Drawing Upon The Origins of Transcendence

One of the great gifts art gives to humanity is the realization that spontaneity can (and often does) create something cool. This was demonstrated as The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA presented the duo known as “Lobo Marino” on Monday July 27^th. The concert was formulated through a discovery that the duo was touring in areas adjacent to those near Stroudsburg, PA and was asked if they could come to the town. Lobo Marino realized they had a day off from their touring schedule and decided to come. The entire arrangement occurred the previous Sunday Evening and was thus dubbed the first installment of the gallery's Last Minute Mondays Series.

Numerous people who have been to previous events at the gallery were contacted and those who maintained a flexible schedule found their way to the music. A sizable crowd did appear which in and of itself reflected how magical the evening would be. The concert was held in conjunction with a Drink and Draw event in which attendees to the concert were invited to obtain a sheet of sketch paper and a pencil that were provided in order to draw an object while enjoying a glass or two of wine. I partook of this activity and found the image I drew got better looking with each sip.

The concert began as the gallery's Director, Jody Singer, welcomed the gathering to the venue while sharing information about the gallery and the work it does to promote the arts. Mr. Singer was followed by Lobo Marino who are from Richmond, VA and consists of Jameson Price and Laney Sullivan. Together, they preformed upon a variety of musical instruments including a harmonium, jars, guitars, flutes, and a bass drum many of which originated in India and other countries associated with a spiritual uniqueness. Each instrument owned its own spirit and the essence it embodied moved among the gathering as the melody of each composition were released by the lovingly magical touch of the musicians. The chanting of mantras emanating from Ms. Sullivan's other worldly voice provided a haunting quality that drew the listener deep within each utterance as their vibrations beckoned them nearer.

The concert was further enhanced by the free and open conversation the couple shared with the audience. In such exchanges, information about the instruments and the music they performed were revealed as well as thoughts on the arts in general. An enchantment touched the gathering as the room filled with a profound love of whose transcendent qualities lifted the thoughts and countenance of all to their own divinity. The concert concluded with words of appreciation followed by deeper conversations and the giving of pictures that were drawn during the concert by artists possessing various levels of experience to the couple. You can learn more about Lobo Marino by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Lobo-Marino/124201317615541 or their Website at www.lobomarinomusic.com.

In addition to presenting special impromptu concerts and Drink and Draws, The Origins Gallery holds exhibitions featuring the work of local artists. Their current exhibition is titled, “Fantasies and Imaginings” which will continue to be on display until August 2^nd. Their next exhibition to be presented is titled, “Surreal Estate of Mind – Abstracts and Apertures Exhibition” with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday August 8^th beginning at 6pm. The work 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. The Origins Gallery also holds several classes related to the arts designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within. The next Last Minute Monday is not yet scheduled because, if it was, it wouldn't be a last Minute event. You'll find more photographs taken during the July 27^th Last Minute Monday in the Drawing Upon The Origins of Transcendence Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154078042998761.1073741880.91146283760&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.

Living in a Room with the Fire of Foxes

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held an installment of their weekly Open Mic Nites Series on Sunday July 26^th. Although I arrived late to the venue, the openness and friendliness indicative of the establishment's atmosphere greeted me and I was glad for it. The featured band for the evening was in the midst of their performance when I entered which made my arrival all the more enjoyable.

The mind bending hypnotic music of The Foxfires filled the senses with its surreal blending of sounds and lyrics that touched the deepest regions of perception. The band consists of Christian Diana on Vocals and Guitar, Adam Alexander Kahn on Bass, Christian Cordero on Guitar and Keys, and Brandon Vallejo on Drums. Together, they create a new atmosphere to engulf the gathering with every note and chord change they employ. It is in these musical meteorological conditions each listener floats upon while allowing their imaginations to flow through the band's melodic cadences. In other words, they were cool. You can learn more about The Foxfires by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ChristianDianaAndTheFoxfires or their Website at www.thefoxfires.bandcamp.com.

