An Influential Mountain Inspires

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

As one entered the Weiler Family Community Room of The Barrett Paradise Friendly Library in Cresco, PA, one cannot help to be touched by the congenial atmosphere that permeated the facility on Friday June 24^th. It was on this date did the library host an Artists' Reception of The Pocono Mountain Arts Council’s Annual Member Show titled, “Influences and Inspirations” which was a juried show and included included as Children's Show. A room full of art lovers from the immediate vicinity and beyond marveled at the images presented upon the walls along with the three dimensional works as well as the plentiful array of culinary treats that bade those who eyed them to be eaten. Conversations inspired by the art, food, and hospitable ambiance of the occasion delightfully engulfed the evening.

In addition to the art on display from the exhibit, a number of “Box” items were placed upon a table with numbered envelopes corresponding with each object's designated number. Members of the gathering were afforded with the opportunity to cast votes on the box they favored by placing a ticket they were given into the envelope associated with the piece. This enhanced the sense of joy of the event as many eagerly explored each box and the creativity it bestowed upon the senses before casting their vote. The individual who received the most votes was Chelsea Corso whose work consisted of a box with an outdoor setting with books scattered upon the ground

It was during these occurrences did the Co-Chairs responsible for putting the exhibition together take their place behind a podium that was set up in the front of the room. Karen and Al Laposh began addressing the crowd by sharing their appreciation for their presence along with the artists who participated in the exhibit. It was soon after this was special recognition bestowed upon members of the Pocono Mountain Arts Council whose help in the planning and manifestation made this year's event something wonderful. These included Catherine Schratt who serves as Board Chairman of The Pocono Mountain Arts Council (PMAC), Pat Transue who is a PMAC member responsible for obtaining the food that was provided, Nancy Pitcher who serves as the President of PMAC, and Mira Lynn Hensley who serves as the Executive Vice President of PMAC along with Lenni Gritz, Pat Knecht, and Edie Suydam who are PMAC members. These homages were followed by a very special one given to Cindy Deluca who is the Librarian of The Barrett Paradise Friendly Library for her support for the exhibit and the PMAC.

The Pocono Mountain Arts Council’s Annual Member Show was a juried exhibit with Tom Shillea and a woman whose name this writer can't recall serving as jurors. The overwhelming quality that was evident in the work made it a speculated fact their task of selecting the best of the best a difficult endeavor. But, nonetheless, winners were chosen with great care and with a superb eye for aesthetics.

Awards recipients in the Children’s Art Work category were Mika Kanofsky who received 3^rd place for the piece titled, “Camp Nanny,” Maggie Turnock who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “Give a Hoot,” and Rocia Saavedra who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Begin.” Awards recipients in the Abstract category were Ana Rosa who received 3^rd place for the piece titled, “Spectrum,” Pat Transue who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “Life,” and Marianna Russo who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Fuego.” Awards recipients in the Pottery and Glass category were Lone Bush who received 3^rd place for the piece titled, “Carved Tree Vessel,” Jay Paulukonis (who serves as a Board Member of the PMAC) who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “Caribbean Wave,” and Lenny Gritz who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Serving Boat.” Awards recipients in the Photography category were Nancy Hopping who received 3^rd place for the piece titled, “Pocono Mtn Sunrise,” Don Sack who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “The Big Apple,” and Joanne Bridgman who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Rain Forest.” Awards recipients in the Sculpture (wood) category were Donna Ray-Reifler who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “History Slipping Away in PA” and Julius Schratt who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Sculpture Garden.” Awards recipients in the Jewelry category were Catherine Schratt who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “Arizona Homage” and Mira Hensley who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Days of Disco 2.” Awards recipients in the Textile category were Myra Trumpaitzky who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “Lighthouse at Point Loma, San Diego” and Anna Faustino who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Painting Mode.” Awards recipients in the Painting category were Donna Kallesser who received 3^rd place for the piece titled, “Still Learning,” Edie Suydam who received 2^nd place for the piece titled, “Girl in a Red Sweater,” and Charles Rauch who received 1^st place for the piece titled, “Vurano Stroll.” The piece by Rauch also received the Best of Show Award. Congratulations to them all.

After a time, the event drew towards its conclusion as those who were present reluctantly departed company with the art and one another. The Pocono Mountain Arts Council’s Annual Member Show titled, “Influences and Inspirations” began presenting the work on May 2^nd. Therefore, the reception served to close the exhibition and afforded to the participating artists an opportunity to take home their unsold works. The venue was soon emptied of the images and objects that adorned it while leaving their lingering impressions to populate the consciousness of all who are apt to sense them. You'll find more photographs taken at The Barrett Paradise Friendly Library Artists' Reception for The Pocono Mountain Arts Council’s Annual Member Show at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154986173363761.1073741983.91146283760&type=3.

The Barrett Paradise Friendly Library in Cresco, PA was founded in 1909 by a group of area residents and the present building was constructed by the community. The library serves the townships of Barrett and Paradise in Monroe County, PA. The library has over 5000 cardholders and has over 30,000 cataloged items. You'll be able to learn more about The Barrett Paradise Friendly Library and all it offers by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Barrett-Paradise-Friendly-Library/256231329029 or their Website at www.barrettlibrary.org.

The Pocono Mountain Arts Council (PMAC) supports the work of artists, and promotes the arts in the community through education and by providing avenues of creative expression. The vision of the Pocono Mountain Arts Council is to be an arts council recognized for promoting creative expression through efforts that foster an appreciation of art throughout the communities they serve. Those serving on its Board of Directors (not already mentioned) are Karl Davis, Linda Happe, Ann Negvesky, Rosemary Rinkowski, and Caitlin Humphreys along with Dan Ferguson who serves as the PMAC Treasurer. The Pocono Mountain Arts Council's next event will be their Annual Summer show titled, “Art Under The Big Top” scheduled for Sunday July 3^rd beginning at 10am. It will be held at The Blue Ridge winery in Saylorsburg, PA. You can learn more about the event, Pocono Mountain Arts Council, and all they have to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Pocono-Mountain-Arts-Council/152978551380883 or their Website at www.poconomac.com.