The Origins of Illustrations

The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception on Saturday October 10^th for their Attack of the Illustrators exhibition which featured work from Professor David Mazure’s Art Class of East Stroudsburg University of PA and those of local artists. Music for the evening was performed by James Howard Lininger of Formula Eden www.formulaeden.com and the gallery held an art raffle that never fails to delight those who attend. The art, the atmosphere, and conversation from the many who attended the event made it a wonderful way to spend an Autumnal evening.

However, before the reception began, those who arrived early were treated to slide show presentation given by Ted Michalowski who is a professor of the History of American Illustration at The Montclair State University of NJ www.montclair.edu on the topic of which he teaches. The slide show was as informative as it was entertaining as Prof. Michalowski led the audience on a wild ride exploring the art of illustration as presented through the centuries. As the presentation came to it's conclusion, the gallery's Directors, Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones, took the stage to share their words of appreciation Prof. Michalowski and welcomed all who were present for attending the event. It was after these words did the directors share information about the current exhibit as well as news of future endeavors the gallery and other art groups will present during the remainder of October and beyond. This was met with an enthusiastic applause leading the company off their seats to explore the aesthetic offerings of the gallery.

The work presented encompassed the many approaches and subjects that one could explore through the art of illustration as each image told a story. Some of these stories told of an event or incident that the artist was made aware of while some shared the biography of the life of the individual depicted in the portrait captured on canvas. In either case, one could not help feel a presence in the work as each piece went into the soul of the subject in order to capture its essence. It was during these in depth explorations embarked upon by each attendee did James Howard Lininger of Formula Eden take the stage to share his music with the gathering.

Mr. Lininger employed a number of musical instruments in order to express and encourage a relaxed and introspective mood. There was a joy in his performance that proved to be contagious as he delved into each note and rhythm with a gentle abandonment which often included a nice degree of experimentation. Many who listened intently to Mr. Lininger's music found themselves flowing among each measure until their perceptions and those the music inspired became indistinguishable. It was after a time did Mr. Singer and Ms. Fontones return to the stage in order to thank Mr. Lininger for enhancing our being and to announce the commencement of the anticipated art raffle.

As each prize was introduced and each number upon the tickets called, an excitement swelled among the company. This was especially true of a special item the gallery had to offer. It was a piece created by Josue Guardia who will be the featured artist in Origin's next exhibition. The winner of the work shared her ecstatic energies with the gathering along with her gratitude to the artist whose colors will adorn her wall. It was soon after this did the gathering of art lovers and friends bid each other adieu while sharing their eagerness to return for the next exhibition.

The Attack of the Illustrators Exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until October 20^th. It was a great reception and I recommend all art lovers to visit the work while it remains on display. The next exhibition to be presented will be their first solo exhibition featuring Josue Guardia: Painter, Pyrography artist and Illustrator. The Artist's Reception is scheduled for Saturday October 24^th beginning at 6pm. The special musical guest to perform during the Reception will be DJ Stylez. The exhibit will remain on display until November 8^th. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the current exhibit at The Origins of Illustrations Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154274314083761.1073741908.91146283760&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 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.