Monday, October 04, 2010

Living and Dieing at Dreamland (and other Adventures)

The Dreamland Creations in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists Reception on Sunday October 3rd featuring the work of numerous artists for their exhibition titled, “The Life and Death Show.” As with all their themed shows, Dreamland Creations encouraged artists to devise their own interpretation to what the concepts of life and death really mean and how they relate to the ordinary and extraordinary modes of existence. This led to a wide variety of styles and subjects presented in various mediums ranging from morbid and grotesque depictions to romantic explorations.

Although the work and approach to this month’s theme was delightfully overwhelming with its variety, there was some commonality in the perceptional understanding of the nature of life and death. This understanding seemed to forego the western religious view that death is the end of life and embraced the eastern view that death is a part of life. This later approach often quells the fears of a physical passing the former instigates although dieing is still the last thing anyone would want to do.

The reception concluded with a performance by Rezlep and The Apparatus whose “Trip-hop Cabaret” stylings which combines vocal and musical soundtracks from numerous sources along with original material delighted all who partook of the world that was created. This world contained countries full of bizarre and macabre denizens along with some friends from Fraggle Rock. It was a fun adventure and a great way to end the time visiting the Gallery along with all the friends who frequent there. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Forwardian Arts Society Dreamland Creations 2010 Gallery.

Those artists participating in “The Life and Death Show” include M. J. McCauley, Rendi, Helen Victoria, Rob VanNess, J. J. Shlutz, Don Menza, Shane Izykowski, Sherley Escribano, Abby Braman, Hayley Lushinsky, Mark Purcell, Judy Zarach, Tim Nebel, Jamie Ratchford, Allison Gray, Kari, Michael Cooke, Ashley Ratchford, Michael Parsons, Denise and Bob VanNess, Marcia Flammonde, Elizabeth Streczyk, Brianna Ace, Ashley Mytyk, John Kobeck, Ben May, Gallows, Jason Porter, and Myke Maldonado. The Exhibition continues until October 31st.

The Dreamland Creations in Stroudsburg, PA serves as a studio where individuals can adorn their forms with a variety of body art such as tattoos and piercing reaching out to the vast community of conventional and non mainstream artists throughout the area. Their next Artists’ Reception will feature a variety of artists in an exhibition titled, “The Religion and Spirituality Show.” The reception will take place Sunday November 7th beginning at 4pm. The Exhibition will continue until November 30th. Please Explore The Dreamland Creations Website at www.myspace.com/dreamlandcreations or call 570-421-6313 for more information about the artists, the current and future exhibitions, and all they have to offer.

Prior to the Artists’ Reception at Dreamland Creations, I strolled around the town of Stroudsburg, PA and walked into The Main Street Jukebox who held an Artist Reception on the previous night but I was feeling a bit under the weather and decided not to attend. Imagine my delight to find the artist featuring in the exhibition there showing friends and family who also couldn’t make the reception. It was fortunate to have the opportunity to talk to the artist and to explore the intricacies of her work which consisted mostly of portraits of famous rock musicians who have become iconic.

The Rebecca Crockett Exhibition continues until October 24th and you’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Main Street Jukebox 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts. The next art show is yet to be scheduled. However, information on it and all The Main St. Jukebox has to offer can be obtained by Exploring their Website at www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox or by calling 570-424-2246.

After I left The Main Street Jukebox, I went over to The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse to facilitate The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts Gathering. It is the last such Gathering for the 2010 Season and it was a pleasure to meet with Artist Diane Furry Paulhamus as I was given the wonderful opportunity to view cards depicting her work while listening her tell me how they came into being and what inspired her to create them. It was a wonderful way to spend the hour until “The Life and Death Show” Reception arrived. The Next Visual Art Lovers Gathering is scheduled to take place sometime during the month of April in 2011.

In the meantime, There are several gatherings dedicated to other aspects of the arts The Forwardian Arts Society holds at The Cheeky Monkey. They include a Performing Arts Gathering on Thursday October 7th at 6pm, a Literary Lovers‘ Gathering on Thursday October 21st at 6pm and a Film Lovers‘ Gathering on Friday November 5th. You’ll find photographs during the gatherings which took place throughout the year at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Art Lovers’ Gatherings 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts. Information about The Forwardian Arts Society and all it has to offer may be gained by exploring their Website at www.theforwardianartssociety.com or by calling 570-269-3348.

In addition to The Forwardian Arts Society Gatherings, The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse hosts a number of events including poetry readings, film nights, and more. They also offer a variety of coffee, drinks, and culinary treats. Please Explore The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse Website at www.cheekymonkeycoffee.com or call 570-420-8222 for more information.

It was a great Sunday to go exploring and meeting all the people I met during the day. I never fail to find myself fortunate to have the friends I’ve encountered since The Forwardian Arts Society began nine years ago and I’m humbled by the talents they possess. Thank you all for your friendship and I look forward to gathering with you again.

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