Originating the Fantasies and Imaginings of Art

The Origins Gallery held an Artists' Reception on Saturday July 18^th for an exhibition titled, “Fantasies and Imaginings” which featured a variety or work created by local artists whose endeavors explored a myriad of interpretations of the theme. The exhibit also featured the work of Eric Bakke whose surrealistic depictions of what lies within exquisitely filled the gallery's wall and the subconsciousness of the sizable gathering who came to the reception. The reception also presented music performed by Public Displays of Rejection, opportunities to share one's talent on a community canvas, a Hall of Frames, and an art raffle. It was a fun evening filled with art, conversation, music, and creativity.

A plethora of conversations abound as the pieces presented in the exhibit accented every word and concept that was shared. This proved to be an enticing reflection of the images depicted in the group show which beheld those found in dreams and mindful wanderings that embody the heart and makes a life worth living. As eluded to earlier, the work of Eric Bakke has an ability to touch a chord in the viewer so the song in their inward harmonies could be gently sung. Although some pieces proved to be uniquely distinctive, the overall placement of the work gave the exhibit a wondrous flow as each art lover was able to explore the gallery in a fluid manner while pausing at each canvas to share a communication with its essence.

It was after some time did the gallery's Directors, Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones, take 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 begin which added a texture and dimension to the event allowing the meanings found in the work even more profound. An excited anticipation grew as the musician prepared to strike their first notes.

Public Displays of Rejection consists of Guitarists Ricky “Dum Dum” Delgado and Shane Reimer who played a variety of songs ranging from Johnny Cash to Jimi Hendrix. Their rendering and interpretation of each composition enhanced it's depth as the duo created layers upon the musical and lyrical phrasings thus allowing the work to go beyond the realms it inhabited when it was first born. Every note played and every word uttered was an enchantment that brought a blessing to the soul through the ear. You can learn more about Public Displays of Rejection by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PublicDisplaysOfRejection?fref=ts or their Website at www.soundcloud.com/PublicDisplaysofRejection.

During the performance, a number of those who sought to explore their own creativity were invited to share in creating images on a public canvas. Participants were shown a large selections of colors encased in tubes which they could then employ as they placed a brush upon the canvas. Some individuals sought to recreate defined images which were either seen by the common eye or not while others allowed the color on their brush to flow upon the surface in order to define its own undefinable boundaries. In either case, the love of creating permeated the endeavor which translated well to the hearts who viewed it.

It was as the performance of Public Displays of Rejection concluded did Jody and Ashley return to the stage to thank the duo for sharing their marvelous talent and to begin the art raffle that has become a mecca for those who love the arts and wish to adorn the walls of their homes with it. An overwhelming excitement grew throughout the gallery as each digit of a raffle ticket was called until the person holding the matching ticket exclaimed that it was in their possession and immediately took hold of the object they coveted. It was after the last number was shared and the final item to be won was given to the winner did Shane Reimer return to the stage to give a solo performance of several songs that added to the evening's elations which were tempered by a softness of the atmosphere. It was after his performance did the evening come to an conclusion with many sharing their eager anticipation of returning to the gallery for future endeavors.

These include several classes related to the arts, a documentary film relating to depressed and at risk youth titled, “Out of Sight” which will be shown on Thursday July 23^rd beginning at 7pm, and more. The Fantasies and Imaginings exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until August 2^nd. Their next exhibition to be presented is titled, “Surreal Estate of Mind – Abstracts and Apertures Exhibition” featuring the work of local artists. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday August 8^th beginning at 6pm and will remain on display until August 23^rd. All artists wishing to be a part of the exhibit are invited to drop of their renderings on Thursday August 6^th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday August 7^th from 2pm until 6pm. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the current exhibit at The Originating the Fantasies and Imaginings of Art Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154043825728761.1073741871.91146283760&type=3.

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.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.