A Sense of Belonging Shared at The PoconoArts

As the wintry weather cascaded into the Northeast PA Region known as “The Poconos,” a warm respite was found within The Pocono Arts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA on Friday November 21st as an Artists’ Reception was held celebrating the creative endeavors of artists who recently added their considerable talents to the Pocono Arts Council’s membership. A wide variety of styles and creative approaches were on display with their images and calming hues becoming enhanced by the conversations that were shared by the modest number of art lovers who attended. The exhibit was further enhanced by the general feeling of belonging that was shared by the new members who were present in that they were part of a camaraderie of established artists whom the council welcomes into their midst. 

The event was created out of the desire to recognize artists who have joined the council since their Annual Members’ exhibit took place last May. And, like the May exhibition, awards were given to those who shown
exceptional talent in their creative endeavors. The difficulty in determining who would receive special
recognitionis speculated to be a considerable one as the quality of the work is contemplated upon. However, awards were distributed to a number of worthy artists.

The awards for photography went to William McKee who received the Second Place award as the First 
Place for the medium went to Eileen Noelle. The Second Place award for Three Dimensional Art (Sculpture) went to Candy DeJesus while Elizabeth Urbanowski was awarded First Place in the medium. The Second Place award for Two Dimensional Art (Paintings) went to Michael Pizzuto while George Miller was awarded First Place in the medium. The award given to the piece that was considered to be the Best in Show went to Beverly Lambert. Enthusiastic applause accompanied the announcement of each recipient’s name and
congratulations were shared after the ceremony.

The evening proved to be an enjoyable one even though the scarcity in the number of those attending was a bit surprising. In fact, as I entered the main gallery, no one was there. However, I then ventured into the studio gallery of the center because I smelled food and found a number of the attendees who arrived before I did gathered around and munching the culinary treats that were provided by The Thai Orchid www.facebook.com/pages/Thai-Orchid which is located on 9th Street in Stroudsburg, PA. It was good to be with people who shared similar appetizing desires as myself.

Still, It was unfortunate more art lovers in the local and surrounding communities weren’t present to enjoy the
festivities and conversation. However, it has been a bit colder temperature wise than usual and many people
who frequent the events at The Pocono Arts Cultural Center may have decided to forego the reception to
begin an early hibernation. Perhaps when there is more familiarity with the seasonal change many of these
individuals will be use to the weather and make their way to the venue.

In addition to the work created by Artists who recently joined The Pocono Arts Council, a number of pieces
were on display honoring the memory of an artist who brought a great deal of meaning to the life of the
community through his work and endeavors to help others realize the creativity within themselves. The
paintings and pottery created by Aldof “Hank” Aldrich were placed throughout the gallery in both their main and Studio galleries. Memories flowed from the pieces as those who knew him fondly reflected upon their encounters with his loving presence. You’ll find more photographs taken during the New Members’ Artists’
Reception in The PoconoArts New Member Reception Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152871043985421.1073741911.636000420&type=1 as well as other events held at The Pocono Arts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA in The Pocono Arts Cultural Center 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152285998065421.1073741882.636000420&type=3. 

The PoconoArts Council was founded in 1975 and serves the community as a “Chamber of Commerce” for artists, arts organization, and others in the Northeast PA area as the region’s leading art service, education, and advocacy organization. The PoconoArts Council has endeavored to enrich the cultural atmosphere through their many projects such as their High School Students’ Juried Exhibition, their Annual Members'
Exhibition, and and The Pocono State Craft Festival. They have recently created a 2015 Expose Yourself to
Art Calendar which depicts local artists and prominent citizens in the nude which is available for purchase. The
next event to be presented by The PoconoArts Council will be their Annual Meeting on Friday December 5th 
beginning at 5pm to plan for the upcoming year upon which a discount will be given to attendees for items
purchased that evening. You can learn more about The PoconoArts Council and all they have to offer the
community and its artists by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A night of Life at TLR

On a crisp autumnal evening, The Sherman Theater’s Living Room (TLR) in Stroudsburg, PA opened their weekly Open Mic Nite event on Sunday November 9th to a room filled with musicians, poets, and numerous individuals who shared a loving desire to partake of the creativity the evening had to offer. I arrived just prior to the sign in ritual which has become an event in and of itself as those wishing to perform affixed their signatures or mom de plume to the sacred list determining the order of appearances for the evening eagerly endeavor to do so. A number of newcomers to the event were among the signatories which enhanced the anticipatory excitement of those who awaited their gifts to be revealed.

