An Artful Wandering in the Castle

As the unseasonable warmth of a Winter’s day began to cool during its twilight hours, The Castle Inn Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday March 8th featuring the work of Marlana Holsten, James Chesnick, Tom Augusta, Shirley Epstein, Clavertis Miller, and Emilio Arostegui.  The variety of flavors found in the plentiful amount of food that welcomed the multitude of art lovers that filled the gallery and the castle halls was only surpassed by the astoundingly beautiful images and hues that fed the soul through the palate of the eyes. The gentle music that was played upon a sound system permeating the building guided each thought from one piece to another while the conversation that reflected the insights one would discover and rediscover during the event added a substance to the already meaningful chords of the instrumentals.

A soft mood flowed throughout the evening tempered by a soul touching reverence one experienced during the explorations of the work displayed. This was further enhanced by a reading by local author Robert M. McMahon who shared words from his book titled, “Wandering Thoughts” which is a compilation of his meditations, observations, and prayers. From the first utterances of words written in a language transcending the literary confinements of the physical world, a translucent journey to places where one could not normally see clearly was embarked upon. It was through the wandering eyes of each listener that the true destinations of their inspired travels could be glimpsed and found to be our own as each step of a common humanity dispelled the boundaries of illusions and brought us closer together.

Robert McMahon moved to the area in 1988 and presently lives in Mount Pocono, PA with his partner of over twenty-five years, Frank Fiore, who created the cover art for “Wandering Thoughts.” His frequent commutes to Manhattan, NY allows him to enjoy the energetic aspects of the city while the ability to retreat to the peaceful environment of the mountains moves him to reflect upon his thoughts and his daily experiences with a sense of peace, insight, faith, and tranquility. You can learn more about Robert McMahon and his book titled, “Wandering Thoughts” by exploring his Website at www.createspace.com/3678685.

The art upon the walls of The Castle Inn Gallery along with the words and food shared among its visitors during the reception created a welcoming environment which allowed each person to feel at home in the venue. The camaraderie experienced in the two hours that transpired during the event  will linger in the memories of those who ventured into the gallery for many eternal moments to come. Even though the auditory conversations and the insights one can derived from them are no longer corporally present in the gallery, the essence of the evening may still be discovered absorbed in the intricate layers of the images and still mingling within the soul of the work in which it dwells. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the reception in The Castle Inn 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152288752440421.1073741885.636000420&type=1.

The Castle Inn Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA is curated by Jose and Maggie Santamaria who seeks to showcase local artists in an intimate setting conducive to allowing individuals who visit the venue to explore the work in a relaxed manner. The current exhibition featuring the work of Marlana Holsten, James Chesnick, Tom Augusta, Shirley Epstein, Clavertis Miller, and Emilio Arostegui will be on display until April 30th. The artists featured in the gallery’s next exhibit is yet to be announced. Please Explore The Castle Inn Gallery Facebook Page for more information at www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-Inn-Gallery/159174520808670.

The Castle Inn Gallery is found within The Castle Inn located in Delaware Water Gap, PA. It 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 during 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.