A Soft Focus Touches the Dutot

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A gathering consisting of friends of The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA and the exhibition's featured artist, Corine Barton, along with a healthy assortment of unaffiliated art lovers filled the gallery with their admiration for the work displayed on Friday July 29^th during its Artist's Reception. Although the actual number in attendance was a modest one, the beauty of the work populated the minds and hearts of those who were present to their full capacity. The calming images of nature depicted in Ms. Barton's compositions related a softness in their themes as well as in her approaches to the subjects she exquisitely captured on canvas.

This softness touches the essence of not only the images that are depicted but of the viewer him/herself. A sense of longing for a simpler environment closer to the ways of nature is created only to have that longing satisfied by truly opening one's eyes to perceive everything that is within and beyond the frame of each piece. A contemplative calmness encases us as we moved from one image to another. You'll find more photographs taken during the Artist's Reception in The A Soft Focus Touches the Dutot Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155092029738761.1073741999.91146283760&type=3.

Corine Barton lives in Branchville, NJ and became more connected with nature and the rhythmic process of creation when she became pregnant with her daughter Lindsey. Therefore, her work reflects this awareness as she seeks to capture the fleeting impressions that is indicative of the natural world. Ms. Barton is a landscape oil painter who works en Plein Air and in her studio. She also paints celebrities, do commissions, and create pieces in modern art. You can learn more about Corine Barton and her work by exploring her Website at www.corinebarton.com or her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/corinebartonartist/?fref=ts.

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 Exhibition featuring the work of Corine Barton will be on display until August 14^th. The Dutot's next Exhibition will feature the work of Andrea Levergood. An Artist's Reception is scheduled to be held on Friday August 19^th beginning at 7pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display until until September 4^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.

Keeping Cool with Some Hot Blues

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

As the day's temperatures reached above the 90 degree mark, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA decided to hold the Sunday July 24^th installment of their 2016 Summer Gazebo Concert Series within their air conditioned fellowship hall. The comforting atmosphere of the building brought together a room full of music lovers and friends of the concert series while hot dogs and other delicious items were being prepared in the facility's kitchen. The congenial mood was further enhanced as The SheilaMark Band took their place before the audience at the appointed hour.

Jim Dellaria of the church wasn't present to welcome the attendees or to introduce the musicians as he was away. So, the delightful task was placed upon Paul Adam Smeltz (Yeah, that's me) to perform. After Paul spoke, The SheilaMark Band began casting their melodious enchantments upon the listeners. The compositions they selected weaved together formed an eclectic tapestry of mesmerizing sounds that brought together a sense of heat and coolness to the crowd. The concert was a joy to experience as songs were interspersed with pleasantries the band members shared with each other and the audience along with insightful introductions of the pieces they performed. It was all too soon that the concert concluded but this led to numerous appreciative conversations with the band and the anticipation among the audience of the next concert to come in the series. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The SheilaMark Band concert in The Keeping Cool with Some Hot Blues Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155075851068761.1073741998.91146283760&type=3.

The SheilaMark Band consists of Mark Hamza on a modified Hammond organ, Sheila Stratton on vocals, Dean Rickard on drums, and Teddy Young on guitar. Together, they performed a variety of songs composed during many time periods and of many genres. The performance also included some original compositions that equaled (and in some cases surpassed) the qualities of their original renderings. You can learn more about The SheilaMark Band by exploring their Website at www.sheilamarkproductions.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SheilaMark-Band-152690641429026/?fref=ts.

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 Calliope offering a trio of musicians performing classical, traditional, and Americana selections. The free concert will take place on Sunday July 31^st 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.

Abstracting the Origins of Art

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

During the early moments of the Artists' Reception for the Abstract Expressionism Exhibition held at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday July 23^rd, a trickling of people ventured down the stairs to view the wonders of the work. However, as a relatively short time passed, the gallery soon filled with art lovers sharing conversation and insights relating to the work they explored. The abstract aspects of the well constructed work that was on display enticed the imagination of the viewer as shapes and dimensions begged the mind to place them in some assemblage of order. The expressionistic qualities of the work expanded upon this imaginativeness as the colors of the objects depicted left an undefined gap in the mind's understanding of what constitutes reality thus inciting it to complete the picture.

This process of expanding the psyche of those who attended the reception was further enhanced by the mesmeric music performed by guitarist Walter Lee. A range of electronically induced instrument and vocal accompanists sailed in the estuaries of each listener's dreams until the bows of each song touched the shores of wonderments. The eclectic variety of genres enchanted the audience as each song was composed either in a memory of past awarenesses or in the foresights of lives to come. Mr. Lee is a member of a band called, “South of the Peak.” His experimental and psychedelic stylings form a canorous relationship with the differing musical approaches of his band mates Ian Kirk and Ty Nordstrom. You can learn more about Walter Lee and South of the Peak by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/southofthepeak/?fref=ts or their upcoming Website at www.southofthepeak.com.