As The Foxfires completed their performance, the evening's co host, Emillie Day, shared the venue's appreciation to the group for sharing their talents with the sizable gathering as well as announcing she had tickets to a show featuring the music of Frank Zappa which was currently going on upon The Sherman Theater's main stage. A break ensued after she ended her sharing where upon the company partook of the opportunity to chat with members of The Foxfires and each other about the experiences they encountered so far as well as those they anticipated for the remainder of the evening.

As the break concluded, Guitarist Dee Songbird took her place upon the stage to enchant the audience with her voice and mastery of the instrument. She was followed by Kevin Tails Moucha who rendered his soulful words for the gathering. He was followed by Baby Teeth who was joined by Brandon Vallejo of The Foxfires who lent his talents as a vocal percussionist to Baby Teeth's Hip Hop renderings. Baby Teeth was followed by a new comer to the event known as Christina whose mixture of A Capella songs and spoken word poetry added a profound dimension to the evening. She was followed by Wilbuim as introduced by the event's new co host, Satilia Rose, whose utterances proved to be a thoughtful prelude to the music that was to come. Wilbuim has become a favorite performance to close the Open Mic Nite event as the sounds from his voice, guitar, and computerized apparatus never fails to move the crowd to dance.

As the final notes played by Wilbuim faded from the gathering's awareness, a final farewell was shared by co host Theresa Ratcliff upon which all present shared their appreciation for the event and each other. It was a great night filled with wonderful performances and the conversations they inspired. You'll be able to view the photographs I took during the event in The Living in a Room with the Fire of Foxes Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154077976638761.1073741879.91146283760&type=3.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday August 2^nd beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which presents their current Creepy Crawly Exhibition until August 10^th. Their next exhibit is titled, “Hot Summer Night” featuring the work of local artists with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday August 15^th beginning at 6pm. The drop of date for artists who wish to place their work in the show is Monday August 10^th from 2pm until 8pm. Please contact the gallery at 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, exhibitions, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Blues at The Gazebo

As a modest sized gathering relaxed upon the lawn of The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Sunday July 26^th to enjoy another installment of their Summer Gazebo Concert Series, The SheilaMark Band explored a number of sound checks which allowed the intricacies of their musical instruments to sound every note out with all their nuanced qualities in tact. It was as the final adjustments were made did Annemarie Burka Locilento take the stage to welcome all who were present and to introduce the band. Anticipation grew among the gathering as the first notes of the concert was about to be revealed.

The SheilaMark Band consists of Spencer Reed on Guitar, Dean Rickard on Drums, Mark Hamza on Organ and Accordion, and Sheila Stratton-Hamza on Vocals. Together, the blending of exceptional musical skills brought a gentle cadence to the concert which was only displaced by the lively melodies the group would occasionally employ. There were even times when the band created a metaphysical air through their performance which became quite pronounced when they preformed the song titled, “Comfortably Numb” which appears on The Pink Floyd's 1979 Album “The Wall.” The lazy in and out weaving of the song's stanzas mirrored the mood the lyrics aspired to perfectly while the combination of Ms. Stratton-Hamza's powerful voice and the instrumental explorations of the musicians recaptured the operatic origins of the song that has, unfortunately, been lacking in several covered versions of the work in recent years.

