Darkened Canvases Illumines Art's Origins

The joyous promises of the holidays embedded within the winter season found their potentials to be kept on Saturday December 19^th as an Artists' Reception for The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA's Black Canvas Exhibition greeted the many art lovers who filled the gallery. Area artists were invited to share works created on black canvas, in black frames, or matted in black and the results of their endeavors adorned the walls along with the subconscious meanderings of the mind. Burnt Toad Studios www.facebook.com/burnttoadstudios/?fref=ts celebrated the holidays with a Christmas Party during the reception while a delicious cuisine was catered by Scarpelli's Italian Specialties www.facebook.com/Scarpellis-Italian-Specialties-311929348826641. Music was provided by Public Displays of Rejection, a sleigh was being filled with store-bought toys, non-perishables, and other items for those in need, and the gallery's famous Art Raffle was held.

As one walked through the gallery, the unmistakable presence of each piece embracing the exhibit's theme became more deeply undeniable with every step. The contrasting symmetry between the diametrical hues and shapes implodes the imagination by allowing the psyche to touch the now congenial darkness that dwells within. In the process, a previously unexplored depth was discovered once the cautions against becoming entwined with one's darker nature were set aside. While each work reflected the unique approach to the exhibit's theme by each artists, a common thread ran through the entire collection which induced the exploration of the wholeness of oneself to take place and other profound sensations that were presented during the event.

The mind bending sounds of the duet known as Public Displays of Rejection added to these sensations as their other worldly interpretations of the compositions in the repertoire occupied realms whose foundations were placed before the songs' creation. This was especially true of the selections that originated with the band, “Pink Floyd” in which the effects of the haunting melodies and the psychologically searching lyrics in their work were uncannily surpassed by the talents of Ricky "Dum Dum" Delgado and Shane Reimer. This was achieved mostly through the technology they employed to create certain moods and emphasis upon some instruments phrasing. But, the overall vision of the musicians inspired each song to go beyond their psychedelic boundaries so it can emulate the duo's imagination. You can learn more about Public Displays of Rejection by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PublicDisplaysOfRejection/?fref=ts or their Website at www.soundcloud.com/PublicDisplaysofRejection.

At certain intervals during the reception, the gallery's curators, Jody Singer and Ashley Catherine Fontones, took the stage to share their appreciation with those who attended the event along with news of upcoming endeavors of the gallery and the art community. A tentative schedule of future exhibitions was revealed that has yet to be solidified. But, the knowledge of what The Origins Gallery envisions for its future enlivened the hearts of all who were enlightened by it. It was also announced that the gallery would be taking a well deserved break during the month of January in order to prepare both physically and aesthetically for 2016.

It was after these announcements that the famous Art Raffle was held. The naming of digits and items floated around the room until an exclamation of joy revealed who had won the object. This continued until the final item was collected which led to the bidding of farewells between members of the gathering. It was agreed the new year of 2016 will be another great one for the arts as those who learned of the envisioned exhibits and other art related adventures will be drawn to the gallery and find something wonderful throughout the coming year and beyond.

The Black Canvas Exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until until December 31^st. The theme of next exhibition and how artists can place their work in it is yet to be officially announced. In addition to the exhibitions they hold a number of special events like their Last Minute Monday Series, classes and workshops, and festivals are held at the gallery. They are quite enjoyable and I hope to see you at many of them. In the meantime, you can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the current exhibit at The Darkened Canvases Illumines Art's Origins Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154430406223761.1073741932.91146283760&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 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.