Love EFX The SOHO

Amid the excessive wintry conditions that engulfed the North Eastern PA area in recent weeks, a multitude of art lovers traversed the mountains of snow that aligned the streets of Stroudsburg, PA after the roads were plowed in order to enter the SOHO in the BURG Gallery on Friday February 14th. The Artists’ Reception held for the gallery’s Special EFX exhibition created an inviting atmosphere counteracting the frigid outdoors’ environment and immediately warmed those who gladly relieved themselves of their multilayered coats and their frosted dispositions. The creative endeavors surrounding them melted away the seasonal memories of the drudgery of endless shoveling and lightened the heart of the many who eagerly sought to explore the work the gallery offered.

The variety of work created by a number of local artists thoroughly captivated those whose eyes touched the scenes that were on display throughout the gallery. In keeping with the Special EFX theme, the images ranged from robots and fanciful prophecies to dreams and imagined memories enticing each person to go beyond their conceptual boundaries. These journeys began as each viewer entered the frame encapsulating each piece and soon found themselves floating through the realm of imagination.

Music accompanied those who journeyed throughout the evening and this was provided by Working Class Bohemians who consisted of Uke Jackson on Steel Ukulele and Don Bell on a variety of Saxophones and other wind instruments. Together, the duo played a series of jazzy tunes reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s without the use of modern electric amplification but amply utilized the megaphonic technology of the day. This delighted each attendee of the reception as it epitomized the musicians’ joyful frivolity and sense of fun. The aesthete steps each attendee took while exploring the depth of the work presented in the exhibit were lighted by the liveliness of the musical performer who would become welcomed companions in the adventure physically roamed around the gallery with them. You can learn more about Working Class Bohemians by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Working-Class-Bohemians/678421018835030.

The date of the Artists’ Reception fell upon the nationally celebrated holiday known as St. Valentine’s Day which commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Valentine of Rome circa February 14th, 496 AD. He was allegedly imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. The date of St. Valentine’s execution has become associated with romantic love as demonstrated by the purchase of dinners, candies, flowers, and greeting cards. Culinary delights consisting of a variety of Macaroni and Cheese dishes and brownies topped with cheese were created by Chef G (aka Guarino Cortese) whose well known talents never fail to delight those who are fortunate enough to sample them enhanced the romantic flavor of the holiday. You can learn more about Chef G and his catering services by contacting him at chefIIgo@yahoo.com.

The Artists’ Receptions held at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA are always exceptionally well attended and this remained true for Special EFX exhibition. Yet, what made the attendance of this particular event all the more exceptional was the extreme weather conditions that pelted the area during the previous days did little to diminish the desire among its many devotees regardless of the climatic obstacles. This is a tribute to the quality of the art that is consistently displayed in the gallery along with the welcoming atmosphere that is created for each individual who walks through its doors. There was a great deal of love present throughout the Artists’ Reception of which Saint Valentine would have been well pleased by. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Friday February 14th Artists’ Reception for The SOHO in the BURG Gallery’s Special EFX exhibition in The Stroudsburg Art District 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152239353790421.1073741877.636000420&type=1.

The SOHO 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 “Special EFX” exhibit will continue to be on display until March 30th and is being shown in concurrence with the gallery’s exhibition titled, “A Retrospective of Local Flair Covers.” You’ll be able to read our article titled, “A Flair For The Local Soho” which is about the Artists’ Reception at www.facebook.com/notes/paul-adam-smeltz/a-flair-for-the-local-soho/10151837243651232. The next exhibition to be presented at the Gallery is yet to be announced. You can learn more about The SOHO in the BURG Gallery, their future exhibits, and all the gallery has to offer the creative community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/sohointheburg.