The SheilaMark Band varied musical repertoire ranges from some great, classic blues to uniquely soulful interpretations of recently released songs. They have performed in a variety of venues including the Community Concert series at The Shawnee Inn and resort in Shawnee on Delaware, PA, the Home Grown Concert Series on WVIA (NPR) Radio in Pittston, PA, and at the Celebration for the Arts (COTA) Arts and Jazz Festival in Delaware Water Gap, PA. You can learn more about SheilaMark by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/sheilastrattonmarkhamza or their Website at www.sheilamarkproductions.com.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening throughout the Summer months until the end of August in order to support the local musicians and provide a venue where all ages could learn to appreciate Jazz and acoustic music. In reflection of Delaware Water Gap, PA being considered a Mecca for the Jazz community, the concerts has a great number of Jazz performances in their schedule. However, all musical styles are showcased during the summer which includes Blue Grass and Classical Music. The next installment in The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Summer Gazebo Concert Series for 2015 is scheduled for Sunday August 2^nd and will present Camp Jazz featuring the participants of the Celebration of the Arts Summer Camp for aspiring Jazz Musicians. The concert is free to the public and begins at 6pm. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sheila Mark Band concert at The Blues at The Gazebo Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154077895263761.1073741878.91146283760&type=3.

According to their website, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain is “… a community of disciples illuminated by God’s love who care for others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially as we explore new avenues of grace and grow in faith through worship and service.” In an endeavor to manifest the goals of this statement, they hold weekly services every Sunday beginning at 10am, provide a hostel for those hikers who travel along the Appalachian Trail as well as holding a Hikers’ Dinner every Thursday evening throughout the Summer Months to replenish their energies. They also support the Kenyan village of Amilo by providing a school feeding program for 15 orphans, a well, housing, and simple medical care and information to the villagers and the church shares a partnership with the Reformed Church located in Cardenaz, Cuba. In addition to all this, they support the local Fire Company and Women’s Resources Center as well as provide community aid funds for residents who are suffering economic burdens. The size of the congregation is approximately 200 people. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 or their Website at www.churchofthemountain.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The 44th Annual Downtown Festival

The St Luke's Roman Catholic Church in Stroudsburg, PA held their two day 44^th Annual Downtown Festival on July 25^th and 26^th. The church is located on the corner of the town's 9^th and Main Streets and offered a variety of food and entertainment along with a book store, games of chance, and a huge flea market with every imaginable item for sale at exceedingly low prices. It was an excessively hot day but the friendliness of the vendors and those associated with the church cooled the festival's atmosphere to a pleasant temperature which made it all the more enjoyable.

Although the festival began at 10am, I arrived at the site around 2pm on Saturday July 25^th. I spent a great deal of time exploring all the wares that was available for purchase throughout the festival's flea market until I made my way to the main stage where the students of Master Nam’s Martial Arts Center was giving demonstrations of their impressive skills in the form of Tae Kwon Do. The presentation provided a glimpse into the style which inspired many to explore learning the skills involved further by signing up for a class.

Master Nam’s Martial Arts Center was formed in 1985 by Grandmaster Sung Nam who is an 8^th Degree Black Belt. The center is located on Route 611 just outside of Stroudsburg, PA. It offers classes in a number of fighting techniques associated with the Asian cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and others. You can learn more about Master Nam’s Martial Arts Center and the classes they offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Master-Nams-Tae-Kwon-Do/113320498774696?fref=ts or their Website at www.namsmartialartscenter.com.

As Master Nam’s Martial Arts Center's presentation concluded, the next performer of the day took the stage. Brad Roccanova gave the festival a taste of Las Vegas through his classic interpretations of compositions associated with the big band and swing eras that were made popular by the likes of Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra. Mr. Roccanova's impeccable style and approach to each song he renders brings the audience into the magnificently adorned rooms of the luxurious casinos of Nevada regardless of the setting his concerts take place. This was especially true among those who attended the concert while sitting in the festival's food court where the stage was located, munching on the delicious foods that were offered, and admiring the purchases they made in the flea market.

Brad Roccanova is a crooner in the most classical and beloved sense of the term. The term itself is used to describe male singers of jazz standards who utilizes their voice and singing style to emphasize the emotional nuances of their songs. The impact Mr. Roccanova has on each rendition of the songs he performs brings their truths to the ear and heart of each listener. In addition to bringing his renderings to the gathering, he also shared the stage with some members of the audience so their songs could be heard. His next appearance will be at The Pocono Community Theatre and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday August 16^th. It would be a good idea to go. You can learn more about Brad Roccanova by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/brad.roccanova?fref=ts or his Website at bradroccanova.com.

