The 2nd Forwardian Film Festival

The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA and The Forwardian Arts Society presented The 2^nd Forwardian Film Festival on May 2^nd and 3^rd. The first festival was held on Friday April 15^th, 2011 at a coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA called, “The Cheeky Monkey” that has since closed (Read about it at www.facebook.com/notes/paul-adam-smeltz/films-fit-for-a-forwardian/10150157262106232). Like the first festival, the second endeavor showcased the work of a number of filmmakers who each demonstrated a variety approaches to film making in regards to subject matter and cinematic style. Although the festival was originally intended to focus on the talents of filmmakers who live in Monroe County, PA and it's surrounding areas, the use of the Internet allowed individuals from various parts of the world to participate which gave the festival a vitality it may not have been able to offer otherwise.

The fist day of the festival focused on films not exceeding 15 minutes in length. The international flavor of the festival was demonstrated in the first film that was shown. It was a short stop motion animation piece titled, “The Journey” from a filmmaker who lives in Bangalore, India named Palden Khar www.youtube.com/user/paldenkhar. The film was about the inner journey found in meditation which allows one to take and to arrive at the destinations that normally can't be reached or imagined. After the film, Paul Adam Smeltz (yeah that's me), who is the facilitator of The Forwardian Arts Society, welcomed the gathering and introduced the next film.

“The Man in a Cardboard Box” was a live action film directed by Kyle Rebar www.imdb.com/name/nm5047442 and featured Ronnie Mehalco in the title role. The film dealt with the isolation and personal degradation caused by mass production, TV, and social networking. The film's conclusion led to a number of questions relating to the work along with a great deal of thoughtfully energetic discussion. As the discussion waned, Paul came forward to introduce a number of short films directed by Kevin Vorgrin www.kevinvogrin.com.

The first of these was an experimental, avant-garde film titled, “Happy Halloween” that utilized a great deal of layering and sound editing to create an immersive, hallucinatory world for the viewer to explore. The second film was titled, “Long Time Smoker Episode 1” and focused on the life of a man who spends most of his time collecting, examining, and dignifying stuff he finds on his uncleaned carpet. The third film was titled, “Self Mutilation” which was created between 2011-2012 and displays the absence of self while questioning the presence of film as entertainment. The final film created by Mr. Vorgrin that was shown was titled, “Ask Dr. Lou - Lou The Bingo Kingo” which is part of a short web series concept in conjunction with The Larry Wargo Show www.facebook.com/TheLarryWargoShow?ref=stream in which Lou gives advice and answers to viewer submitted problems and questions.

As each film concluded, Mr. Vorgrin responded to questions from the audience and exchanged thoughts with a number of them. It was at this point did a break ensue allowing the dozen of so film lovers to converse further with the filmmakers and each other about what they had experienced. After a time, Paul invited the gathering to return to their seat to enjoy more films that would be offered throughout the remainder of the evening. The first of these was a suspense thriller involving a hunt for a mysterious cult who have engaged in several ritualistic murders titled, “Black Sun” www.ccaputo1990.wix.com/blacksunmovie that was directed by Christian Caputo and was submitted by Gerard Ucelli who portrayed the bartender in the piece. Unfortunately, Mr. Ucelli was not present to respond to any questions but there were some favorable comments from the audience relating the quality of the film and its narrative.

The next films to be presented were a collection of short animated pieces directed by Teddy Hazard www.facebook.com/HazardStudios?pnref=about.overview collectively refereed to as Krust Toons which is a web comic/web series based on the day to day antics of the citizens of the music scene oriented town of Gutsville. Unfortunately, Mr. Hazard was unable to attend but the animation and their themes led to some discussion after the laughter subsided. The first day of The Forwardian Film Festival concluded with a film directed by Martelle Jones titled, “Tell Me About Your Father” featuring Elizabeth Streczyk. The film proved to be a soul touching recollection filled with thoughtful contemplation originating from both Ms. Streczyk and the members of the audience who connected with her words. Mr. Jones shared his inspirations that led to the film while answering questions and adding his insights to the discussion that ensued. The evening ended as Paul bid the company farewell and invited everyone to return for the second day of the festival.

