Living In The New Art

The creative energies flowing through the local artistic community of the Poconos celebrated the arrival of 2014 with an Artists’ Reception held on Saturday January 4th at The Living Room Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA.  With an exhibition asking the question, “What Is Art, Anyway?” the venue sough to answer the query by presenting over 100 images whose variety encompassed the incredible talents of artists living in Monroe County, PA and its surrounding areas. The magnificence of the work flooded the imagination as the many art lovers who attended the event were carried away by the currents of colors and thoughtful concepts embodied in many of the pieces.

As the cascading effects of the art immersed those who were happily absorbing its life giving elixirs, an opportunity to breathe the air of music was provided by Singer/Songwriter Justin O’ Neil Rosario who performed a number of songs that filled the ears with his voice and guitar’s soul touching resonance. The performance consisted primarily of original compositions as well as a number of pieces already established in the songbook of the heart by other musical artists. However, as anyone who had frequented The Living Room during their Sunday Open Mic Nite sessions can attest, Justin has the uncanny ability to make every song (original or otherwise) his own through his unique interpretations which inspires each listener to embrace each song allowing its deeper meanings (as conveyed in Justin’s performance) to become part of their deeper meaning.

As the gentle notes from Justin’s final selections floated among the gathering, it was announced the much anticipated “Sketch Battle” would begin soon afterwards. Excitement brewed as the final preparations were being made until they bubbled over with an ecstatic fervor as the gallery’s curator and host, Shane Izykowski, took the stage to welcome all who attended the event with appreciative words. As he continued speaking, Shane shared news about The Living Room Gallery and what it aspires to accomplish in its continuing quest to serve the artistic community in the new year. He concluded his greeting by introducing the “Sketch Battle” and by explaining it’s concept and procedures to the eager crowd.

The Sketch Battle consists of two artists (or non artist if such a thing exists) taking their place in front of an individual easel. A word serving as a subject and an Adjective from which will be the basis of the image each artists will be required to draw is randomly selected. Upon doing so, the artists is given a time frame in which he/she is able to consult with audience members for inspiring ideas on how the words will manifest themselves on paper. The artists is then given a period of time to draw the image inspired by his/her advisors and/or whatever divine (or not so divine) guidance they receive. As the time expires, the artists is called upon to describe how his/her image depicts the subject and adjective that was selected earlier. A vote is taken among the audience and the winner goes onto the next round. This is repeated until there are only two remaining contestants and their sketch battle determines the winner of the entire competition.

The spectacle was a great deal of fun as the creative endeavors of the contestants electrified the room. I, myself, participated in the event and tried my hand at the sketch board as I competed against a young woman of considerable artistic talents named, “Emily Mariana Murphy.” The subject selected was the word, “Tree” while the adjective was the word, “Magical.” Based on some suggestions, I simply drew an object I have heard about but had never seen, touch, or partook of which is known for its medicinal properties when smoked. I lost the round and, therefore, did not go onto the succeeding rounds to be eligible for the prizes that were offered. I’ll be over it soon. Smiles.

However, the contest continued until Demi Devimon (aka Ben) and Ashley Catherine Fontones took their places and were given their final subjects and adjectives for the evening. They were the words “Cat” and “Broken.” One could hardly withstand the excited energy that filled the room as many were unable to contain themselves during the final round. Some felt the urge to rush upon the stage to somehow aide their champion in their quest to create the quintessential depiction of a “Broken Cat.” But, a relative calm prevailed as the artists completed their endeavors uninterrupted by an awkward moment as their drawing time elapsed and the time to share their interpretations began.

Mr. Devimon’s image depicted a cat within a bird cage with its owners hovering around it inducing the animal to go “Tweet Tweet.” The explanation given by the artist was that the cat had experienced a mental break down due to the abusive psychological treatment of its owners by trying to convince the feline that it was a bird. Ms. Fontones’ image depicted a cat named, “Mr. Nubs” who was wheel chair bound due to his legs being severed from his body. We were told he once was a well to do cat but had fallen on hard times which led to (or was caused by) his recent handicap. A chorus of “awww” led to the final vote which concluded with the announcement that Ashley Catherine Fontones had won the sketch battle with Mr. Nubs being listed as the only causality during the engagement.

Together, Demi Devimon (aka Ben) and Ashley Catherine Fontones received an assortment of prizes donated to The Living Room by Happy Pipe Hookah Lounge, Main Street Jukebox, Venuto’s Pizza, Philly Steaks, Kitchen Chemistry, Café Duet, Remedy, and Sew and Vac. However, the Grand Prize of two tickets to see Beatlemania Now who will appear at The Sherman Theater located in Stroudsburg, PA on Friday January 17th went to Ashley. A thunderous applause ensued by everyone who had wanted to clap their Hann-ann-ands. Yeahhh.

As the applause faded, the images created throughout the Sketch Battle were auctioned off to members of the audience. It was at this time did the sketch battle turn into an all out bidding war as some pieces went as high as $20 or more. The auction proved to be a rare opportunity to obtain a rare piece of work created by an artist who may well be destined to become an iconic figure in the art world. The image I created during the competition was rolled soon after it was purchased.

As the final bids concluded and those who obtained their items showed their new acquisitions off to those who vied against them, the evening’s raffle began. This well loved aspect of The Living Room’s Artists’ Receptions affords an opportunity for attendees to take home an object created by one of the artists whose work they have become enamored by while exploring the gallery’s walls. The excitement mounted as each ticket was selected and its numbers were called. Piercing screeches sounded their clarion calls as the winning ticket and its owner leapt toward the stage to collect their prize.

As the final item was called and claimed, a quietness touched the gathering as goodbyes were shared and the thoughts inspired by the work upon the gallery’s walls gave a new profound meaning to the moment. Every approach of a new year has its own recipe of hope and apprehension whose ingredients are taken from the cupboards of our life experiences. It is how we mix tour concoctions that determines how well we’ll be fed as we partake of the twelve course meal of another year. For those who are nourished by a diet filled with the fruitful properties of the arts, The Living Room’s “What Is Art, Anyway?” exhibition proved to be a wonderful dish to begin the feast it will serve as the meal continues. Bon appétit. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the “What Is Art, Anyway?” Artists’ Reception in The Living Room 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152159666870421.1073741874.636000420&type=1.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. Shane Izykowski serves as curator of The Living Room Art Gallery. The exhibit titled, “What Is Art, Anyway?” will continue to be on display until January 30th. Their next exhibition will be held in February featuring several artists whose names are yet to be announced. This will be followed by their next group exhibition to be held in March which invites local artists to submit their work. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information about the venue, what it offers to the community, and how to participate and become involved with the art related work it does.

In addition to their exhibitions, The Living Room presents a weekly Open Mic Nite Series which occurs every Sunday Evening beginning at 7pm. Musicians, Poets, Writers, and anyone who would like to share their talents with an eagerly accepting audience are welcomed to do so through a sign up process that begins at 6:30pm. There is occasionally a featured band or performer scheduled designed to enhance the enjoyment of the event. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by exploring its Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom?ref=ts&fref=ts.