The Pictures and the Covers

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

On a day that foreshadowed the wonders of the Summer Season, The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception on Saturday June 18^th for their Photography Show. The images presented explored the varied spectrum of the art form and, therefore, met the many art lovers who attended the reception with their well crafted beauty and their pictorial diversity. A thoughtful joy filled the gathering as each individual peered into the compositions dwelling within each frame.

The evening also presented the well known and beloved duet known as Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf who consists of Theresa Ratcliff on Vocals and Brian Bramkamp on Guitar. Their renditions of songs created by established artists as well as those they originally composed filled the memories and hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be touched by their music and voices. The duo can be experienced in numerous venues throughout the Northeast PA area which includes The Eastburg Community Alliance's www.eastburgalliance.com Freedom Festival scheduled to take place within The Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg, PA from July 2^nd to the 4^th. However, the most immediate opportunity to partake of their musical offerings is every Sunday evening at The Sherman Showcase's Open Mic Nite www.shermantheater.com.

The Origins Gallery also hosted The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover V Competition during the reception which determined what images will grace the front and back covers of the upcoming issue of their literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian.” The artists who participated were Jody Singer, B.A.M.B.I.Ent, Robert Matthew Auer, and Melissa Benzinger-McGlynn. Those who attended the reception were afforded the opportunity to chose which images will win the contest by placing ballots designating their favored pieces into a cup to be tallied later in the evening. Many members of the gathering eagerly explored the attributives of the works so they could joyfully make their insightful selections.

It has always been recognized that the quality of an event is often enhanced by unexpected surprises. To many who attended the gathering, this unforeseen fortuity manifested in the appearance of Shane Izykowski www.facebook.com/shaneizykowskiartist/?fref=ts. Mr. Izykowski's profound influence on the Monroe County, PA Artistic Community created the infrastructure upon which all present and future endeavors can firmly stand upon. He had left the area some time ago and his incredible talents led him to become an imperative part of the San Francisco. CA creative landscape in which he has received much success in his endeavors there. His attendance at the reception gave many the opportunity to share their appreciation for all he had contributed to the area, reminisce about the creative discoveries they shared, and to learn of all the wonderful things he's doing now. In other word, it was good to see him.

As loving conversations were shared with one another along with explorations of the work and music occurring, the Reception officially began as the Origins Gallery's director, Jody Singer, took the stage to welcome all who were present. His words included a great number of appreciative sentiments and news of upcoming events scheduled for the venue and throughout the area. Mr. Singer concluded his words with the introduction of Woodrow who proceeded to woo the gathering with their talents. It was after a while did the famous Origins' Art Raffle take place while the ballots of Cover to Cover V Competition were counted.

The anticipation of whose artistic creations would receive the most votes elevated the excitement of the raffle as the two expectations and their promises were coupled together. Those who bought their tickets earlier transfixed their gaze upon the digits as they called upon their hopes that their numbers corresponding to the items enchantingly displayed by Ms. Marty Carr would be called by Mr. Singer. Eventually all of the items were given to the winning ticket holders and the announcement of which participants in The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover V Competition would grace its magazine's covers was made.

The piece that received the second most votes was a digitally enhanced photograph created by Jody Singer titled, “Cherry Valley Barn.” Mr. Singer's work will appear on “Forwardian's” back cover. The piece that received the most votes was a three dimensional wool item by Melissa Benzinger-McGlynn titled, “Just Hangin' Around.” Her work will appear on the magazine's front cover. The winners of the competition were given an appreciative applause by the gathering and were personally thanked by the literary and arts magazine's publisher, Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah that's me). It was after these accolades were bestowed did Woodrow return to the stage to perform a number of songs while the gathering bade their heartfelt adieus to one another before departing. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception of the exhibit in The Pictures and the Covers Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154968294548761.1073741981.91146283760&type=3.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts which began in the October of 2001. The Basic Art Lover Membership in the group is free and open to anyone who has a love for the arts and a desire to become a member. An advanced Passionate Art Lover Membership is available at an annual fee for those who are able and willing to support the fellowship financially. Please feel free to learn more about The Forwardian Arts Society, what they have to offer, and how to be a part of their fellowship by exploring their Website at www.forwardianarts.org for more information.

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 Photography Show as well as the work presented in the Cover to Cover V Competition will be on display at the venue until June 29^th. Their next show will be their Functional Art Exhibition. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday July 2^nd beginning at 6pm. All artists are invited to participate. The drop off dates are June 29^th and 30^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.