The second day of the festival saw a much smaller crowd than the previous day. However, the enthusiasm of discovering the treasures that can be found in new original films was not diminished. The afternoon began with some welcoming word shared by Paul Adam Smeltz (Yep, that's still me) followed by the first feature length film that was shown for the day. The film consisted of an interview conducted by Anthony R. Cuttitta (who submitted the film) with members of the Wyckoff family for The Monroe Historical Association www.monroehistorical.org. The family owed a department store that was a prevalent fixture of the town of Stroudsburg, PA. After 106 years in business, the store closed in 1981 leaving a big economic gap in the local community. The interview served in providing an oral history of the store and all it did to make the community they were a part of a better one.

Mr. Cuttitta was not present to share his insights about the film. However, after the film concluded, Jody Singer (who represented the late Hank Aldrich who directed the film titled, “Robin”) stood before the audience to say he knew more about the history of The Wyckoff family and its business than he did about the film he submitted to the festival. Mr. Singer then proceeded to enhance the film with additional facts he learned about the family and all the community endeavors they pursued that made Stroudsburg, PA not only a nice place to visit, but a wonderful town to call home.

The second film of the day was one directed by the late Hank Aldrich who was an intricate part of the Artistic Community of the Pocono Region. The film was titled, “Robin” (1979) and it stared Monica Tidwell who appeared in a pictorial spread as the playmate of the month in the November 1973 issue of Playboy magazine in the titled role. The film centers around a woman named Robin who is a model running from her abusive husband while forming a relationship with a married district attorney who once sent her to jail for prostitution. The film was followed by a talk given by Jody Singer who is the caretaker of Mr. Aldrich's estate.

While Mr. Singer couldn't speak on the intricacies of the film, he did speak at length about Mr. Aldrich and his continuing effect on the Artistic community. It was at the conclusion of Mr. Singer's remarks did the festival come to a close. Those who were fortunate enough to experience the films presented that day shared their farewells with one another while expressing a desire to attend another Forwardian Film Festival in the future. You'll find photographs taken during The Forwardian Film Festival held at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on May 2^nd and 3^rd at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153830669813761.1073741847.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find photographs taken in various locations throughout the area in The Pocono Art District 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=1 and those in a wider variety of venues in The Performing Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1.

If I may say so myself (and I do say so myself), The Forwardian Film Festival was a great festival. And, I would like to take this time to thank The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA for housing the event and the venue's staff member, Stephen Washington, for supplying the computer that was used to show the films. I also would like to thank Jody Singer and The Origins Gallery www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg for providing the festival with a screen and some additional chairs. And, I would like to thank the filmmakers who shared their wonderful cinematic talents that made what we saw something worth seeing and especially to Kyle Rebar and Kevin Vorgrin who brought the projector used to show the films all the way from Scranton, PA and shared their insights gained from their experience in holding film festivals in their home town with me. Last but not least, I would like to thank those who attended the festival as well as those who helped to promote it for supporting this wonderful endeavor. I am humbled by your love for the arts and your desire to help make our next film festival even better. Thank you all.

The SOHO in the BURG Gallery is located on the corner of 6^th and Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA which was the location of the J. J. Newberry’s store. The gallery opened its doors to the public in April of 2012 and is owned by Andrea Robbins Rimberg who has become well known for her exuberant energies and creativity as many of her pieces are on display in prestigious galleries throughout the United States. In addition to special events like The Forwardian Film Festival, the gallery presents exhibition that feature the work of local artists. The current exhibition features the work of Joe Mooney and Emilio Arostegui along with the accomplishments of local artists in a group exhibit titled, “Springing in The Rain.” The exhibit will on display until May 30^th. The next exhibit is titled, “Eye Candy” which will begin with an Artists' Reception on Saturday June 6^th beginning at 4pm and will continue to be on display until July 30^th. Please explore The SOHO in the BURG Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/sohointheburg or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com to learn of their future exhibits and all the gallery has to offer the creative community.

