Artfully Sipping Some Twisted Tea

The Sherman Theater’s The Living Room Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception for their February Exhibition on Saturday February 1st featuring the work of Fran O’ Hagan, Anna Kaszupski, Josue Guardia, and Skellatronna Lovely. While their creative approaches have certain degree of similarity, a profound difference can be seen in each artist’s life view when their work is peered through the looking glass of the imagination. Music for the evening was performed by Guitarist Vincent Asaro www.soundcloud.com/vincent-asaro whose voice and subtle strumming of his instrument mesmerized the gathering with his song and Jerry Fels and the Jerry Fels www.facebook.com/jerryfelsandthejerryfels who tweaked the conscious perceptions of those who listened to his mind bending tunes as he entreated them to follow him down the rabbit hole.

The theme of the Artists’ Reception was taken from the literary works written by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) who is best known for the books he was inspired by Alice Liddell to write titled, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” published in 1865 and “Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There” published in 1871. These books are not only considered by many classics as children literature but, with its nonsensical passages which are prevalent throughout the books, it is a favorite among those who enjoy discovering and rediscovering the deeper nuanced meanings they contain. In western culture, “The Alice Books” are as frequently quoted from as are The Judeo/Christian Bible and the works of William Shakespeare.

Along with the art and music to be enjoyed throughout the evening, a Twisted Tea Party welcomed the visitors of the gallery with a table filled with cookies, cakes, tea serving accessories, and other fanciful items reflective of the wonderfully imaginative land where Alice had her most famous Adventures. The tasty morsels of confectioned delight were provided by Kitchen Chemistry located in Stroudsburg, PA www.facebook.com/pages/kitchen-chemistry/245276232196?ref=br_tf and friends of the gallery along with a huge sandwich which was also provided by friends of the gallery. In addition to this, an assortment of Hemp Teas to sample were offered by The Happy Pipe Hookah Lounge www.facebook.com/pages/The-Happy-Pipe-Hookah-Lounge/272837069403557 who are located in Stroudsburg, PA were offered to the multitude of art lovers who came to share the experience.

Many of these art lovers, along with members of The Sherman Theater’s The Living Room Gallery Art Committee, adorned themselves in garb relating to the characters found in The Alice Books. Attendees were invited to pose in at the photo booth where they could have their photograph taken by Sean Soulo Photography www.facebook.com/soulostudios who is located in Stroudsburg, PA in their wonderlandian regalia. A number of Carrollian lines were bandied about as as each model prepared to have their image preserved while the color of the costumes and conversation added to the texture of the work presented throughout the gallery.

The cubistic images Anna Kaszupski creates through her vibrant use of color leads their viewers laughingly towards each piece’s center until they find themselves smiling back at their reflection as they softly part their lips to whisper “I love you” while a realizing a tear touching the corner of their eye. The joy that follows the tear that is wiped away fills those who experience’s Ms. Kaszupski’s work as the love she imparts in each image as it radiates its beauty throughout and within. It was mentioned during the course of the evening that Ms. Kaszupski had only recently began painting the images she had placed on canvas and that the number of work she has produced during that short of time is impressive. Indeed it is. But, the quality the work maintains and the sensations it inspires is more impressive still.

While Ms. Kaszupski is a relative newcomer to exhibiting her work, Fran O’ Hagan has been doing so for over 30 years. The time she spent exploring her talents is quite evident in the wide variety of styles and techniques she has employed in her work throughout the years. Still, with all its variety, an essence can be discerned throughout the work which gives it its timeless soul. This essence stays true to itself even as the distractions of life that are reflected in its variety demands it’s wandering attentions. Although each distraction can be beautiful and contain a great deal of satisfaction, Ms. O’ Hagan’s work reminds us they are merely demarcations allowing us to survey the lands surrounding our center.

The work of Josue Guardia www.facebook.com/JEGARDIDESIGNS?ref=stream was introduced to The Living Room Gallery when he participated in one of their group exhibits some months ago. The images he shared immediately found a place in the venue’s heart as well as those who were first touched by their beauty and deeper meanings. The colorful hues mingle with symbolic figures seamlessly linking the past iconic images to that of the present. The spiritual nature of Mr. Guardia’s work brings to life the ancient Pre-European Central and Southern Cultures and combines their inner truths with those of their modern counterparts as they search for the meanings of their contemporary experiences they were given to decipher.