As Mr. Roccanova completed his exuberant performance at the 44^th Annual Downtown Festival, the process of preparing the stage for the next grouping of musicians began. It was as The Christian Porter Band prepared themselves for their performance did I meander around the festival grounds to see what discoveries I could make that I may have missed during my earlier excursion. I've found a passageway to the basement of the church which I encountered a room filled with books and bake goods for sale along with a vigorous Bingo game going on. There were a great many things to peruse and observe while I was there and I did so until my desire to partake of the music The Christian Porter Band were about to play bade me to do so.

The Christian Porter Band consists of Regina Sayles on guitar, Vinny Bianchi on Saxophone, Bjarni Nermoe on Bass, Dave Parfitt on Drums, and Christian Porter on Guitar and Lead Vocals. With each musician recognized for his/her talent in their own rite, the blending of their skills and musical insights enhanced the qualities of each rendition of the song they played. Their repertoire included a number of compositions written by other more well know individuals along with some original works. However, regardless of the source of their material, every song was sung as if it originated from the soul of the band. Yet, there was a special quality of the work composed by the band which was as unique as it was superbly rendered to an appreciative audience who eagerly awaited the revelation of each note as it was played.

The music the Christian Porter Band performed was lively as it inspired a number of audience members to move to its rhythms and beats. This was especially evident among the young children who danced together with the glee associated with their age. Their spontaneous routines brought a joy to the heart which enhanced the Band's performance even further. In fact, some “grown ups” began to shed their inhibitions in order to demonstrate their ability to move with the music to the delight of all who watched them. You can learn more about The Christian Porter Band by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/christianportermusic?fref=ts or their Website at www.reverbnation.com/christianportermusic.

It was after The Christian Porter Band's performance did the vendors and other individuals begin closing up shop for the day. It was a great day for music and other offerings the festival made available to those who came to partake of its wonders. As mentioned earlier, I only attended the first day of the event during the later part of the day. There was more to see during the second day as well as the earlier part of Saturday. If you have any photographs of those times, please feel free to share them. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs take during the day in the 44^th Annual Downtown Festival Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154077009683761.1073741877.91146283760&type=3.

The Church of Saint Luke in Stroudsburg, PA was founded in 1968 as a parish Church to serve the needs of the growing community of Stroudsburg, PA and its environs. The parish was established by The Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick, D. D., who was the Bishop of Scranton, PA at that time. The Roman Catholic Church has served the community since 1952 when it was first constructed as a mission Church of St. Mathew's parish in East Stroudsburg, PA and presently serves the spiritual needs of more than 6,000 individual members throughout the region which included over 1800 families. You'll learn more about The Church of Saint Luke and all they have to offer the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/churchofsaintluke?fref=ts or their Website at www.churchofsaintluke.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Drawing and Crawling in PA

On a beautiful Summer's Day, the 9^th Stroudsburg, PA Sketch Crawl took place throughout the town on Saturday July 25^th. A smattering of artists met at near the corner of 7^th and Main Streets. The location is the site of the municipality's Mural Wall that was created by a variety of artists who painted large wooden panels with images representing a number of local business. The endeavor was led by Project Street Art which has evolved recently to St' Art Stroudsburg www.facebook.com/startstroudsburg?fref=ts. The intricacies of the shops populating the streets along with the sound of cars rippling over the cobbled intersections inspired a great deal of aesthetic interpretations of the area to be placed on paper.

After some time was given to the participants to render their impressions of the town's commercial surroundings, the company moved to the second location which was at the the Ann Street Waterfall located near the corner of Ann and Broad Streets. It was at this point the gathering was joined by other artists along with a photographer to document the event as well as a representative from the town's Sherman Theater to share news of its upcoming events. The ravenous roar of the waters of the Brodhead Creek as they rushed over the rocky landscape mingled with the shadows of the vista's trees to inspire many to transcend their drawings from the sketch books in order to take up pieces of chalk to decorate the location with images on its sidewalk. The joy of drawing both on paper and on sidewalk soon led to the time for everyone to journey to the day's final destination.

