The Collage of the Poconos Return

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A gathering of Art Lovers emigrating from the far reaches of Monroe County, PA filled the Dunning Art Gallery on Thursday June 23^rd to partake of the Artists' Reception for their 2^nd Annual Pocono Art Collage Exhibition. The gallery is located within The Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College in Tannersville PA's Keystone Hall. The incredible work that adorned its walls were created by the Members of The Pocono Arts Council www.poconoarts.org, the Pocono Mountain Arts Council www.poconomac.com, the Pocono Mountain Arts Group www.pmagmail.wix.com/art1, the Pocono Painters www.poconopainters.org, the Pocono Photography Club www.poconophotoclub.com, and the Pocono Watercolor Associates.

The vast gallery proved not only to be an ample space to house the enormous number of pieces presented in the exhibit but it also served as a home to the imagination the work inspired within each member of the gathering. The variety of the framed images ranged from stunning pictorials to introspective depictions of individuals and singular objects. These images reflected the wonderful talent that dwells in the county as demonstrated through each individual artist's unique approach to his/her aesthetic endeavors.

After some time, Dean Matthew J. Connell took his place at the podium to welcome all who attended the event as well as expressing his appreciative comments for the artists and the groups they belonged to for sharing their talents with the campus. Dean Connell also spoke of the aspirations of the gallery to offer the venue as a haven for the local art community and on how the campus seeks to become an environmentally friendly institution by leaving an imprint as small as possible on the landscape. In addition to this, Dean Connell expressed his appreciation to the gallery's curator, Tom Shillea, for his part in putting the exhibit together. He concluded his words by inviting Laura Goss (Executive Director of the Pocono Arts Council) to share her sentiments with the gathering. She did so by expressing her thanks to the college for housing the work and sharing news of some upcoming events the group she represented was planning to present.

After Ms. Goss completed her statements, the members of the gathering continued their conversations while they lingered among the beauty and profundity found throughout the gallery. The 2^nd Annual Pocono Arts Collage Exhibition is scheduled to be on display in the Dunning Gallery which is located in The Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College in Tannersville PA's Keystone Hall until September 2^nd. Their next show will be their 2016-2017 Annual Humanities Themed Exhibition titled, “Flying Free: Birds and the Human Spirit” which will be on display from September 19^th until January 13^th. The Deadline for submissions is July 15^th. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during the 2^nd Annual Pocono Arts Collage Artists' Reception in The Collage of the Poconos Return Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154981097943761.1073741982.91146283760&type=3.

The Northampton Community College (NCC) was established in 1967 with its main campus located in the Lehigh Valley. According to their Website, NCC is committed to quality, affordable higher education while striving for accessibility with courses scheduled at multiple campuses and locations during the day, evening, weekends, and on line. The college currently serves more than 35,000 students a year in credit and non-credit programs. You can learn more about The Northampton Community College by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ncc.monroe?fref=ts or their Website at www.northampton.edu.

The Pictures and the Covers

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

On a day that foreshadowed the wonders of the Summer Season, The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception on Saturday June 18^th for their Photography Show. The images presented explored the varied spectrum of the art form and, therefore, met the many art lovers who attended the reception with their well crafted beauty and their pictorial diversity. A thoughtful joy filled the gathering as each individual peered into the compositions dwelling within each frame.

The evening also presented the well known and beloved duet known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf who consists of Theresa Ratcliff on Vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar. Their renditions of songs created by established artists as well as those they originally composed filled the memories and hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be touched by their music and voices. The duo can be experienced in numerous venues throughout the Northeast PA area which includes The Eastburg Community Alliance's www.eastburgalliance.com Freedom Festival scheduled to take place within The Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg, PA from July 2^nd to the 4^th. However, the most immediate opportunity to partake of their musical offerings is every Sunday evening at The Sherman Showcase's Open Mic Nite www.shermantheater.com.

The Origins Gallery also hosted The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover V Competition during the reception which determined what images will grace the front and back covers of the upcoming issue of their literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian.” The artists who participated were Jody Singer, B.A.M.B.I.Ent, Robert Matthew Auer, and Melissa Benzinger-McGlynn. Those who attended the reception were afforded the opportunity to chose which images will win the contest by placing ballots designating their favored pieces into a cup to be tallied later in the evening. Many members of the gathering eagerly explored the attributives of the works so they could joyfully make their insightful selections.

It has always been recognized that the quality of an event is often enhanced by unexpected surprises. To many who attended the gathering, this unforeseen fortuity manifested in the appearance of Shane Izykowski www.facebook.com/shaneizykowskiartist/?fref=ts. Mr. Izykowski's profound influence on the Monroe County, PA Artistic Community created the infrastructure upon which all present and future endeavors can firmly stand upon. He had left the area some time ago and his incredible talents led him to become an imperative part of the San Francisco. CA creative landscape in which he has received much success in his endeavors there. His attendance at the reception gave many the opportunity to share their appreciation for all he had contributed to the area, reminisce about the creative discoveries they shared, and to learn of all the wonderful things he's doing now. In other word, it was good to see him.