As the 7pm hour approached, the evening’s co hosts, Andrew Paul (aka A. P.) and Jesse Morales, took the stage to share their welcoming sentiments along with the house rule regarding the performance content of which profanity was allowed but a warning that it will be prevalent throughout the set should be given. These remarks were followed by a performance given by Jesse and his guitar with a slow thoughtful song that brought the souls of those who listened to its melodies and lyrics to a place of rest. He was followed by guitarist Sunny Shading who, with Jesse accompanying him, sang a number of songs whose effervescent qualities elicited joyous clapping and uplifted hearts from the audience.

Sunny Shading was followed by poetry rendered in succession by newcomers Drew and Moonbeam whose words moved the dreams shared by gathering of listeners to a new home within their poetic imagery. They were followed with more poetic explorations shared by a favorite among the venue’s denizens known as The Carlton. His powerful words grabbed the thoughts of all who felt the depths their impact as they delve into their own existence revealed through the silent contemplation of what their souls had heard.

The Carlton was followed by another favorite of The Living Room Crowd who were the duet known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow which consists of Theresa Ratcliff on vocals and Brian Brancamp on vocals and guitar. They began their set with the Beatles classic “Across the Universe” whose spiritually attuned qualities were enhanced by their interpretation of the work from which they moved the audience to become a community of friends who shared their One (Uni) Song (Verse) with one another. Woodrow followed this song with a sing along which created an air of excitement among the gathering as they eagerly partook of the opportunity to participate in their performance.

Woodrow was followed by Ann Matthews who presented a captivating performance piece titled, “You Need Me” which spoke its truth to every experience in which the dichotomy of encouraging support comes into conflict with the need to grow through one’s meeting life’s challenges alone with the potential one would fail an ever present possibility embedded in the endeavor. Ann was followed by Kevin Tails whose lyrical qualities gave  the a cappella renderings of each song the gift of inspiration that led to the rhythmic moving of heads while the emotions embodied in his voice reached further than the words. It was after Kevin’s performance that a break ensued which provided those in attendance an opportunity to share their words of appreciation to the performers who took the stage thus far and to enrich the experience through the conversations which were inspired by their communal experience.

As the break came to its conclusion, a newcomer to the stage known as Momo verbalized her nervousness as she waited for the music that would accompany her to be played upon the venue’s sound system. Her voice moved the room as she sang with a rawness of emotion that transcended the qualities of the music that shared her audio space. She was followed by another newcomer to the venue known as The Beka who, with guitar in hand, sang with a soul that echoed the depths of the compositions she rendered which were written upon the hearts of life’s experiences. She was followed by Brad M who began his set accompanied by co host Andrew Paul (aka A. P.) on vocal percussion as he offered his rendering of the song “Royal” to an appreciative audience. A. P. then left the stage at the song’s conclusion leaving Brad to share a number of pieces whose eclectic nature infused the audience with their overlapping qualities.

As Brad M completed his performance, The Carlton took the stage to introduce a guest host named Julian Chiaro who shared some introductory words about the next performers who were Rich and Angel from the band Buffalo 66. Their hard core renderings pierced the consciousness of all who felt the raspy voice and heavy guitar chords that epitomized the weight of each song. As Rich and Angel completed their performance, Julian Chiaro retook the stage to share her humorous observations of life with the audience. The topics she explored included dating in the Facebook age in which the seriousness of a relationship (which could consist of a slice pizza with an engagement ring inside of it) is determined on whether or not a profile’s relationship status is changed. Her remarks struck a chord with the gathering as evident in the plentiful laughter they shared. Ms. Chiaro was followed by Wilbium whose electronic renderings created dancing dreams among the crowd as demonstrated by the infectious joy eluding from the lively movements emanating from dancers Satilla Rose and Emillie Day.