The final location of the 9^th Stroudsburg Sketch Crawl was the YMCA's front yard which is located near 9^th and Main Streets. Relaxing on the fitness center's lawn gave the gathering a rejuvenating feel which was reflected in the drawings they created. Lines flowed from heart to paper creating images pleasing to the eye. It was after some time did the 9^th Stroudsburg Sketch Crawl come to its conclusion at which point the artists shared their drawings and their own individualized experience of all they encounter both externally and inwardly throughout the day. You'll find more photographs taken during the event in The Drawing and Crawling in PA Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154070268578761.1073741876.91146283760&type=3.

The Stroudsburg, PA Sketch Crawl meets every other Saturday offering artists an opportunity to travel around the town in order to sketch items unique to each of the three selected locations that is visited during a 40 minute time period. All artists of any level of experience are invited and welcomed to participate. The next Stroudsburg, PA Sketch Crawl is scheduled for Saturday August 8^th beginning at 12 noon at a location yet to be determined. You can learn more about The Stroudsburg, PA Sketch Crawl by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/StroudsburgSketchCrawl?fref=ts or their Website at www.stroudsburgsketchcrawl.tumblr.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Le Secret Oui Dutot

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artist's Reception on Friday July 24^th for their exhibition titled, “The Secret Life of Sunflowers and Other Stories.” The exhibit featured the work of Tricia Lowery Lippert whose variety of colors and subjects immediately captured the eye and heart of all who were fortunate enough to enter the gallery on that beautiful Summer day. And, there were many a heart and eye to be captured by Ms. Lippert's work as the number who came to partake of its wonders was enormous.

A beloved assortment of flowers, animals, and scenic depictions filled the gallery with their profound beauty. The myriad of aesthetic approaches Ms. Lippert employs in her work extends the variety found in the diversity of her images even further as she leads the viewer on an adventure filled with color and light and whose destination is a more appreciative contemplation of the world around them. The conversations the work inspired reflected its beauty and diversity and was enhanced by the variety of delicious food created lovingly by Ms. Lippert's husband, Lonnie, who is professional chef. Yum.

To say Ms. Lippert's work is inspiring would be an understatement as everyone who is touched by its qualities are enhanced beyond measure. I recommend viewing the work while it's still on display. I hope to go back to the Dutot to revisit the work. It's that good and I hope to see you there as meeting and chatting with you would add to their delights. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during the Artists' Reception in Le Secret Oui Dutot Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154060329018761.1073741875.91146283760&type=3.

Tricia Lowrey Lippert comes from a small town on the Connecticut shoreline from which its surrounding marshes, beaches, and forests inspired her to become an artist from an early age. By the time she was sixteen, she was taking extra art classes at a local arts center as well as attending an arts oriented high school. She later received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Oil Painting from Marlboro College in Marlboro, VT in 1981. Ms. Lippert also studied at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts in Banff, Alberta, Canada during the summer of 1979 and continued her art education at various art institutions. Ms. Lippert has since shown her work in a wide variety of galleries. In addition to the exhibit being shown at The Dutot, Ms. Lippert has her work on display in The Gallery at Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA www.face­book.com/PoconoCommunityTheater until August 23^rd. You can learn more about Tricia Lowrey Lippert and her work by exploring her Website at www.tricialippert.com.

