The Ways of Love and Art

The delight of celebrating another year of artistic and other wonderful endeavors filled The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA and the hearts of the numerous art lovers who joined in with its curators, Jody Singer and Ashley Catherine Fontones, in marking the gallery's first anniversary. The celebration of Saturday February 27^th included an Artists' Reception for their All the Ways to Say I Love You exhibition, music from Skip Monday, the gallery's famous art raffle, and a huge birthday cake created by The Kitchen Chemistry Bakery www.facebook.com/kitchen-chemistry-245276232196 which is located in Stroudsburg, PA. There were also lots of food and wonderful conversation to enjoy while exploring the diversified interpretations of the exhibition's theme found in the work hung in the show.

The all encompassing theme of the exhibit was well expressed in the variety of work that adorned the gallery's walls. It ranged from the sentimental utterances of the heart to the rich profoundness of a love that silently changes a life forever. The effects the work had on those who viewed it also varied from the expressions of gentle smiles to searching explorations into one's own essence. In either case, the beauty and depth of the work that embodied the extraordinary skills of the artists not only enhanced the theme but all who dwelled among the hues and images of each piece.

The conversations inspired by the work and the delicious cuisine that included knishes and other delights donated by an artists whose work was shown was given a respite as Mr. Singer and Ms. Fontone took the stage to welcome everyone to the venue. It was during this time did Ms. Fontone share some heartfelt thoughts about the gallery, its accomplishments, and the profound effect their endeavors had upon the curator's hearts. The statement can be found on the gallery's Facebook Page. It was also during this time were awards and special gifts bestowed upon Bradley Bartholomew and Alison Gray whose artistic dreams have grown toward their present outstanding realities. An extended appreciative and celebratory applause accompanied the presentations until the much awaited moment of introducing the evening's performers arrived.

The performance given by the duo known as Skip Monday elevated the flavor of the evening as they presented a number of familiar songs along with some original pieces. Their myriad of interpretations of the songs ranged from sweet whisperings that drew each listener to explore the deeper meaning of the lyrics more intently to powerful renderings that involved the heart in every utterance they shared. The duo are from Scranton, PA consisting of Kaylin Karr on Guitar and Vocals and Nathan Montella on Box Percussion. They have received many local awards throughout 2015 for their talents as well as recently releasing an EP titled, “Wildfire.” Please explore the Skip Monday Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SkipMondayband or their Website at www.skipmondaymusic.com for more information about the duo and their future endeavors.

It was after the conclusion of Skip Monday's performance did the gallery's famous Art Raffle begin. The ceremony of cutting the cake was also held in conjunction with the raffle. So, while Mr. Singer was cutting and distributing pieces of the cake, Ms. Fontone selected the winning tickets as each item were exhibited to the gathering by her father. A familiar excitement filled the venue as each digit of the tickets were called out until an exclamation of joy revealed who won each item. This continued until the final item was collected. A great deal of congratulatory sentiments were shared as slices of cake were being lovingly devoured. Eventually, the time to bid each other adieu arrived as each member of the company discovered new ways to experience the emotion of love.

The All the Ways to Say I Love You Exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA until March 6^th. Their next show will be their Comic and Anime Exhibition with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday March 12^th beginning at 6pm. All artists are invited to participate. The drop off dates are March 9^th and 10^th. In addition to the exhibitions they hold a number of special events like their Last Minute Monday Series, classes and workshops, and festivals (such as The Forwardian Film Festival scheduled for March 18^th and 19^th) are held at the gallery. They are quite enjoyable and I hope to see you at many of them. In the meantime, you can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the current exhibit at The Ways of Love and Art Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154615689898761.1073741947.91146283760&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 and view images and videos of the event taken by members of the staff and others by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.