Opening The Dutot with BBQ

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held their 2^nd Annual Open House BBQ on Saturday April 25^th. The event was designed to introduce the community to the historic significance of the schoolhouse (which it once served the community as) and to the wonderful art exhibitions it holds throughout the Summer and early Fall. A delicious cuisine of BBQ, which featured both Beef and Venison versions, were set upon a table within the gallery alongside other dishes that complimented the main one quite nicely. A sizable gathering filled the venue as those who visited the building for the first time mingled with those who joyfully became reacquainted with it.

The conversations of renewal and exploration that abounded throughout the gallery led several attendees to discover the building's history by venturing upstairs to it's museum. School desks and other artifacts from a bygone day filled the upper rooms along with documentation that not only detailed the town's journey from its beginnings to the present day but also allowed one's imagination to go back in time to relive the moments they had just become aware of. In addition to my visit to the Dutot, I took advantage of the beautiful Spring day to explore the town and to take in the natural and architectural sites Delaware Water Gap, PA has to offer.

The 2^nd Annual Open House BBQ at The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA proved to be an enjoyable one filled with good food, conversation, and opportunities to learn something new. I look forward to returning to partake of the art exhibitions and other activities it will hold throughout the year. You’ll find more photographs taken during the event in The Dutot's Open House 04-25-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153800265413761.1073741843.91146283760&type=1 along with photographs taken at the venue throughout the year in the Dutot 2015 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153253899515421.1073741969.636000420&type=3.

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery originated as a brick schoolhouse built c. 1850 by Antoine Dutot who founded the town of Dutotsville before it was renamed to Delaware Water Gap, PA. The museum offers tours and educational opportunities for those who would like to learn more about the area along with exhibitions that showcase the work of a variety of artists primarily of those who live in the area. The first exhibition for their 2015 season will be titled, “Painted Perspectives” featuring the work of Joan Polishook beginning with an Artists’ Reception on Friday May 22^nd and will continue to be displayed until June 7^th. Please Explore The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DutotMuseumAndGallery?fref=ts for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A Poetic Free For All at NCC

The Northampton Community College (NCC) - Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA www.facebook.com/ncc.monroe?fref=ts hosted the third and final part of the reading series presented by The Pocono Arts Council in honor of National Poetry Month. The first part of the series was The Poconos Performance Poetry Contest which took place at The SOHO in the Burg Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964?fref=ts on Thursday April 9^th. The second part was held at The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA prior to the Artists' Reception for their exhibition titled, “The Earth Speaks” on Saturday April 18^th and featured readings given Tom and Glinda Johnson-Medland, Brian Fanelli, Dale Wilsey Jr., Cee Rock, and the event's Master of Ceremonies; Carlton Farnbaugh (aka The Carlton). The exhibition will continue to be on display until April 26^th. The final poetry event was a Poetry Free For All which invited all poets and poetry lovers to partake of the wonders of the art and was held at The NCC on Thursday April 23^rd within the campus' Keystone Hall.

A very small gathering occupied the spacious room where the event was held but the energies that were emitted from the poets' words filled the space with the expansive concepts they conveyed. These poets were Cee Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story who powerfully spoke of the culture and the truths it endeavors to conceal, Theresa Ratcliff of Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow who explored the memories of the soul along with the emotions they recall as well as sharing some amusing pieces, Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that's me) who read some of his work and received enough praise to make him blush, and the evening's Master of Ceremonies,The Carlton, who moved the audience through his words as each step he took during his presentation led them on an interactive journey to themselves.

Each poet read several times throughout the event with each reading becoming more profound and enjoyable than the previous one. The series of readings for the evening concluded with each poet who were present reading the work of poets who participated in a contest presented by The NCC - Monroe Campus and found in “The Earth Speaks” exhibition's program created for its Artists' Reception. These poets were Herb J. Weber who received First Place for his poem, “Fallen Leaves” and Alan M. Spivak for his poem, “The Steward” along with honorable mentions going to Tom Johnson-Medland for his poem “Beauty In An Ark Of Love” and to Pat Mulroy for the poem, “Will The Water Flow.” It was after these readings did Jody Singer of Origins Gallery www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg?fref=ts share his appreciation to the gathering for attending as well as news of what will be happening in the artistic community in the near future. This was followed by a Rock, Paper, Scissors contest among the poets to determine who would win a copy of the documentary film titled, “Groundswell Rising” and a year membership in The Pocono Arts Council. I won. Please feel free to go “woo woo.”

