So Long Soho

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The beauty of a Summer's day was touched with thoughtful reflections as The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held their Grand Closing Celebration on Saturday July 23^rd titled, “The Last Picture Show.” The site that housed the gallery (known as the Newberry Building) for the past four years will soon offer wine and related items created by The Renegade Winery whose vineyards are located in East Stroudsburg, PA. Although The SOHO in the BURG Gallery will no longer be a sole entity at the location, it has been said that The Renegade Winery will continue to display art and hold receptions in keeping with the spirit of the departing gallery with it's curator, Andrea Robbins Rimberg, remaining involved.

The news that instilled the hope of art continuing to be presented at The Renegade Winery tempered the sadness shared among the numerous art lovers and aficionados Ms. Rimberg and the SOHO has accumulated throughout the years. Ms. Rimberg's famous effervescent personality and exuberant energies enhanced the art she displayed when the gallery first opened in the April of 2012 and her loving countenance continued to touch the essence of each person she met with this final day being no exception. A great deal of love and appreciation was exchanged throughout the afternoon between the gallery for all it offered to enhance the creative community and to those who enhanced the gallery through their talents and support.

The Renegade Winery was present during the event and offered free tastings of their finest bottles. The satisfying sensations brought about by each sip of the delightful elixirs filled the room with wonderful conversations whose utterances floated among the gathering like a pleasant aromatic bouquet. The love and congeniality that was poured into each glass by the owners, Britton and Amanda Detrick, and their staff enhanced the already outstanding flavors of the beverage. The anticipation of the drinks yet to be poured during their residency at the location, whether it be on the premises during wine tasting events or at home to compliment a fine dinner, filled the gathering with an intoxicating joy.

The afternoon proved to be an excellently paired celebration in which the bidding a fond farewell to The SOHO in the Burg Gallery was coupled with the new adventure for connoisseurs of wine and art to be embarked upon at The Renegade Winery. It is rumored the theme of the first art exhibition at the establishment will relate to grapes and wine. Those who heard the speculation were known to raise their glass to toast in its reality. This writer raised his as well and will keep you informed as more concrete information becomes available. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during the Last Picture Show in the So Long Soho Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155075575743761.1073741996.91146283760&type=3.

The Renegade Winery has their vineyards located in East Stroudsburg, PA and is considered the first urban concept winery in the Pocono Mountains, PA Region. The date of their Grand Opening in the J. J. Newberry Building which is located on the corner of 6^th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA is yet to be announced although it is hoped to be sometime in September. Tasting of the wines they offer can be currently made at The Milford, PA Farmers' Market which is held every Sunday beginning at 10am. You'll find more information The Renegade Winery and all they have to offer by exploring their Website at www.therenegadewinery.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/liveloverevoltwinery.

It goes without saying the meaningful and wonderful ways The SOHO in the BURG Gallery and Andrea Robbins Rimberg has touched the lives of all they encountered. Yet, it should be said. It's been said the gallery is the Jewel in the Crown of the Pocono Arts District and the sentiment is unanimously agreed upon among those who love the arts. It's sad to see it go but there are promises of new adventures to be embarked upon that may be more magnificent than those that had come before. Improving upon the past seems like an impossible endeavor but, through the well deserved faith many has placed in Ms. Rimberg and the good will exhibited by The Renegade Winery may be a dream come true. You can share your thoughts and words of appreciation to The SOHO in the BURG Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964 or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com.