It was with the conclusion of Wilbium’s musical journeys did the completion of the main list of performances come into being. However, the allotted time given to the event had not yet expired which meant those who placed their names on the waiting list were now able to add their talents to the evening. They included Gabbie whose poetry mesmerized the gathering with their enlightened qualities as they emotions and situations they relayed were revealed, Cee Rock whose acoustic renderings upon his guitar moved the audience through geometric journeys leading the algorithms of imagination to expand itself into the full emptiness of the conscious reckonings the lyrics of his songs demanded, and Andrew Paul (aka A. P. Box) who ended the evening by sprinkling his vocal percussions with humor until he accompanied Cee Rock who returned to the stage to share a hip hop stream of words that flowed like a flooding river of concepts that saturated the mind with their abundance.

As the final ephemeral utterance of A. P. and Cee Rock left the indelible mark upon the human psyche, A. P. ended the evening with some vocal manipulations which were enjoyed by those who were present. It was at their conclusion did he bid the gathering a fare thee well and invited all to return to the next session of the weekly Open Mic Nite event. Those who remained reluctantly gathered their belongings to venture home with reflections of the evening and all it provided their dreams accompanying them through the door. An eagerness followed them as they anticipated the offerings their experiences promised them for the following week bringing a smile to their hearts. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday November 9th Open Mic Nite Session in The Living Room 2014 Gallery Part 4 at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude/media_set?set=a.10152489839930421.1073741902.636000420&type=3.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday November 16th beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which presents their current exhibition titled, “Day of the Dead” featuring the work of artists from around the area and will be on display until December 28th. Their next exhibit will take place in January with a theme yet to be announced. Please contact the gallery’s Director and Curators, Keyaira and Drew Ozkenel, at 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, exhibitions, 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 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Making It in the SVPA Art Market

The School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) in Stroudsburg, PA held their first Maker’s Market on the weekend of November 8th and 9th. The two day event filled the school with eye catching art, delicately crafted pieces, alluring jewelry to adorn the physical form, beautification products designed to assure a healthier texture to the body and soul of those who purchased them, and some really good samplings of cookies. All of the items presented were created and/or sold by artists and other individuals who made a home in the area.

Artists who presented their work included Josue Guardia www.facebook.com/josue.guardia, Cara Parmagiani of Near Enemy Comics www.facebook.com/nearenemy, Ashley Fontones of BeastyFeast www.facebook.com/AshleyFontones, Shane Izykowski www.facebook.com/shaneizykowskiartist, and Marty Carr www.facebook.com/marty.carr.313 with her daughter Emma Wirth serving at her business manager. The high caliber of quality embodied in the work presented among the varied artists represented the zenith of the creativity that has come to the fore throughout the area in recent years. Some images presented brought a heartwarming smile to the soul while others inspired insightful contemplations of the meaningful messages they conveyed through their visions. Yet, there were also some images that shocked the senses through their horrific depictions while deftly maintaining a great degree of beauty and awe which was reflected in the countenance of all who experienced them.

Crafters who presented their work included Bonnie O’Fee of Bonnies Salves and Ointments www.frombonnieskitchen.com who has been making great smelling and healing salves, ointments, natural healing remedies, and aromatherapies for many years, Mary Elizabeth Ranieri-Fontones of Once Upon a Fairy www.facebook.com/onceuponafairy who offered glamorous Fairy houses and their furnishings that lights up every room with sparkle and magic, Melissa Benzinger of Dancing Vulture Designs www.facebook.com/dancingvulturedesigns who harnesses the natural spirit of playfulness and the joy of wildlife through her meticulous needle felt, sculpture, jewelry, and more, Carol Petrucci of Metaphysically Speaking www.facebook.com/pages/Metaphysically-Speaking who offered an assortment of holistically inspired jewelry containing energies designed to heal the soul, and Camille Theresa who, along with her daughter, offered a delightful assortment of palm trees and other delicately made items that brought a smile to all who visited their table. A delicious assortment of cookie samplings were provided by Flying Merswine www.facebook.com/flyingmerswine whose creative menus and tasty dishes from a family run catering company truly compliments any event.