The Poetry Free for All held at The Northampton Community College (NCC) - Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA proved to be as a joyous as it was a thoughtful experience for those who find their lives enhanced by the images and insights found in the art of poetry. Those who attended found a sense of connectedness and camaraderie that went beyond the words of the poetry and their conversation. It was hoped that there will be many such events in the future providing an opportunity for poets and poetry lovers to share their insightful admiration for the art. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Poetry Night held at The Northampton Community College - Monroe Campus at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153794733223761.1073741842.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find our archive of photographs taken at various galleries in The Pocono Art District throughout 2015 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3 as well as events featuring the Performing Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

The PoconoArts Council is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Council and all they offer the creative community at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The Warmth of an Open Mic

It was with great fortune that I happened to have an opportunity to partake of the Sunday April 19^th installment of The Sherman Theater’s Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA weekly Open Mic Nite Series. It’s been several months since I’ve been to it and it felt wonderful to be back. There was a bit of chill in the air but the warmth of the venue, which was enhanced by my becoming reacquainted with a number of friends I made during my previous visits, dispelled the nippy nature of the weather conditions throughout the evening.

The opportunity for performers who wished to participate in the event to place one's signature or nom de plume upon the sign in list became available at 6:30pm. The once familiar excitement of the energized ritual struck me with a renewed invigoration as it has been a while since I've witnessed it. It was several minutes later did the 7pm hour approach signifying the beginning of the evening's festivities. The event’s co host, Andrew Paul (aka A. P.), took the stage to share his welcoming sentiments before introducing the first listed performer who was new to the event and known as Leon's Dreams Excerpts.

Leon's Dreams Excerpts proved to be a very unique performance piece in which the individual literally shared his dreams with the audience. This created an environment where the dream logic permeating throughout the piece soon dominated the reality of the room along with the denizens in it. The performer was followed by another newcomer to the venue who were a duet known as Fifty Hippies www.facebook.com/pages/FIFTY-Hippies-BAND/515787651841070?sk=timeline consisting of Brad Schneider on Vocals and Towes Walker on Guitar. The drifty mood the duo created flowed throughout the room allowing the essence of the late 1960's to induce a wonderland of cosmic imagery within all who enjoyed the experience.

Fifty Hippies were followed by Da Da Dum Theater which presented a very short theatrical piece titled, “Job” that was written by Paul Adam Smeltz (Yeah, that's me). The piece was about the frustration one faces when one job fires an employee for an act while another employer hires the individual for performing the same act. The piece was superbly performed by Cee Rock and Momo Lovette and received an accolade in a the form of a statement from the audience consisting of “I Liked That.”

The Da Da Dum Theater was followed by the duo known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow who consists of Brian Brancamp and Theresa Rattcliff whose mesmeric tunes were sung like a wonderful dream that keeps coming true. They were followed by the appearance of co-host Emily Day who introduced Cee Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story and Momo Cat Lovette who returned to the stage to perform a gentle duet together before Cee Rock performed some Horror Folk Punk alone with every well crafted phrase accentuated by the beats of his guitar. It was after this performance did a break ensue which provided the gathering with plentiful opportunities to share their feelings about all that they have experienced up to that point with one another and to learn more about the performer who inspired such feelings.

After the Break, the gathering was welcomed back and the poet known as The Carlton took the stage. He was accompanied by Russel Austin www.facebook.com/russellaustinmusic who, with his bass guitar, bounced each word the poet spoke with the instrument's beats creating a performance that was finger snapping good. The Carlton and Mr. Austin were followed by Poet Gabbie Piper whose words spoke of a the truth of reality through the lexicon of imagination. She was followed by Andrew Paul (aka A. P.) who initially performed with guitarist Caleb Confer as “Life Bugs for Uglies.” The duet, who combined spoken and verbalized phrased with music, were joined by Cee Rock who wowed the crowd through his mastery of the musical genre known as “Hip Hop.” The set ended with A. P. sharing an Ultra Sound printout depicting his soon to be born child. Life Bugs for Uglies were followed by Kevin “Tails” Moucha whose A Capella renderings added a texture to the songs he sang which was emphasized by a heart touching dedication he shared with someone special. The evening concluded with a performance of Wilbium whose guitar and electronically enhanced keyboard filled the the audience with the desire to dance. And, dance they did in wild abandonment and romantic displays of affection among the Living Room's shadows.

