Keeping it Real at Origins

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A modest sized gathering of art lovers filled The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday August 6^th as they held an Artists' Reception for their Social Realism Exhibition offering work created by local artists that explored the deficiencies of our society in meaningful and thought provoking ways. The evening also featured the work of the gallery's resident artist, Alison Gray, whose outstanding work filled the senses with their imagery and colors. Music for the evening was presented by the duo known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf who consists of with Theresa Ratliff on Vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar. In addition to all this, the venue held its famous Art Raffle.

The conversations that populated the gallery found their inspiration from the incredible work that was on display. The issues each piece raised added substance to these intercourses whose words were filled with a new awareness of life among all living things on the planet. This sensation was further enhanced by the music performed by Woodrow which included a number of original pieces composed and sung by Brian Bramkamp. The duet's performance added an additional element of delight as Ms. Ratliff shared her rendering of the song “Different Drum” as she strummed upon her newly acquired Ukulele.

The song was written by Mike Nesmith in 1965 prior to being cast in the television show titled, “The Monkees.” “Different Drum” was originally recorded by The Greenbriar Boys on their 1966 bluegrass album titled, “Better Late than Never!” A rushed through version of the song was then heard in the Monkees' episode titled, “Too Many Girls” which aired in December 1966. The best known version of the song was recorded by the Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt and appears in their 1967 album titled, “Evergreen, Volume 2.” Mike Nesmith later rerecorded the song in 1972 for his album titled, “And the Hits Just Keep on Comin'” whose version contains four verses as opposed to the three in Ronstadt's version. The song has since been covered by The Poppy Family, The Flying Emus, The Lemonheads, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Skeeter Davis, and The Lennon Sisters.

After a time of being enchanted by the music of Woodrow, the much anticipated Art Raffle was announced. Those who eagerly bought their tickets earlier that evening awaited the calling of each digit of the ticket selected by the Gallery's director, Jody Singer, in hopes its numerical sequences would correspond with those they held in their hands. Peals of satisfyingly excitement rang out as prizes being displayed by Michael Kessler were won. The evening came to a conclusion as the final item was claimed and congratulatory sentiments were shared by the company with one another. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the exhibit in The Keeping it Real at Origins Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155117805438761.1073742002.91146283760&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 Social Realism Exhibition will be on display at the venue until August 16^th. Their next show will be their Just for Laughs Exhibition. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday August 20^th beginning at 6pm and will continue to be on display until August 30^th. All artists are invited to participate. The drop off dates are August 17^th and 18^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.