Skellatronna Lovely has been away from the area art community for a number of years. But, before her departure, she has shown her work in a number of popular venues such as The Dreamland Creations (which has since closed its doors) and The Main Street Jukebox. She has garnered much praise for her deft talent and original approach to her delightfully macabre three dimensional creations and it was good to be reminded of her considerable gifts as they adorned the walls of The Living Room. A mischievous smile could be seen upon the faces of the creatures she has molded as they entice each person to come closer to peer into their domain. A hesitancy builds until it is dissipated by a desire to look deeper within the frightening environs. Once trapped inside, the pleasure of the visitation relinquishes any yearning to leave until the summons of the next figure hanging upon the wall makes its invitation known. In other words, Ms. Lovely’s work is cool.

Together, these exceptional artists created colors and images that blended well with the reception’s theme by creating a land of wonders for each Alice who ventured into the Gallery. As we journeyed from one piece to another, our minds became curiouser and courioser as we’ve become changed several times since we’ve come into the venue. We merrily danced around sign posts that said, “Wrong Way” while munching on cakes that said, “Eat Me” simply because they did.

As mentioned earlier, many were dressed in the garb found upon the characters in “The Alice Books.” This meant there were plenty of Mad Hatters sipping tea. Many could lay claim to the implications of the name but the maddest of them all proved to be the evening’s host and gallery curator, Shane Izykowski, as he gleefully took his place upon the stage to welcome the crowd, share his appreciative thoughts for the artists who shared their exquisite talents for the exhibit, and made several announcements relating to the show and the venue in general. All of the announcements were met with a great deal of joy as they pertained to the advancement of the arts as presented in and through The Living Room. All, that is, but one.

It was during this time Shane announce that he and his lady, Sonia Leticia, is leaving the area to live in San Francisco, CA to pursue the opportunities the west coast of the United States has to offer. It was also announced the chairpersonship of The Living Room’s Art Committee will now be in the hands of Keyaira Lynn Von Dred and her husband Andrew Ozkenel. Sadness mingled with well wishes touched the hearts of many (including me) while the pang of excitement filled the soul as Keyaira shared her sentiments and thoughts of the venue’s future with the gathering. Words of appreciation were shared as many artists who now believe in themselves and their talents do so because Shane believed in them.

It was soon after these announcements were shared did the monthly art raffles take place. This popular portion of the Artists’ Receptions afforded the opportunity for those who have purchased a raffle ticket to own a piece created and donated by one of the featured artists. Excitement filled the room as one number was read after another until the fevered pitch of the scream, “I got it” rang out across the room. Congratulations met the winners delights as the pieces they won were held like trophies with abandonment. It was after the last number to the last coveted item was called did the effects of the evening bring a peace to the gathering who began to share their fond adieus and anticipations for the next opportunity to partake of another Artists’ Reception at The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Gallery. You’ll be able to find more photograph taken during the February Artists’ Reception in The Living Room 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152159666870421.1073741874.636000420&type=1.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Gallery February exhibition featuring the work of Fran O' Hagan, Anna Kaszupski, Josue Guardia, and Skellatronna Lovely will be on display at until February 26th. Their next exhibit which will be a group show inviting local artists to utilize the theme of “Music and Album Art” in any medium and/or style they wish to explore and present. The Artists’ Reception will be held on Saturday March 1st, 2014 beginning at 6pm. The work will continue to be on display until March 26th. Submissions of work will be accepted on Friday February 28th from 6 until 9pm. Please contact the gallery’s curator, Shane Izykowski, at 570-856-1001 for more information.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Art Gallery is curated by Shane Izykowski. The Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, performance, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

In addition to their exhibitions, The Living Room presents a weekly Open Mic Nite 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 participate. There is occasionally a featured band or performer scheduled that enhances the enjoyment of the event. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series on it’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom?ref=ts&fref=ts.