It is often a challenge among artists whose creative nature seldom embraces the intricate complexities of marketing their endeavors to partake of any initiative to do so. It can almost be said there is something in the genome of the artistic temperament that prohibits this metaphysical mergence from taking place. However, the combination of the items and the manner in which they were presented throughout the day at the School of Visual and Performing Arts proved to be a wonderful mixture of creativity and marketing combined to create a satisfying cuisine that gently bridged the dichotomic gap between the two concepts for all who participated along with the modest number of art lovers who came to explore the offerings. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Makers’ Market of  November 8th and 9th in The SVPA 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152519973960421.1073741905.636000420&type=1.

The Maker’s Market presented at the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) in Stroudsburg, PA continued it’s weekend of opportunities for its participants to offer their endeavors for purchase until Sunday November 9th. The event proved to be a wonderful respite where one can casually view some wonderful work and engage in some thoughtful conversations with the vendors who are present. In other words, it was a great place to do some early Christmas Shopping for the unordinary items that would make the holiday an unique one.

In addition to the Maker’s Market, the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) in Stroudsburg, PA presently houses its exhibition titled, “Beyond The Harvest” which will be on display until December 15th. Their next exhibit is titled, “Winter’s Wishes” with an Artists’ Reception scheduled for Saturday December 20th beginning at 6pm. The date upon which the exhibit will continue to be on display is yet to be announced. All area artists are welcomed to participate by placing their work related to the theme in the exhibit. The drop off dates are December 18th and 19th. Please contact Jody Singer at mountainsidearts@hotmail.com for more information.

Also, a full performance of “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will be presented at The Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg, PA December 6th and 7th as performed by The Northeast Ballet Ensemble. In addition to preparing for “The Nutcracker” performance, Ms. Verdi shares her extensive knowledge of the art form of dance through the classes she conducts at the school. You can learn more information about them, how to reserve your place by registering for them, and learn how to obtain tickets to attend the performance of “The Nutcracker” by calling 570-619-4113 or by emailing her at D1108@ptd.net.

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is located in Stroudsburg, PA and has been instrumental in the creative development of its students for over 20 years. The facility holds classes in dance, ballet, and movement led by Diane Verdi, Paula Heeschen, and Kathy Kroll as well as classes in the theater arts led by Jazmin Ospa and Shellie Bransford. The school also offers a number of workshops with each focusing on a variety of creative disciplines. You can learn more about The School of Visual and Performing Arts by exploring their Website at www.schoolofvisualandperformingarts.org or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/schoolofvisualandperformingarts.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Art at The Station, Early in the Evening

The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA hosted an Artists’ Reception on Friday November 7th for the Eastburg Community Alliance exhibition titled, “The Outsider Perspective: The Grey Carter Objects of Art” which featured the works within the Grey Carter Collection. A variety of artists and artistic approaches adorned the walls of the new art space to the area which also houses a studio for classes and numerous functions, such as weddings, for the local community. A sizable gathering filled the room as conversations exploring the potentialities a relationship between the business and artistic community could have on the municipality in which the depot is located.

The images embodied in the exhibit ranged from those whose quiet colors whispered their presence to the viewer to those whose vibrant hues and exuberant depictions demanded one’s attention through their deafening visions. Yet, the entirety of the exhibit had a gentle flow about it that pleased the crowd while they shared words flavored by the wine, cheese, and crackers provided by Brian Stone CPA. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Artists’ Reception for The Outsider Perspective: The Grey Carter Objects of Art exhibition held on Friday November 7th at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152230295395421.1073741876.636000420&type=1.

The Outsider Perspective: The Grey Carter Objects of Art exhibition will continue to be on display at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA until November 16th and is worthwhile visiting during its visit to the depot. Artists whose work are in the exhibit are represented by Grey Carter who has been collecting the images created by self-taught, visionary, and artists who are considered “outsider” for over 50 years. Mr. Carter has a gallery in McLean, VA in which he has compiled a collection of works ranging from those created by well established and highly regarded masters to new artists more recently discovered along with works that defy categorization. You can learn more about Grey Carter, his collection, and all he offers to art enthusiasts by exploring his website at www.greyart.com.

