair of yellow panties in order to bring prosperity and success the wearer. One such pair floated around the gallery and had the words which was supposed to be “Happy New Year” in Spanish printed on them. However, the Spanish spelling for the greeting is “Feliz año Nuevo” but the spelling on the garment was “Feliz ano Nuevo” which means “Happy New Anus.” This inspired one woman to say, “Well, now you don’t have to bleach your anus since you get a new one once a year.”

According to Wikipedia, “Anal bleaching is the process of lightening the color of the skin around the anus. It is done for cosmetic purposes, to make the color of the anus more uniform with the surrounding area. Some treatments are applied in an office or salon by a cosmetic technician and others are sold as cream that can be applied domestically.” You’re welcome.

As the midnight hour arrived, the music quieted as glasses of champagne were passed around the room in a wicker basket. The televised dropping of the annual ball in the Times Square district in New York City, NY was counted down until the chronological sequence led to zero. Exuberant cheers along with some reflective tears touched the gathering as handshakes and kisses were shared. It was soon after this meaningful moment did Andrea share her thanks with all who had helped make the evening and her endeavor to enhance the quality and accessibility to the arts in the area the wonderful gift to the community it is.

Andrea also shared that, in years past, she and her husband would go to bed on New Years eve around 10pm, get up around midnight to watch the ball drop, and go back to bed again. But, what she did  not mention was, that in the couple’s past experiences during New year’s Eve, there was a deep and profound love shared between them. This love was felt among all who were present as it was extended to every soul there. This love gave all the dreams and aspirations for 2014 the possibility of becoming real. Thank you Andrea and Happy New Year. You’ll find more photographs taken during The So-ho in the BURG Gallery New Year’s Eve party in The Stroudsburg Art District 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151420282390421.539464.636000420&type=3.

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 next exhibition to be presented at the Gallery in 2014 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.