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery originated as a brick school house built c. 1850 by Antoine Dutot who founded the town of Dutotsville before it was renamed to Delaware Water Gap, PA. In addition to the exhibitions presented at the gallery, the museum offers tours and educational opportunities for those who would like to learn more about the area. The The Secret Life of Sunflowers and Other Stories exhibit featuring the work of Tricia Lowery Lippert will continue to be on display until August 9^th. The Dutot's next exhibition will be an exhibition titled, “One Family - Three Visions” featuring the work of Rita Baragona, St. Clair Sullivan, and Tim Fite. An Artists’ Reception is scheduled to be held on Friday August 14^th beginning at 7pm and the exhibit will continue to be displayed until August 30^th. Please Explore The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DutotMuseumAndGallery?fref=ts or their Website at www.dutotmuseum.com for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Gaining Insights at The Origins Gallery

In it's continuing endeavor to serve the community in which it dwells, The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA presented a Test Screening of the documentary film titled, “Out of Sight” on Thursday July 23^rd. The film was directed by Kyle Mehaney and explores the issue of adolescents who are suffering from depression and have suicidal thoughts. The film also looks at how society (including schools and family members) treats these individuals and how the stigma that is still associated with mental illness in 2015 influences how they're regarded.

The evening began as the gallery's Director, Jody Singer, welcomed the gathering to the venue while sharing information about the gallery and the work it does to promote the arts. Mr. Singer was followed by Out of Sight's director, Kyle Mehaney, along with his associates Sarah Tomlinson and Matthew Buonanno. Together, they welcomed and expressed their appreciation to the sizable gathering to the screening. The trio then proceeded to share some brief introductory thoughts on the film before sharing it with the audience which they did as their words drew to a conclusion.

Although the film was presented as an unfinished work in progress, one could easily see the impressive cinematic skill and documentarian approach of those involved in the work. The issue of adolescent depression which often includes suicidal tendencies is presented in a series of personal stories that brings the very human emotions relating to the issue to the fore. This technique could have been easily overdone with the effect of jading the audience to the “Alright already” point but the film maker's sense of cinematic language unveils the captivating effect of each person's tale through the art of editing which sets a comfortable pace for the audience to follow and therefor maintains their unlabored attention. The look of the film (even in this stage of its development) is extremely well done which enhances its ability to inspire those who see it to discuss the otherwise unapproachable topic more fully and openingly than before viewing the film.

After the screening, the director and his associates stood before the audience in order to reprise their appreciative sentiments and to elicit commentary from the gathering. A number of the much moved audience responded to the request by silently nodding their heads in reflection. The director then announced the availability of feedback forms upon which any member of the company present could share their thoughts on the film. Everyone did so which allowed many the ability to chat individually with the director and others about the work. You'll find more photographs taken during the Out of Sight test screening in the Gaining Insights at The Origins Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154057854548761.1073741874.91146283760&type=3.

The film titled, “Out of Sight” is still being developed but is planned to become a feature length documentary film dealing with Adolescent Depression, it's effects it has on the infected and their families, societal attitudes toward the issue, and the devastating results the condition could have including suicide. The director of the film is Kyle Mahaney and other individuals involved in making the film in various capacities include Jessie Minor, Aimee Bender, Sarah Tomlinson, and Matthew Buonanno. The goal of the film is to utilize it as a tool to reach out and start a conversation about Mental health which is a topic that is often push aside (ie kept “Out of Sight”) through sharing people’s personal experiences of coping with their depression. It is hoped Out of Sight will be entered into Film Festivals and gain a great deal of recognition for its cinematic qualities and much deserved attention to the issue it conveys. You can learn more about the film, it's progression, and how to help share it with others by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/outofsightdoc?fref=ts or their Website at www.outofsightdocumentary.com.

In addition to presenting special community related events, The Origins Gallery holds exhibitions featuring the work of local artists. Their current exhibition is titled, “The Fantasies and Imaginings” which will continue to be on display until August 2^nd. Their next exhibition to be presented is titled, “Surreal Estate of Mind – Abstracts and Apertures Exhibition” with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday August 8^th beginning at 6pm. The work 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. The Origins Gallery also holds several classes related to the arts designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within.

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.