As loving conversations were shared with one another along with explorations of the work and music occurring, the Reception officially began as the Origins Gallery's director, Jody Singer, took the stage to welcome all who were present. His words included a great number of appreciative sentiments and news of upcoming events scheduled for the venue and throughout the area. Mr. Singer concluded his words with the introduction of Woodrow who proceeded to woo the gathering with their talents. It was after a while did the famous Origins' Art Raffle take place while the ballots of Cover to Cover V Competition were counted.

The anticipation of whose artistic creations would receive the most votes elevated the excitement of the raffle as the two expectations and their promises were coupled together. Those who bought their tickets earlier transfixed their gaze upon the digits as they called upon their hopes that their numbers corresponding to the items enchantingly displayed by Ms. Marty Carr would be called by Mr. Singer. Eventually all of the items were given to the winning ticket holders and the announcement of which participants in The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover V Competition would grace its magazine's covers was made.

The piece that received the second most votes was a digitally enhanced photograph created by Jody Singer titled, “Cherry Valley Barn.” Mr. Singer's work will appear on “Forwardian's” back cover. The piece that received the most votes was a three dimensional wool item by Melissa Benzinger-McGlynn titled, “Just Hangin' Around.” Her work will appear on the magazine's front cover. The winners of the competition were given an appreciative applause by the gathering and were personally thanked by the literary and arts magazine's publisher, Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah that's me). It was after these accolades were bestowed did Woodrow return to the stage to perform a number of songs while the gathering bade their heartfelt adieus to one another before departing. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the exhibit in The Pictures and the Covers Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154968294548761.1073741981.91146283760&type=3.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts which began in the October of 2001. The Basic Art Lover Membership in the group is free and open to anyone who has a love for the arts and a desire to become a member. An advanced Passionate Art Lover Membership is available at an annual fee for those who are able and willing to support the fellowship financially. Please feel free to learn more about The Forwardian Arts Society, what they have to offer, and how to be a part of their fellowship by exploring their Website at www.forwardianarts.org for more information.

The Origins Gallery is a contemporary arts gallery who also offers classes and special events to the community. They're located on the lower level of The Gamers Edge Comics and Games Store at 580 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The Photography Show as well as the work presented in the Cover to Cover V Competition will be on display at the venue until June 29^th. Their next show will be their Functional Art Exhibition. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday July 2^nd beginning at 6pm. All artists are invited to participate. The drop off dates are June 29^th and 30^th. 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.

The Flow of Dutot

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Friday June 17^th for the “Riv13 - Waters One” Exhibition featuring the work of a variety of artists. The exhibition is an annual event inviting area artists to share their unique vision and interpretation of the Delaware River which runs from the town of Jefferson, NY into the Delaware Bay near Philadelphia, PA before entering the Atlantic ocean. It is the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi and the largest river near the eastern coastline of the United States.

As one enters the gallery, the beauty and scope of the work presented in the exhibit overwhelms the senses as their varied renderings of the show's theme captures the viewers' sense of wonderment. A sizable gathering of art lovers along with those who hold a reverent fascination for the waterway shared their admiration of the exhibition through their lively and thoughtful conversations. Their intercourse proved to be a transcendent element of the beautiful depictions presented throughout the gallery as it inspired those who were not already avid advocates of the environment to embrace the river with their hearts while encouraging those who already share such dedication to continue their worthy endeavors. You'll find more photographs taken during the Artists' Reception in The Flow of Dutot Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154964707448761.1073741980.91146283760&type=3.

The Riv13 - Waters One exhibition is part of an annual event created by the Delaware River Project who encourages attendees to the exhibit to explore the Delaware River through multiple artistic perspectives. Since its beginning in 2003, the endeavor has showcased the works of local and regional fine artists, poets, and musicians through a series of events dedicated to the river. You can learn more about the Delaware River Project and view images presented in previous exhibitions by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Waters-One-Riv-Show-285144938501490/?notif_t=page_invite_accepted&notif_id=1466047386310094 or their Website at www.iriv.wordpress.com/riv-show.

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 Riv13 - Waters One exhibit will continue to be on display until until July 3^rd. The Dutot's next Exhibition will feature the work of Melissa Perhamus. An Artist's Reception is scheduled to be held on Friday July 8^th beginning at 7pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display until until July 24^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.