As Wilbium concluded his performance, the hosts shared their appreciation to all who attended and invited everyone to return the following week before bidding the gathering a fond adieu. The company shared their final words with one another within the venue before moving outside to engage more deeply in the joyful conversations the evening inspired. I was glad I went and to be reminded why I missed going to the Open Mic Nites. I hope to return again and again so I won't have to miss it any longer. I hope to see you there. In the meantime, you’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Sunday April 19^th Open Mic Nite at The Living Room Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153783075228761.1073741841.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find our archive of photographs taken of various events taking place at The Sherman Theater's Living Room throughout 2015 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153108259710421.1073741966.636000420&type=1 as well as archival photographs of events featuring the Performing Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday April 26^th 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, “The Call of Nature” featuring the work of Marty Carr and Chris Francz along with other artists from the area. The exhibition will continue to be on display until April 26^th. Their next exhibit will take place in May and is titled, “Express Your Selfie” featuring the work of artists from the area. The Artists’ Reception will take place on Saturday May 2^nd beginning at 6pm and will continue to be on display until May 25^th. Please contact the gallery 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/123978921059378 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.

The Voices of The Earth as Shared Through Poetry and Art und Eine Kline Record Store Musik

On a beautiful Spring Day that was more Summer like than one could have hoped for, The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday April 18^th for the Pocono Arts Council's juried exhibition on the climate crisis titled, “The Earth Speaks” in its main Artspace Gallery and its adjacent Studio Gallery. The exhibit featured the work of local artists along with a number of artists from across the United States and was juried by Patricia Watts who is the founder of ecoartspace www.facebook.com/ecoartspacefanpage?pnref=about.overview. The event was prefaced by a poetry reading and the afternoon included music performed by Woodrow along with thoughts on the changes the climate has undergone in recent years which were shared by a number of speakers that included artists. In addition to the reception, I also walked down the street to visit The Main Street Jukebox www.facebook.com/mainstjukebox who were celebrating Record Store Day www.facebook.com/RecordStoreDay.

The Center began the festivities with a poetry reading in its Studio Gallery in honor of National Poetry Month. The reading was the second of a three part reading series. The first part of the series was The Poconos Performance Poetry Contest which took place at The SOHO in the Burg Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964?fref=ts on Thursday April 9^th. The final poetry event in the series will be an open reading held at The Northampton Community College (NCC) - Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA www.facebook.com/ncc.monroe?fref=ts on Thursday April 23^rd beginning at 6pm. Jody Singer of Origins Gallery www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg?fref=ts welcomed the numerous gathering to the reading and proceeded to share news of what will be happening in the arts throughout the area in the near future.

Mr. Singer also pointed out that the exhibition's program that contained the names of the artists, the titled of the pieces they created, and their purchase prices also contained poetry written as part of a contest judged by Dr. Hazel Fisher who is the Associate dean of Academic Affairs at The NCC - Monroe Campus. The winners of the competition were Herb J. Weber who received First Place for his poem, “Fallen Leaves” and Alan M. Spivak for his poem, “The Steward” along with honorable mentions going to Tom Johnson-Medland for his poem “Beauty In An Ark Of Love” and to Pat Mulroy for the poem, “Will The Water Flow.” As Mr. Singer concluded his remarks, Carlton Farnbaugh (aka The Carlton) who shared his welcoming sentiments before introducing the first of the several poets scheduled to read.

Tom Johnson-Medland was the first to read his words that nurtured the listeners' dreams while entreating them to grow toward their fullness. He was followed by his wife Linda who moved the audience along the adventurous pathways of nature with her words. She was followed by Brian Fanelli of unbound CONTENT www.facebook.com/UnboundContent?fref=ts whose words flowed like the waters of a gentle stream that concentrates into a pool of imagery. He was followed by Dale Wilsey Jr. of The Swandive Publishing Company www.facebook.com/swandivepublishingcompany?fref=ts who shared the works of other poets along with his own that sewn themselves together into a series of threads that formed a thoughtful tapestry. He was followed by The Carlton who read a poem inspired by the observations he had when he first moved into the area and spoke with a truth seldom shared.