As the echoes of Mr. Lee's renderings lingered in the mind of all who wandered through them, the gallery's famous art raffle took place. The lovely pieces that were offered were made even lovelier by Ms. Marty Carr who displayed each coveted item to the numerous ticket holders. The pangs of excitement stirred as each digit of the tickets selected by the gallery's director, Jody Singer, were called out. Peals of laughter and joy rang out as the identity of each winner was revealed. The final item was eventually won and Walter Lee returned to the stage to share a few more songs as those in attendance shared their parting words and departed the gallery. Soon, the final notes from Mr. Lee's guitar sounded and the evening was drawn to its conclusion. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the exhibit in The Abstracting the Origins of Art Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155075723698761.1073741997.91146283760&type=3.

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 Abstract Expressionism Exhibition will be on display at the venue until August 3^rd. Their next show will be their Social Realism Exhibition. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday August 6^th beginning at 6pm. All artists are invited to participate. The drop off dates are August 3^rd and 4^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.

So Long Soho

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The beauty of a Summer's day was touched with thoughtful reflections as The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held their Grand Closing Celebration on Saturday July 23^rd titled, “The Last Picture Show.” The site that housed the gallery (known as the Newberry Building) for the past four years will soon offer wine and related items created by The Renegade Winery whose vineyards are located in East Stroudsburg, PA. Although The SOHO in the BURG Gallery will no longer be a sole entity at the location, it has been said that The Renegade Winery will continue to display art and hold receptions in keeping with the spirit of the departing gallery with it's curator, Andrea Robbins Rimberg, remaining involved.

The news that instilled the hope of art continuing to be presented at The Renegade Winery tempered the sadness shared among the numerous art lovers and aficionados Ms. Rimberg and the SOHO has accumulated throughout the years. Ms. Rimberg's famous effervescent personality and exuberant energies enhanced the art she displayed when the gallery first opened in the April of 2012 and her loving countenance continued to touch the essence of each person she met with this final day being no exception. A great deal of love and appreciation was exchanged throughout the afternoon between the gallery for all it offered to enhance the creative community and to those who enhanced the gallery through their talents and support.

The Renegade Winery was present during the event and offered free tastings of their finest bottles. The satisfying sensations brought about by each sip of the delightful elixirs filled the room with wonderful conversations whose utterances floated among the gathering like a pleasant aromatic bouquet. The love and congeniality that was poured into each glass by the owners, Britton and Amanda Detrick, and their staff enhanced the already outstanding flavors of the beverage. The anticipation of the drinks yet to be poured during their residency at the location, whether it be on the premises during wine tasting events or at home to compliment a fine dinner, filled the gathering with an intoxicating joy.

The afternoon proved to be an excellently paired celebration in which the bidding a fond farewell to The SOHO in the Burg Gallery was coupled with the new adventure for connoisseurs of wine and art to be embarked upon at The Renegade Winery. It is rumored the theme of the first art exhibition at the establishment will relate to grapes and wine. Those who heard the speculation were known to raise their glass to toast in its reality. This writer raised his as well and will keep you informed as more concrete information becomes available. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during the Last Picture Show in the So Long Soho Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155075575743761.1073741996.91146283760&type=3.

The Renegade Winery has their vineyards located in East Stroudsburg, PA and is considered the first urban concept winery in the Pocono Mountains, PA Region. The date of their Grand Opening in the J. J. Newberry Building which is located on the corner of 6^th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA is yet to be announced although it is hoped to be sometime in September. Tasting of the wines they offer can be currently made at The Milford, PA Farmers' Market which is held every Sunday beginning at 10am. You'll find more information The Renegade Winery and all they have to offer by exploring their Website at www.therenegadewinery.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/liveloverevoltwinery.

It goes without saying the meaningful and wonderful ways The SOHO in the BURG Gallery and Andrea Robbins Rimberg has touched the lives of all they encountered. Yet, it should be said. It's been said the gallery is the Jewel in the Crown of the Pocono Arts District and the sentiment is unanimously agreed upon among those who love the arts. It's sad to see it go but there are promises of new adventures to be embarked upon that may be more magnificent than those that had come before. Improving upon the past seems like an impossible endeavor but, through the well deserved faith many has placed in Ms. Rimberg and the good will exhibited by The Renegade Winery may be a dream come true. You can share your thoughts and words of appreciation to The SOHO in the BURG Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964 or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com.

Rattman and Ballantyne at The Gazebo

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Although the high temperatures reflecting the heat associated with the Summer Season prevailed throughout the day, a series of cooled breezes brought a profound sense of comfort to those who had placed their chairs and blankets upon the grounds of The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Sunday July 17^th. An empty Gazebo was soon filled with the featured performers of the church's 2016 Summer Gazebo Concert Series and the presence of Saxophonist Jay Rattman and Pianist Jon Ballantyne filled the modestly sized gathering with a loving anticipation of the music that was to come. It was shortly after the appointed hour for the concert to begin arrived did Jim Dellaria of the church come upon the stage to welcome the denizens of the lawn and to introduce the duo.

