Small Works Make Big Impression

A comfortably sized gathering of artists and art lovers filled The PoconoArts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA who held an Artists' Reception for their Small Works Exhibition in their ARTSPACE Gallery on Friday June 12^th. The exhibit was a juried one which featured over 40 pieces created by local artists employing techniques that manifested smaller images and objects than many were accustomed to producing. This allowed those familiar with the work of a particular artist to become aware of his/her prolific ability to modify their endeavors toward an even more creative outcome. Although not all the work was what could be considered by many to be small, each piece had its own beauty and profound presence that brought a thoughtful smile to the viewer.

Deborah Hamburger served as the exhibition's Judge and was charged with the daunting task of selecting pieces that would be especially honored with awards. The recipients were Melissa Benzinger who received a Honorable Mentioning for her piece titled, “Midnight Chorus,” Karen Duncan who received the Third Place Award for her piece titled, “Eric and Marshall,” Will Rothfuss who received the Second Place Award for his piece titled, “Grindstone Island,” and Doug Gilbert who received the First Place Award for his piece titled, “Elevation.” All these pieces were exceptionally well done and blended well with the work of other Artists in the exhibit whose marvelously crafted endeavors were made even more prestigious through their award winning presence.

In addition to the Small Works exhibit presented in The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center’s Artspace Gallery, their Studio Gallery offered a collection of Assemblages created by the late Morris Berman which were donated to PoconoArts by his daughter, Ilona Marmer. The work incorporates found objects arranged to divulge the contradictions of modern life which depicts both the whimsical and poignancy of it. The display also included several previously unseen two dimensional work created by Mr. Berman that further captivated those who viewed it. The display of Mr. Berman’s work is an ongoing one and can be explored during the center’s business hours. You'll find more Photographs taken during the reception in the Small Works Make Big Impression at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153940220158761.1073741858.91146283760&type=3.

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. The Small Works Exhibition continued to be on display until June 27^th. Their next exhibition will be their Landscape Exhibition to be held in their ARTSPACE Gallery along with the work of Joni Oye Benintende. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Friday July 10^th beginning at 5pm with the work continuing to be on display until July 31^st. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center and all it has to offer the creative community by exploring The PoconoArts Council Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil or their Website at www.poconoarts.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.