The Eastburg Community Alliance was established over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners and is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fundraising, memberships, and local contributions. Besides their The Outsider Perspective: The Grey Carter Objects of Art exhibition which is presented at The Historic Dansbury Depot, The Eastburg Community Alliance holds a Winter Holiday Celebration which is scheduled for Saturday December 13th, an Annual Freedom Festival celebrating the 4th of July, a Fall Octoberfest, and many more events throughout the year. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance and what they offer to the community by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance?fref=ts.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Honoring the Dead at The Living Room

In the time of year when twilight comes earlier to one’s day, The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception Saturday November 1st for their exhibition featuring the work of local artists titled, “Day of the Dead.” The coolness of the evening air followed me into the venue but it was soon replaced by the warmth of the modestly sized gathering who arrived to partake of the art as well as the evening’s activities and offerings. These included music by guitarist Durand Louis, handmade mask whose proceeds from their sale benefit the planning of future events at the venue, shadow boxes created by Daniel Ferron, spherical bread lovingly baked by Amanda-Jean Frisella, and an altar upon which individuals were invited to paint a skull or mask for their altar in honor of those loved ones who were recently deceased.

Although the 32 pieces on display numbered considerably less than those in previous group shows (which had been known to exceed 150 pieces), the scope of imaginative interpretations of the theme embodied in the work remained undiminished. The images ranged from the macabre to those that celebrated life as a honorarium to death. In either case, the creativity found throughout the venue touched upon the spirit of the viewer who partook of it and allowed one to embrace the essentials of life and death as they became one in the same.

As conversations abounded, the evening’s co host and co curator,  Andrew Ozkenel Von Dred, took the stage to share some welcoming words along with some announcements relating to the future of The Living Room Exhibits before introducing Durand Louis to the gathering. One of these announcements were there would be no exhibition presented in December as those who plan the events will take some time to explore the possibilities to be discovered through thoughtful reflection of what has transpired throughout the years and where the venue would like to go. No details were given as everything is still in the formulation stage, but a promise was given that news will be revealed when it’s ready to be so.

It was after these words was Durand Louis introduced to the audience. With guitar in hand, the musician placed a number of original songs in the sub conscious of those who heard them. The darkened hues of his folk compositions led each listener upon journeys of wonderments as their lyrics and music created nocturnal realities upon which their shadowy dreams could build foundations upon. The music had the ability to draw one deeper into its essence until Mr. Louis ended his set with a spell binding instrumental piece that captivated the mesmeric state of the soul.

It was soon after the final notes of Durand Louis’ guitar echoed throughout the room did co host and co curator, Keyaira Lynn Von Dred take the stage to share her words of appreciation to the musician and to those who attended the evening’s event. An invitation was extended to all to purchase raffle tickets for the evening’s raffle from which prizes consisting of work created by many of the local artists who presented their work in the exhibition could be won. However, it was soon after Ms. Von Dred did my ride for the evening indicate it was time for her to leave and I bade my farewells to many of the company who I knew and moved beyond the Living Room’s door and went home.

As I walked the streets of Stroudsburg, PA on route to the car, I reflected upon the work presented in the show and the creativity that went into each piece. Although the quality of the work varied from one rendering to another, the entirety of the exhibit is well worth stopping by the gallery to take a look at. I hope to do so at a later date as the exhibit felt there was something new to be seen when peering at the details embodied in some of pieces a second time. I hope I’ll see you during my visit so we can share our discoveries together. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Day of the Dead Artists’ Reception in The Living Room 2014 Gallery Part 4 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152489839930421.1073741902.636000420&type=1.

Day of the Dead (aka Día de Muertos) is a holiday observed throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures focusing on gatherings designed to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Prior to Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the celebration took place at the beginning of summer but it was moved to the end of October to the beginning of November to coincide with the holidays instituted by The Roman Catholic Church. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars and honoring the deceased by bringing gifts to their grave.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room Gallery Day of the Dead exhibition featuring the work of local artists will be on display until December 28th. The Gallery’s next exhibit will take place in January with details yet to be revealed. Please contact the gallery’s Directors and Curators, Keyaira Lynn Von Dred and Andrew Ozkenel Von Dred, at 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The venue is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, performances, 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 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 Sherman Theater’s 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.

