Statues at ESU

On a brilliantly sunlit day, East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of Pennsylvania held an Artists' Reception on Wednesday October 7^th in their Madelon Powers Gallery for their exhibition of sculpted pieces created by Ronald Gonzalez and Andrew Molinaro. A large gathering filled the space as overpowering beams of light streamed into the room causing a number of conversations inspired by the incredible work to be shared with eyes shielded or half closed. Yet, through the peerings, a brightness shown from the work which illuminated the wonder the exhibit attendees were engulfed in.

The pieces shown demonstrated the varied approaches a sculptor is able to employ while creating his/her three dimensional images. Mr. Gonzalez's works were communally titled, “Smalls” and consisted of miniatured forms which allowed the viewer, who looked closely enough, to discover a humorous correlation between each piece and the individual title it was given. Mr. Molinaro's work, on the other hand, were huge pieces that took on the enormity of their subject matters which included in depth explorations of spiritual and psychological topics. While the work of each artist may seem too far removed from one the other to bring a coherent meaning to the gallery goer, their complimentary aesthetic abilities allows the viewer to experience the all encompassing essence of humanity.

While jointly contemplating the smile inducing miniatures of Mr. Gonzalez and the thought provoking ironworks of Mr. Molinaro, one begins to discover their connectivity in that their diametrical countenance can be found within a single mind. Therefore, when we chuckle at the smalls or become in awe of the larger pieces, we are merely holding up an esoteric mirror to ourselves enabling us to see our inner perceptions much more clearly. And this, is what art does best. You'll find more photographs take during the Artists' Reception in the Statues at ESU Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154271022653761.1073741906.91146283760&type=3.

According to his biography, the work Ronald Gonzalez presented at the Madelon Powers Gallery reflects an “obsession with creating anthropomorphized objects.” He has been doing so from a very young age in which he would pick up small pieces of wood from the streets and make toys from his salvaging. As an adult, Mr. Gonzalez combines his “obsession” with the tradition of assemblage art to create figures with steel armatures and time worn objects. Mr. Gonzalez has had numerous solo exhibits at major galleries throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. He is a Professor of Sculpture at the State University of New York-Binghamton and is a recent recipient of the university’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. You can learn more about Ronald Gonzalez by exploring his Website at www.exh-a.com/ronald-gonzalez.html.

Andrew Molinaro is an artist-blacksmith who began as an apprentice at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and later became its head blacksmith. He also apprenticed with the firm Stokes of England which is located in Charlottesville, VA. In the year 2000, Mr. Molinaro opened his own studio in Stroudsburg, PA known as “Artisans of the Anvil.” The establishment specializes in the fine craft ironwork for residential and commercial architectural in both traditional and contemporary styles. Although this economic aspect of technique is used to maintain the shops financial stability, Mr. Molinaro has recently been creating more individual and expressive pieces which are on display throughout the ESU Gallery. You can learn more about Andrew Molinaro and Artisans of the Anvil by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/artisansoftheanvil or his Website at www.artisansoftheanvil.com.

East Stroudsburg University’s Madelon Powers Gallery is located within the campus' Fine and Performing Arts Center which also houses theatrical and music facilities for performance and study. The Ronald Gonzalez and Andrew Molinaro exhibition will continue to be on display at gallery until November 6^th. The work brings together the elements of humanity through not only it's multidimensional format but through the seemingly different approaches to life each artist employs. It is recommended that one visits the venue to explore the work that is able to reflect oneself. The next exhibition scheduled to take place will be a Juried Holiday Craft and Art Market presented by the ESU Student Art Association www.facebook.com/groups/2208607072. An Artists' Reception is scheduled to be held on Wednesday November 18^th beginning at 4pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display in The Madelon Powers Gallery until November 23^rd. Please explore The Madelon Powers Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EsuArtGallery for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.