Covering Our Forwardian at Origins

The Origins Gallery held an Artists' Reception on Friday May 1^st for an exhibition they hosted for The Forwardian Arts Society titled, “Cover to Cover III.” The exhibit featured a variety or work created by local artists who participated in a competition to determine what image will be presented on the front and back covers of the 10^th issue of The Forwardian Arts Society's literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian” through votes taken by those who attended the reception. The evening also offered the music of a trio known as Formula Eden www.formulaeden.com, the words of Rob McMahon who read from his recently published book, and an art raffle. In addition to all this, the photographic work of David Plank was on display in a space adjacent to the main gallery for all who were fortunate enough to venture into it and experience his incredible non digital images.

The evening began meditatively as Formula Eden, who consists of James Howard Lininger, Nicholas Desouza, and Christopher Repasy, played a selection of composed and improvised renderings throughout the evening. The mood created by the deft manipulations of the instruments encompassed the art lovers who attended the event and affected their relaxed conversations. This atmosphere was tempered by the appearance of the gallery's Directors, Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones, who enthusiastically took the stage to share their welcoming remarks, information about the exhibit, and news of upcoming events within the gallery as well as those taking place at other art related venues in the area. It was at the conclusion of their talk did the music resume inspiring an even more transcendent exploration of the work presented throughout the gallery.

While those who attended explored the gallery and the work that was offered, each individual was able to vote on which images would appear on the covers of the 10^th issue of The Forwardian Arts Society's literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian.” This was done by going from one piece to another, writing the favored piece's corresponding number that was placed on the wall to identify it on a piece of an Index card, and placing the card in a plastic cup to be tallied later. The image receiving the highest number of votes would become the issue's front cover while the image receiving the second highest number would be presented on the magazine's back cover. The joy of participation filled the room as votes were eagerly made with a thoughtful care before being inserted in the designated cup.

As the evening continued in its relaxed excitement, Formula Eden completed a portion of their set as Author, Rob McMahon, was introduced to the gathering to began reading selections from his book titled, “Wandering Thoughts.” www.rob-wanderingthoughts.blogspot.com Each word that was spoken held every listener with its gentle embrace allowing its love to penetrate their spirits and perceptions of life. Mr. McMahon included the audience further into his work by asking if there were any topics in their lives they would like him to explore. Once a person shared his/her choice, Mr. McMahon would turn to the section that it closely corresponded to and began to read. The healing effect of the passage was evident through the countenance of the individual who made the request and this inspired others to make similar beseechments. It was when Mr. McMahon concluded his readings did Formula Eden retake the stage to share more of their melodies with the gathering.

After a time, the much awaited and anticipated Art Raffle began which gave those who purchased tickets an opportunity to acquire a piece of artwork that was donated to the gallery. I, personally, did not pay much attention to the proceedings as I was busy counting the votes that were cast throughout the evening. However, I felt the electricity of event and this energized me as I recorded each ballot to determine a winner. It was soon afterwards that all the votes were counted. But, the announcement of the winner was delayed as there was a tie. I immediately went to the pieces to see if I could determine which piece would win based on my preference but found the quality of works equally outstanding so I couldn't decide. It just happened that some individuals entered the gallery so I asked them to look at the two pieces in question and choose which one would be on the front and back cover of the magazine. They did and the tie was broken.

It was shortly after this did I take the stage to announce that Nancy Tully, whose work titled, “Garden of Paradise,” was chosen to appear on the back cover of our literary and arts magazine, "Forwardian" and Maria Filosa, whose work titled, “Bouquet for Mama,” was chosen to appear on the magazine's Front cover. Ms. Filosa had left the reception earlier which meant Ms. Tully was present to receive a great deal of congratulatory praise by the company. It was some time after this did the evening conclude and those who were enlivened by all they encountered bade their established and newly made friends fare well. It was an awarding and wonderful evening spent in conversation, music, words, and the arts. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception at The Cover to Cover at Origins 05-01-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153816842268761.1073741844.91146283760&type=1. You can also view images of the art work and other exhibitions taking place throughout the area in Our Creative Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1 as well as photos taken of the event's musicians and other performances given in various locations at our Performing Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1. In addition to this, you'll be able to view photographs taken at other venues throughout the area in Our Pocono Arts District 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3.

The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover III exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until May 10^th. And, while I may be accused of being biased of which I would enter a plea of guilty to, I recommend coming to the gallery to view the incredible work that is being offered there. I hope to stop by to experience the work again and it would be great to see you there as well. In the meantime, I would like to thank Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones of The Origins Gallery on behalf of The Forwardian Arts Society for hosting the exhibit, Formula Eden and Rob McMahon for adding their enchanting talents to the evening, and to the artists and photographers who made the exhibit an incredible one through their work. Thank you all.

The next exhibition to be presented at The Origins Gallery is titled, “Photography and other works from the past” featuring the work of Jody Singer, Ashley C. Fontones, and Kevin Cormier. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday May 16^th beginning at 6pm and will remain on display until May 31^st. The gallery's following exhibit is titled, “Napkin Shmapkin - Whatever Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons?” featuring “framed and hang-ready napkin art to show the world what you doodle while you’re waiting for your food to come, as you sit with family and/or friends at your local dining establishments.” All artists wishing to be part of the exhibit are invited to drop of their renderings on Thursday June 4^th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday June 5^th from 2pm until 6pm. The Artists' Reception is scheduled to take place on Saturday June 6^th beginning at 6pm. This will be followed by another exhibition titled, “Papers, Prints and Frames” whose schedule is yet to be announced.

The next event scheduled to be presented by The Forwardian Arts Society was their Forwardian Film Festival which was held May 2^nd and 3^rd at The SOHO in the Burg Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA. The festival featured the live action and animated works of Anthony R. Cuttitta, Teddy Hazard, Gerard Ucelli, Kevin Vorgrin, Palden Khar, Kyle Rebar, the late Hank Aldrich (as Represented by Jody Singer), and Martelle Jones. Many other events to take place throughout 2015 are being contemplated by The Forwardian Arts Society and news of these endeavors will be shared once they are ready.

The Origins Gallery is located on the lower level of The Gamers Edge Comics and Games Store www.facebook.com/TheGamersEdgeStroudsburg?fref=ts which can be found at 580 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The Origins Gallery is a contemporary arts gallery within the newly formed Pocono Art District having one of the highest and fastest sales records in the Stroudsburg area, provides a space to those who teach the arts to those who would like to learn from them, and continues to do everything with the local community in mind. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their website at www.originsgallery.org.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts. We define ourselves as a fellowship as compared to an organization because an organization suggests some form of hierarchy exists where some members would have the right (or assume to have the right) to tell other member what to do. On the other hand, a fellowship suggests every member is equal to one another and each member’s conduct in The Forwardian Arts Society is only governed by their love for the arts. Membership is free as we believe there should be no barriers between our members and their love for the arts and the only requirements to join is one must have a love for the arts and a desire to become a member.

In addition to the Cover to Cover exhibit and The Forwardian Film Festival that was mentioned earlier, The Forwardian Arts Society publishes a literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian” www.facebook.com/pages/Forwardian/146331875478830. The next issue is scheduled to be available on line in June 2015. Since this issue would celebrate our 5^th year as a publication, we hope to establish a printed version of the magazine for this and future editions. Please feel free to explore The Forwardian Arts Society Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forwardian-Arts-Society/91146283760 or their Website at www.forwardianarts.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.