Woodrow in the Borough

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

On a day that betrayed the forecast of a rain filled evening, the borough of Stroudsburg, PA presented an installment of their Outside Concerts at Courthouse Park Series on Thursday June 16^th. This week's concert featured a duet known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf. The duo consists of with Theresa Ratcliff on Vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar who are well known and loved throughout the area. They can be seen every Sunday evening at The Sherman Showcase's Open Mic Nite www.shermantheater.com but their next performance will be at The Origins Gallery www.originsgallery.org on Saturday June 18^th for their Photography Show Reception and The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover V Contest. The duo were joined on this occasion by Pete Taney of The Juggernaut String Band www.facebook.com/JuggernautStringBand who lent his Banjo playing skills to the performance. Together, their songs filled the air with compositions that gently created a tender disposition among the gathering while others renderings flowed among their thoughts reforming their perceptions of reality.

In addition to the music, there were several family orientated activities available to everyone. These included an opportunity to utilized some colored chalk and encouragement supplied by St'Art Stroudsburg www.startstroudsburg.org to adorn the Monroe street section next to the park. Children from nine years to nine decades filled the streets and their clothing with colors as they created images reflecting their imagination along with those reminiscent of the English fairy tale titled, “Jack and the Beanstalk” (aka “The Story of Jack Spriggins and the Enchanted Bean”). Jody Singer, the Director of The Origins Gallery, joyfully distributed the pieces of magic to the crowds that gathered.

It was a fun and relaxing time spent in the borough listening to music, playing with chalk, and chatting with friends. The departure of those who gathered to enjoy the experience were filled with anticipation for the next concert in the series. The next Outside Concert at Courthouse Park is scheduled for Thursday June 23^rd beginning at 6pm and will feature the music of Roy Ramos. You'll find more photographs taken during the Thursday June 16^th installment of the Outside Concerts at Courthouse Park Series in the Woodrow in the Borough Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154959286498761.1073741979.91146283760&type=3.

The borough of Stroudsburg, PA is located in Monroe County in the Northeast (Pocono Mountains) region of the state which is its biggest tourist attraction. The borough serves as the Monroe County seat and is the only traditional downtown in the area. The town was laid out by Col. Jacob Stroud (1735–1806) in 1799. You can learn more about Stroudsburg, PA by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/StroudsburgBoro/?pnref=story or their Website at www.stroudsburgboro.com.

La Cuchina en la Gazebo

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A chilled breeze touched the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA as The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) presented Vinny Bianchi and La Cuchina on Sunday June 12^th as part of their 2016 Summer Gazebo Concert Series. A sizable crowd gathered upon the church's lawn to prepare their chairs, blankets, and themselves for the wonderful selection of music the band has become well known for. This preparation concluded with a sense of joy when the presence of Jim Dellaria of the PCOM come upon the stage to welcome those who came and to introduce the band.

Vinny Bianchi and La Cuchina (which may translate to “The Kitchen”) consists of Bill Washer on Guitar, Marko Marcinko on Keyboard and Drums, Paul Rostock on Bass Guitar, Daniel Gonzalez on Drums, and Vinny Bianchi on Saxophone, Keyboards, and Vocals. During most of the performance, Daniel Gonzalez was on Drums while Marko Marcinko was on Keyboard. However, when Mr. Gonzalez had to leave for another gig, Mr. Marcinko took over the drum kit while Mr. Bianchi manned the Keyboards. In either case, the music emanating from this group of masterful musicians flowed upon the grounds bringing about a fragrance of Latino scented jazz that permeated the soul. This permeation led some to express the music within them through the art of dance which enhanced the qualities of the concert greatly. You can learn more about Vinny Bianchi and La Cuchina by exploring their Website at www.lacuchina.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Cuchinadance.

The concert was a great one as evident of the numerous smiles and swaying heads that populated the gazebo's audience. If La Cuchina does indeed translate to “The Kitchen,” the band is aptly named as they were certainly cooking up some wonderful concoctions that satisfied every music lover who were present. Speaking of kitchens, there was also a nice selection of delicious foods available for sale that were brought together by the church's membership. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Vinny Bianchi and La Cuchina concert in The La Cuchina en la Gazebo Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154953183973761.1073741978.91146283760&type=3.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening until the end of August. The next concert will feature the bluegrass ensemble known as “The Lost Ramblers” and will take place on Sunday June 19^th beginning at 6pm. 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.

Poetic Voices Honors a Quieted One

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

On a hot pre-Summer's night, The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA opened their doors to the cooling sensations of poetry on Saturday June 11^th. Members of the local Poetry known as “Support Your Local Poet – Hooray (SYLP-H)” met to pay tribute to one of their numbers, Margaret Buser, who passed away on June 9^th 2013. This was done through readings of their original works, the words Ms. Buser had left behind, and music. The program was titled, “Art Through Speaking” and was part of the gallery's Below the Surface: An Arts Experience Series.