The Carlton was followed by Cee Rock www.facebook.com/crock113officialmusic?pnref=story who was the winner of The Poconos Performance Poetry Contest. His poem, “Serpentine Scrimage,” created an avalanche of words that engulfed the imagination of the audience through its imagery and depth. His words were followed by those given by the Earth Speaks Committee Chair, Mark Lichty, who read a poem filled with powerful words and inspired purpose. Other members of the committee who served with Mr. Lichty were Trish Attardo, Ryan Brancato, Darlene Faris-Labar, Laura Goss, Clair Marcus, Nancy Moreu, Jody Singer, and Dr. Paul Wilson. Mr. Lichty's reading was followed by some concluding sentiments shared by The Carlton along with those given by Jody Singer who invited the company of poetry lovers to stay for the music and art that remained to be enjoyed. It was at this time a table was prepared with a variety of foods that enhanced the conversation shared between the poets and those who were touched by their words. Yet, as delightful the conversation and victuals were, a sound was beginning to accumulate outside the center that was pleasant to the ear and bade the company to come and partake of its qualities.

The warm breeze and the bright sunshine of the day accompanied the duet known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow which consists of Theresa Ratcliff and Brian Brancamp. Those who were inside The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center gleefully ran outside like children entering a playground to enjoy of a long awaited recess so they could partake of the music. The sway of the notes and the voices of the singers wooed the streets of Stroudsburg, PA as even the post winter debris that laid upon the roads seemed to move as in a dance. They were followed by a series of speakers who spoke on the environment.

The first of these speakers were Mark Lichty who began his remarks by emphasizing the world is experiencing a Climate Crisis and it was a folly to keep repeating the term “Climate Change” as people, in his opinion, needed to wake up to the severity of the situation. He then invited artists who have participated in the exhibit to speak about their work and how their feelings relating to the environment shaped their endeavors. Jill Swersie accepted the invitation and spoke from her place in the audience with words that echoed throughout the gathering with their resonance and touched the heart with their meaning. It was after these inspiring word was the next speaker invited to share his thoughts.

Dr. Paul Wilson of East Stroudsburg University of PA spoke at length on the challenges the scientific community faces when there is perception that weather conditions are the same as climatic conditions. The speaker utilized a number of charts and diagrams to illustrate his points with great effect. His words educated the audience further on the issue and their conclusion brought a thoughtful countenance upon the audience. He was followed by PoconoArts Coordinator, Laura Goss, who spoke on how the expressive nature of the arts brought a deeper perspective to the issue and presented an award to Darlene Farris-LaBar of Stroudsburg, PA for her Three Dimensional work. Other Awards and recipients were John Collier Sabraw of Athens, OH for his Two Dimensional work, Ethan Hambry of Watertown MA who received the ARTSPACE Student Award, Jave Yoshimoto of Alva, OK who received the Otto Grever Printmaking Award, Minoosh Zomorodinia of Albany, CA who received the Pocono Mountain Arts Council Photography Award, and Nikki Moser of Factoryville, PA who received The Kay and Girard Lichty Climate Crisis Award for Best in Show. Award sponsors were the Pocono Mountain Arts Council www.facebook.com/pages/Pocono-Mountain-Arts-Council/152978551380883?fref=ts and Mark Lichty.

After receiving her award, Ms. Farris-LaBar spoke about the many factors that inspired her work and her dedicated connection to environmental issues. She was followed by Nikki Moser who also spoke on the inspirational factors of her work and on the environment in general. The conclusion of Ms. Moser's words were followed by some closing remarks given by Ms. Goss which included an invitation to come inside the center to partake of the art with all the wonders and insights it has to offer along with the food that still remained. It was a joy to re enter the gallery to partake of the work presented. There were a sense of uniqueness among the pieces as each sought to communicate the artist's understanding and concern of the issues the exhibit pertained to. The conversations shared were enlivened by the display as the viewers' own perceptions of the issues shown an inner light upon the social intercourse.