The waves of music created an ebb and flow that broke upon the pristine shores of a gentle Summer Afternoon. The skillfully executed improvisations moved the instrumentals into new interpretive realms. The set also included a number of original compositions which incorporated an additional dimension of meaningfulness to the concert going experience. After a time, a short break in the performance ensued which enabled the audience and the duo to partake of the many culinary pleasures offered by the church as well as opportunities to chat with one another. The break concluded and the duo continued their performance until the concert came to its completion. The audience departed with a fulfilled heart and the anticipation of another concert to come in the series. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Jay Rattman and Jon Ballantyne concert in The Rattman and Ballantyne at The Gazebo Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155054194478761.1073741995.91146283760&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 SheilaMark Band offering a variety of musical styles ranging from classic blues to contemporary compositions. The free concert will take place on Sunday July 24^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.

Not Just Another Pic On The Wall

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

On a chilled but humid evening, a modestly sized group of art lovers converged upon The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Friday July 8^th to experience an Artist's Reception which shared the work of Melissa Perhamus with them. The exhibit is titled, “Mergence” and it's aptly named as the work immediately creates a sense of gathering unto oneself all the elements that makes us whole. One cannot help but to be enchanted by the colors illuminating from each piece as they flow within the space of their frames and whirl into the realm of the dreams that dwell beyond their ever-expanding boundaries.

The placement of maps found within the work symbolized the stations we've found ourselves paused within during the course of our lives as well as the undiscovered destinations we incomprehensibly chase after. The ghostly trees that are often sighted in Ms. Perhamus' work reminds us of the age long travelers who have seen these roads before and gives us a sense of belonging as we thoughtfully comprehend our impermanence. The conversations inspired during the exhibit populated the gallery with their joy and introspection. You'll find more photographs taken during the Artist's Reception in The Not Just Another Pic On The Wall Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155025448528761.1073741994.91146283760&type=3.

Melissa Perhamus was born in Oneida, NY. When she was 7, her family moved to Perry, NY where she had an experience that ignited a passion for the arts. She pursued this passion throughout high school and won a number of awards while a student there. She later went on to earn a BA in Studio Art from SUNY Potsdam. Ms. Perhamus has lived in the Lehigh Valley, PA for nearly 20 years now and believes we are an integral part of the natural world and she seeks to convey this reality to us through her art so we can reestablish this connection. You can learn more about Melissa Perhamus and her work by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MelissaPerhamusArt or her Website at www.melissaperhamusart.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 Mergence Exhibition featuring the work of Melissa Perhamus will be on display until until July 24^th. The Dutot's next Exhibition will feature the work of Corine Barton. An Artist's Reception is scheduled to be held on Friday July 29^th beginning at 7pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display until until August 14^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.

Working on The Write Moves

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

With anticipation of the discoveries to be made in the literary world, a small group of established and aspiring writers met at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on Thursday July 7^th in order to partake of a class titled, “Everything You Need To Know about Writing and Publishing” which was led by Vincent Asaro. A gentle relaxed atmosphere embodied the session as snacks and casual conversation lent their laid back ambiance to the gathering. It was after a time did Mr. Asaro share his instructive insights on the art and process of writing along with the challenges and procedures of publishing one's work.

The experience of learning something new and reassuring proved to be as enjoyable as it was informative. A great number of related topics were explored throughout the session which inspired those present to embark upon and/or resume their literary adventures. It was a fun time and the class ended with a communal certainty that many enjoyable reads will follow. You can view photographs taken during the class in The Working on The Write Moves Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155021732178761.1073741993.91146283760&type=3.

Vincent Asaro is an accomplished author who often delves into tales of horror, suspense, the macabre, and dark fantasy. This can be seen most vividly in his collection of 21 original short stories contained is the the book titled, “Something In the Dark.” Mr. Asaro's most recent novel titled, “Carrot Field” is an epic dark fantasy. Both of these works were well received by literary reviewers. In addition to these, Mr. Asaro writes an ongoing music blog and was a top quarter Finalist in the 2004 Zoetrope screen writing competition. You can learn more about Vincent Asaro and his work by exploring his Website at www.vincentasaro.weebly.com.

The Origins Gallery is a contemporary arts gallery located on the lower level of The Gamers Edge Comics and Games Store at 580 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The class titled, “Everything You Need To Know about Writing and Publishing” led by Vincent Asaro is part of their InspIrArt Series. In addition to the classes they offer, the venue also presents exhibitions of work created by local artists. Their current show is their Functional Art II Exhibition which will be on display until July 16^th. The next exhibit at the gallery will be their Abstract Expressionism Exhibition with the Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday July 23^rd. The exhibition is open to all artists and the drop off dates are July 20^th and 21^st. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.