The evening began as the gallery's Director, Jody Singer, shared his welcoming words which included reflections on his initiation and continuing involvement in the arts. An account of the early days of a gallery Mr. Singer began in the 1990s known as “Hands in Art” to the present endeavors of The Origins Gallery was told. Although the names and locations have changed throughout the decades, the love embodied in Mr. Singer's endeavors to encourage and support the art found within each soul remains constant. This was demonstrated as Mr. Singer shared news of upcoming art related events scheduled to take place within the gallery as well as those occurring throughout the artistic community as a whole. Mr. Singer concluded his words by introducing Mike Wetmore who was one of the founders of SYLP-H and presented the event.

Mr. Wetmore welcomed the gathering and proceeded to share his recollections of how SYLP-H began along with the achievements the group accomplished during its time before becoming inactive. However, a hope was expressed that the evening's tribute to Ms. Buser would initiate a reemergence of the group and all it has to offer the poetic community. It was after these sentiment did Mr. Wetmore share his well structured and thoughtful poetry before introducing the featured poets.

The first of these poets was Joe Landolfa (aka The Incense Guy www.theincenseguy.com) whose flowing words summoned the nature of all things as they moved among the clouds that gently floated across the skies of our souls. He was followed by Poet Rick Gaeta whose words brought the howls of the natural world to the forest of gatherers while reflecting upon the bygone days with a tour de force of the secret meanings of phrases that lead to harmonic conclusions. Mr. Gaeta was followed by Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that's me) who shared some decent poems with the group.

It was after each of the featured poets read twice did they read some of the words written by Margaret Buser. Mr. Landolfa's recitation revealed the gentleness of her words that originated from a bygone heart. He was followed by Mike Wetmore and Rick Gaeta who shared Ms. Buser's words in a dialog uttered between the beatings of a heart. The completion of these renderings began the musical portion of the evening.

The first performer was Rick Gaeta and his Steel Guitar who shared songs that reached the essence the Universe while sowing the seeds of trying everything once. He was followed by Folk Guitarist Jimmy Cogan who sang old songs he recently learned while feeling Sympathy for the Devil. This was followed by the evening's open mic in which the members of the audience were invited to share their talents.

The first of these was poet Gillian Reinartz whose language blended their meanings together until they were translated by our dreams. She was followed by John who could be seen as a regular at the Sherman Showcase's Open Mic Nites. He rendered an A Capella rendition of a Musical Theatre composition that captured the haunting aspect of the piece. He was followed by Jimmy Cogan whose poetry spoke to the importance of living our lives beyond the death of Jesus. He was followed by Joe Landolfa, Mike Wetmore, and Rick Gaeta who shared more poetry with the gathering.

It was after these performances did Professor Michael Kessler and his guitar take the stage. Mr. Kessler rendered his songs with a yearning voice that sought out the child embodied in the light of day radiating from within. Mr. Kessler was followed by the return of Mike Wetmore who shared news of upcoming events he's associated with. One being the annual Blooms Day event to be held at the Hideaway Lounge in Stroudsburg, PA www.thehideawaypa.com on Thursday June 16^th. The day is a commemoration of the novel titled, “Ulysses” which was written in 1922 by James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (February 2^nd 1882 to January 13^th 1941). The events in the book takes place on June 16^th and its narrative embodies a number of contrasting literary styles with the stream of consciousness technique being most prominent.

It was at this point did Mr. Wetmore invite members of the audience to come upon the stage to share in a reading of a poem written by Margaret Buser. This call was answered by Joe Landolfa, Jody Singer, Jimmy Cogan, Gillian Reinartz, and Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah, that's still me). Each participant read one verse of the piece and this was followed by the appearance of Brad who shared a poem he wrote during the event that was inspired by it. The final echoes of his words brought the evening to its conclusion and heartfelt adieus were shared among those who departed from the gallery. You can view photographs taken during the Art Through Speaking event in The Poetic Voices Honors a Quieted One Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154945034713761.1073741977.91146283760&type=3.

The Art Through Speaking event held at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA is part of their Below the Surface: An Arts Experience Series. The gallery hosts a number of series including their InspIrArt Series, their Last Minute Monday Series, and their Underground Series. The venue also presents art exhibitions. Their current Incongruous Juxtapositions Exhibition will be on display until June 15^th. Their next show will be their Photography and Cover to Cover V Exhibition featuring a competition to determine what image will appear on the cover of The Forwardian Arts Society Literary and Arts Magazine 12^th Issue. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday June 18^th beginning at 6pm. All artists are invited to participate. The drop off dates are June 15^th and 16^th. They are quite enjoyable and we hope to see you at many of them. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery and view images and videos of the event taken by members of their staff and others by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.