It was about this time did I decide to venture from the center to explore the offerings the town of Stroudsburg had in other locations. It was during my wanderings did I come across The Main St. Jukebox who were celebrating The 8^th Annual Record Store Day which began when a group of Record Store owners in Baltimore, MD founded it in 2007 to boost sales. The day at The Main St. Jukebox was filled with special discounts on their Vinyl Record Albums and music from bands that played for the store's patrons. One of the bands were playing when I visited was known as “Lorg” www.facebook.com/lorgreggae who consists of Sean Costello on Guitar and Vocals, Destin Muller on Bass and Backup Vocals, Henry Heisenbuttel on Keyboard, and Brett Ross on Drums and Throat Drums. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay for their entire set or for the remainder of the celebration as it was time for me to go home.

It was an enjoyable day filled with poetry, art, music, insightful speeches, and good conversation with wonderful friends. The PoconoArts Council's exhibition titled, “The Earth Speaks” will continue to be on display at The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA until April 26^th. Their next exhibition will be their 2015 PoconoArts Members’ Show which will hold an Artists' Reception and Awards Ceremony on Saturday May 16^th during the town's Annual Art on Main event. This exhibition will continue to be on display until May 30^th. You’ll find more photographs taken during The PoconoArts Council's The Earth Speaks Artists' Reception and the Record Store Day Celebration at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153777730353761.1073741840.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find our archive of photographs taken at various galleries in The Pocono Art District throughout 2015 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3 as well as events featuring the Creative Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1. In addition to this, you'll find archival photographs of events featuring the Performing Arts throughout Monroe County, PA and beyond at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center is part of The PoconoArts Council which is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Council, The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center, and all they offer the creative community at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Slamming the SOHO Out of Poetry

The echoes of poetry filled The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on Thursday April 9^th as The Pocono Arts Council presented a Poetry Slam which was a competition among poets organized by Carlton Farnbaugh (aka The Carlton) and Emceed by Russel Austin www.facebook.com/russellaustinmusic. The event was held in conjunction with The Pocono Arts Council who will present their exhibition which is a part of a National exhibit for the environment titled, “The Earth Speaks” later in April. Poets who sought to share their works and those who would determine which poets would receive the prizes offered to them arrived early to prepare for the evening's festivities. They were soon followed by a multitude of poetry lovers who filled the modest space that that was set aside within the gallery for the gathering.

The evening began with some welcoming words provided by The Carlton that included an introduction of the judges and how he met them. The panel of judges consisted of Jakelyn Rothchild, Theresa Ratliff, Martelle Jones, Kyle Rebar, and Jody Singer who spent the evening thoughtfully listening to the poets before rendering a numerical score to rate the words and their presentation. The welcoming words and introductions were followed by a poem rendered by The Carlton which set the mood for the meaningful words that were to be experienced throughout the evening.

It was after this reading was the evening's Emcee, Russel Austin, was introduced wherein he took the microphone to share his welcoming sentiments before introducing the first poet to signal the beginning of the the competition's first round. From the first words Cee Rock uttered to the last, a barrage of imagery filled the darkened imagination of those who dared to envision their realities. His reading was followed by a few comedic words in reaction to the work that were given by Mr. Austin and an assessment of the judges who shared their scores. The introduction of the poets and reactions to the work by Mr. Austin along with the Judges' scoring process was repeated throughout the competition.

The next poet to share his voice was Joe Shayka whose depth spellbound the audience toward a deeper understanding of themselves. He was followed by Gabbie Piper whose powerful words pierced the soul of those who were touched by them. She was followed by Tom Johnson-Medland whose meaningful words struck a chord of truth that lingered in the soul long after they fell into their silence. He was followed by Joseph Christian who shared his poetic endeavors for the first time that evening and whose words touched the heart with their beautiful uniqueness. Joseph was followed by ….. well, me who decided at the last minute before leaving the house to go to the event to be brave enough to share my poetic attempts with the group. I read a short piece that amused the judges and the audience. I remain thankful for their favorable response.