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 how to be a member by exploring their “We Heart The Forwardian Arts” Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Wehearttheforwardianarts.

In addition to The Forwardian Film Festival, the fellowship publishes a literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian” www.facebook.com/pages/Forwardian/146331875478830 whose 10^th issue is scheduled to be available on line in June 2015. The Forwardian Arts Society recently held their Cover to Cover III exhibit www.facebook.com/notes/the-forwardian-arts-society/covering-our-forwardian-at-origins/10153826301073761 at the Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA to determine which image would appear on the upcoming issue's front and back covers. The Forwardian Arts Society also posts articles and photographs of recently held art related events on their Facebook Page. Please feel free to explore The Forwardian Arts Society Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forwardian-Arts-Society/91146283760 or their Website at www.forwardianarts.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul

Exploring the Untraveled Imagination

The Gallery at The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday May 2^nd for their exhibition titled, “Untraveled.” The exhibit features the work of Susan and Stephen Washington who not only share a life together as husband and wife but also a remarkable eye for the essence of reality they're able to define through their exquisite mastery of the medium each finds a kinship to. Although each artist's approach and accomplishments can serve to redefine the artistic experience of those fortunate enough to view their work, together they present a wholeness of wonderments that incite the imagination to touch its ever expanding boundaries and go beyond them.

Ms. Washington's work utilizes its abstract qualities to entice the viewer to embark upon a journey through their linear and spacial realities in order to find a pathway that is unmarked, unexplored, and uniquely theirs. Each step taken upon this undiscovered route leads one deeper and deeper into their own essence as they create the landmarks they are meant to discover and this eventually brings a wholeness within themselves that is derived from the scattered pieces of their perceived existence. There is a beauty in the work of Ms. Washington that is embodied in its colors and enameled surfaces. But one feels this presentation of beauty is really a device utilized by the piece to lure the viewer into it's domain so he/she can begin their life changing journey. And, that's a good thing.

Mr. Washington also utilizes the abstract approach to flesh out the obscurities of reality to great effect. However, unlike his wife who utilizes space to intrigue one to traverse the pathways through their imagination, Mr. Washington presents his work as a series of layers whose discoveries rely upon the viewer's desire to search his/her imagination to reveal what is underneath. This not only encourages the viewer to go beyond the surface of the piece they're experiencing but also of the daily camouflages one encounters throughout one's life. Some of these camouflages are created externally while others come from one's own self deception. But, regardless of their point of origin, pealing away the layers that hide the deeper realities that bring our lives its meaning, will allow our roads to become traveled ones.

A great number of art lovers were present during the reception as was a nice variety of foods. The flavor of the food and conversations were enhanced by the congenial and welcoming atmosphere created by the two artists. I recommend exploring the work while it continues to be on display at the venue while journeying toward the cinematic adventures the establishment offers as you may find a side road that leads to a place within that remains untraveled to. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Artists' Reception in The Untraveled exhibition at PCT 05-02-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153830271973761.1073741846.91146283760&type=1 along with other events taking place at the venue in The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center 2015 Archives at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153010517235421.1073741962.636000420&type=3 as well as art related events occurring at various locations in the Creative Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1.

The Gallery at The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA will continue to display their “Untraveled” exhibition featuring the work of Susan and Stephen Washington until June 28^th. The artists featured in their next exhibition are yet to be announced. In addition to hosting art exhibits, The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past. They also host special events such as their Book Club which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A Personal Hike Through Photography at Kettle Creek

The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception on Saturday May 2^nd for their exhibition titled, “A Hike Through the Poconos and Beyond (aka Up Close and Personal).” The exhibit features the photographic works of Marlana DeAngelo Holsten and James Chesnick who have become well known for their exemplary skills in the art. The stunning images of wildlife and landscape the uber-talented photographers captured revealed the essential qualities of their subjects and allowed the viewer who moved from one image to another in the Center's Gallery to explore the connectivity of all life in the natural world which included their own.