An Aesthetic Journey into Reality’s Dreams

As the seasonal hues of Autumn filled the air with its brisk presence, The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA reflected the dreamlike adventures the season portends through their “Dream/Reality” exhibition featuring the work of local Artists along with their “Journey Into The Aesthetics!” exhibition which presented the work of H. Lloyd Weston. The artists’ reception was held on Saturday November 1st and featured music performed by various musicians of great talent, tasty morsels of food provided by Flying Merswine Catering www.facebook.com/pages/Flying-Merswine/368792593272368?ref=br_tf, and a great amount of wine with tastings provided by Tolino Vineyards www.facebook.com/TolinoVino. A plentiful number of Art lovers flowed into the gallery to share in the festivities along with the gentle conversation found in the welcoming atmosphere the venue is deservedly reputed to inspire.

The Journey Into The Aesthetics exhibition featuring the work of H. Lloyd Weston was seen immediately as one entered the gallery as the work was hung in its main room. The magnificence of each piece captivated the eye through its intricate simplicity depicting the warming sensations found in the colors of the soul. The entirety of the exhibition embarked upon an exploration of the relationship between human kind and nature revealing the symmetric qualities found in each in spite of the apparent, illusionary segregation of the two. The beauty found in the images contained in their frames thoughtfully lingered with those who viewed them as they escaped their confinements and found a home within the boundless essence of the viewers’ imagination.

The remainder of the gallery presented a plethora of images and sculptures created by local artists exploring the essence of dreams and their intimate, multidimensional relationship to reality throughout the Dream/Reality exhibition. The work encompassed a vast array of interpretations of the display’s theme with each piece freely wandering into the estuaries of imagination through their psychotropic properties. The entirety of the exhibit created a mesmerizing sensation among the gathering which allowed the mind to come to a resting point from which one could freely realize the effects the of the art had on his/her being until the realization that all reality begins as a dream became a central truth to their conscious understanding.

The life enriching elements of the exhibitions were enhanced by the music performed throughout the evening by various musicians. The jazzy elements of the lively and soothing tunes cascaded upon the ears of the gathering inviting each and every person to become one with the conversational notes found in their measured communiqués. A dance of smiles and gentle sways accompanied each composition as the company of listeners allowed their forms to be guided by the rhythms both they and the intertwining music possessed.

The flavor of the exhibit was further enhanced by the culinary treats and libations that were present and lovingly consumed throughout the evening. Flying Merswine Catering provided an assortment of delightfully delicious appetizers which were readily picked up by those who gathered by their table. A chorus of Mmmmms accompanied each bite as harmonizing smiles communicated their satisfied sentiments to their fellow diners. The wine provided by Tolino Vineyards proved to be an excellent compliment to the victuals provided as the properties of the elixirs touching the tongue bought about an even more profound enjoyment of the food.

The combination of art, music, food, drink, and conversation helped make the evening spent at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery another delightful one. These aforementioned ingredients were lovingly mixed together by the gallery’s owner, Andrea Robbins Rimberg, who eagerly greets each visitor as they arrive with her effervescent smile and welcoming demeanor. The effect she has on those who enter the gallery never fails to be an infectious one and lingers in the heart for a lifetime of recollections. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Saturday November 1st Artists’ Reception for The SOHO in the BURG Gallery’s Picture Perfect exhibition in The Stroudsburg Art District 2014 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152239353790421.1073741877.636000420&type=1.

H. Lloyd Weston was born in Jamaica and is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University. Besides being an accomplished painter, Mr. Weston the author of six poetry collections and one volume of short stories. He is a member of the Academy of American Poets and his visual work is featured in the International Contemporary Masters Art Book, VOL. IV. His work as presented at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery is well worthwhile visiting as is the work of the many local artists are also on display. You can learn more about H. Lloyd Weston and his work by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/LloydWestonGroup.

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 title of the next exhibition to be presented at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery will be announced soon. 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.