After a few moments when I completed the reading of my poem, Mr. Austin shared some humorous observations and anecdotes with the gathering that was met with much laughter while the names of the poets who would go on to the second round of the competition were being selected. After Mr. Austin completed his set, the names of Gabbie Piper, Cee Rock, Joe Shayka, Joseph Christian, and (to my astonishment) mine were announced. The power and meaningfulness found in the renderings given by the poets who survived the first round were either equaled or magnified during this second set of readings. All but one and that one was me. I was a bit saddened but this soon passed as I felt a joy for the other poets who made it to the final round with their marvelous work.

The completion of the second round let to a break in the festivities that enabled the participants and audience alike to share their love for poetry and art with one another. Many partook of an opportunity to delve more deeply into the work presented by the poets through conversing with them thereby enhancing their insights to the work and themselves. It was after this interlude did Jody Singer take the microphone in order to share news of all the upcoming happenings in the arts that will welcome all art lovers to attend in the near future. After he finished his words that generated a great deal of anticipatory excitement, the names of those who would go onto the third and final round of the competition were announced. They were Gabbie Piper, Cee Rock, Joe Shayka, and Joseph Christian. I joined the audience and the judges anticipation as I awaited the experience the poetry would provide me.

Each poet's words epitomized the fullness of expression found in the art of poetry during the final round in the competition and the audience shared many breathless moments with the judges as their words robbed the air of its subsistence in order to be utilized in each molecule that brought a more profound life to every syllable uttered. It was after this round was the room engulfed in one breath as the names of the winners were announced. They were Gabbie Piper who was awarded Third Place and Joe Shayka who was awarded Second Place upon which they received gift certificates and a copy of the film titled, "Groundswell Rising” www.groundswellrising.com which is a documentary about the current climate crisis. The winner of the First place award went to Cee Rock for his poem titled, “Serpentine Scrimage” for which he received the honor of being published in the Pocono Arts Council's Newsletter, on their Facebook page and website, a Free 1 year membership to the organization, and an opportunity to read his work prior to the Artists' Reception of their upcoming “The Earth Speaks” art exhibition.

After photographs commemorating the event were taken of the winners, the judges, and the entire company of poets by Tursaphoto Lawlor www.facebook.com/tursaphoto.lawlor who (with the assistance of Phil Carollo) also captured some truly astounding still photographic images throughout the evening that embodied the full flavor of the event and has a video available to view at www.facebook.com/video.php?v=631768783620073, a poem was read by Tom Johnson-Medland. His words inspired a quiet contemplation among the gathering as it was followed by words of farewell shared by The Carlton that led to the eventual departure of all who attended. Thoughts were shared from heart to heart as the threshold leading to the night's air was crossed and the passage traveled upon the avenue of remembered words led them home. You'll find photographs taken during the Poetry Slam held at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA in The SoHo in the Burg Poetry Slam 04-09-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153752622428761.1073741839.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find photographs taken in various locations throughout the area in The Pocono Art District 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=1 and those in a wider variety of venues in The Performing Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

The SOHO in the BURG Gallery is located on the corner of 6^th 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. In addition to hosting The Pocono Arts Council presentation of their Poetry Slam, The SOHO in the BURG Gallery is currently showing an exhibition featuring the work of Emilio Arostegui www.judasfx.com and Joe Mooney www.facebook.com/joemooneyart/timeline along with the work of local artists in a group exhibit titled, “Springing in The Rain.” The entire exhibit will on display until the end of May. The gallery will also host The Forwardian Film Festival www.Forwardianarts.org to be held on May 2^nd and 3^rd featuring the cinematic endeavors of local filmmakers and actors along with those created internationally. 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/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964?fref=ts.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center is part of The PoconoArts Council which is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. Their next event featuring poetry will be held prior to the Artists' Reception of their exhibition titled, “The Earth Speaks” scheduled for Saturday April 18^th beginning at 4pm featuring Brian Fanelli of unbound CONTENT, Dale Wilsey Jr. of Swandive Publishing Company, Olivia Romano from Breaking Ground Poets, and the SOHO in the Burg's poetry Slam winner, Cee Rock. The exhibition will continue to be on display until April 26^th. Another poetry related event will be held at The Northampton Community College - Monroe Campus in Tannersville, PA on Thursday April 23^rd beginning at 6pm. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Council, The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center, and all they offer the creative community at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.