A Night of BAMBIENT Dreams

Although I was among the first of the many who would attend the Artist's Reception on Saturday August 29^th, I could already sense the overwhelming excitement that the BAMBIENT Exhibition held at The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA would generate. The exhibit featured the work of Bradley Allen McCool Bartholomew (aka Brad). Music for the evening was performed by Cogan who invited a number of audience members to join him in song which included Brad.

Being one of the first to arrive, I was treated to a tour of the work given by Brad which afforded me with the opportunity to gain some deeper insights to the work as he shared his inspirations and what he endeavored to communicate through his images. A wide variety of creative approaches from an individual artist can be seen in numerous exhibits in the many local galleries in the area. However, the uncanny ability Brad has to explore and re invent the ever changing lexicon of art goes beyond the pale. One cannot experience his work without becoming simultaneously amazed and deeply touched by the images that seeks asylum in our souls.

As more and more individuals arrived at the venue, the electrified conversations that was generated by the work and Brad's persona was soon accompanied by music performed by Cogan and his guitar. Cogan's rendition of the folk songs the majority of his performance consisted of added a subliminal depth to the evening as the lyrics were sung though a voice that understood each utterance because it has lived through or seen first hand their inspirations. He was joined during his set by Mike Wetmore who frequently attends many art shows and concerts and later by Brad himself. The duets were a delight to hear as the additional singer added to the nuance of the piece.

Cogan can be seen throughout the town of Stroudsburg, PA sitting on a bench while playing songs on his guitar that inspires pauses in the walking paces of many. He can also be seen with an open guitar case that invites his impromptu audience to express their appreciation through a monetary donation. His guitar case was opened during his performance at Origins with the monies donated benefiting the gallery and the work it does.

It was after some time did the gallery's Directors, Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones, take the stage to share their words of appreciation to Cogan along with their welcoming remarks with the gathering. They then proceeded to express their appreciation and admiration to Brad while sharing memories of their initial experiences with him and how they evolved into the creation of the work on display throughout the gallery. A moment was given to Brad who shared his thoughtful and inspiring words with the audience.

As Brad completed his statement, Jody and Ashley retook the stage to share some additional information about the exhibit and news of upcoming events within the gallery as well as those taking place at other art related venues in the area. It was at the conclusion of their talk did the art raffle begin. An overwhelming excitement grew throughout the gallery as each digit of a raffle ticket was called until the person holding the matching ticket exclaimed that it was in their possession and immediately took hold of the object they coveted. It was after the last number was shared and the final item to be won was given to the winner did the company begin to share their congratulatory sentiments while bidding one another adieu to which many expressed a longing to return to the gallery to partake of their future endeavors.

The BAMBIENT Exhibition featuring the work of Bradley Allen McCool Bartholomew (aka Brad) will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until September 6^th. The next exhibition to be presented will be their Organique Exhibition featuring the debut of the Once Upon A Fairy Fall collection. The Artist's Reception is scheduled for Saturday September 12^th beginning at 6pm. Special musical guest to perform during the Reception is yet to be decided upon. The exhibit will remain on display until September 20^th. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the current exhibit at the A Night of BAMBIENT Dreams Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154159027063761.1073741894.91146283760&type=3.

The Origins Gallery is located on the lower level of The Gamers Edge Comics and Games Store www.facebook.com/TheGamersEdgeStroudsburg?fref=ts which can be found at 580 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The Origins Gallery is a contemporary arts gallery within the newly formed Pocono Art District having one of the highest and fastest sales records in the Stroudsburg area, provides a space to those who teach the arts to those who would like to learn from them, and continues to do everything with the local community in mind. 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.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.