The thoughtful and searching gaze found in the eyes of the animals depicted in Ms. Holsten's work and the expansive scope of Mr. Chesnick's hills and valleys touched the soul and inspired conversations among the visitors to the exhibit that originated in the heart. It could be said that the complimentary words shared during these conversations were only a natural response to what each individual gained from the viewing of the work which is a wonderful thing in and of itself. But, I feel it was more than that. The uncanny ability of the photographers to bring out the beauty of their subjects also extended to an ability to summon the beauty found within the viewer as well and this affected the tone and nature of the conversations that were shared throughout the late morning and early afternoon hours.

After viewing the work, I wandered outside to enjoy the marvelous warm day and partake of the sights offered in The Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary which is adjacent to the center. The beauty of wild flowers adorned the landscape of the 166 acre preserve which I only experienced a small portion of. I have learned that the sanctuary has over 2½ miles of maintained and well marked trails that are managed by The Monroe County Conservation District. I look forward to returning to the center so I could fully explore the grounds and gather the gifts it has for those who walk them. I hope you'll come with me. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during throughout the day in The Kettle Creek Artists' Reception 05-02-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153826591783761.1073741845.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find photographs taken during this and other art related events in our Creative Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1 as well as images taken in other venues in Our Pocono Art District 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3.

The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg, PA provides year-round environmental education programs for people of all ages. The Center was created in 1976 and is dedicated to fostering community awareness through first-hand experience of the natural environment of the Poconos Region of PA. The Center has offered a wide range of programs throughout its existence and always strives to improve and expand its offerings. You'll be able to learn more about The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center and all it has to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kettle-Creek-Environmental-Education-Center/136678029730752?fref=ts&ref=br_tf or The Monroe County Conservation District website at www.mcconservation.org.

The “A Hike Through the Poconos and Beyond (aka Up Close and Personal)” featuring the photographic works of Marlana DeAngelo Holsten and James Chesnick will be on display at The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg, PA until May 30^th. The work is pleasing to the eye and inspires a deeper appreciation of the natural world. I recommend it being visited. The next exhibition scheduled to be shown at The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center is titled, “Economical Creations” featuring the works of Deborah Lacey. The exhibit will hold an Artist's Reception beginning at 11am on Saturday June 6^th and will continue to be on display in the Center's Gallery until June 30^th.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Covering Our Forwardian at Origins

The Origins Gallery held an Artists' Reception on Friday May 1^st for an exhibition they hosted for The Forwardian Arts Society titled, “Cover to Cover III.” The exhibit featured a variety or work created by local artists who participated in a competition to determine what image will be presented on the front and back covers of the 10^th issue of The Forwardian Arts Society's literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian” through votes taken by those who attended the reception. The evening also offered the music of a trio known as Formula Eden www.formulaeden.com, the words of Rob McMahon who read from his recently published book, and an art raffle. In addition to all this, the photographic work of David Plank was on display in a space adjacent to the main gallery for all who were fortunate enough to venture into it and experience his incredible non digital images.

The evening began meditatively as Formula Eden, who consists of James Howard Lininger, Nicholas Desouza, and Christopher Repasy, played a selection of composed and improvised renderings throughout the evening. The mood created by the deft manipulations of the instruments encompassed the art lovers who attended the event and affected their relaxed conversations. This atmosphere was tempered by the appearance of the gallery's Directors, Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones, who enthusiastically took the stage to share their welcoming remarks, 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 music resume inspiring an even more transcendent exploration of the work presented throughout the gallery.

While those who attended explored the gallery and the work that was offered, each individual was able to vote on which images would appear on the covers of the 10^th issue of The Forwardian Arts Society's literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian.” This was done by going from one piece to another, writing the favored piece's corresponding number that was placed on the wall to identify it on a piece of an Index card, and placing the card in a plastic cup to be tallied later. The image receiving the highest number of votes would become the issue's front cover while the image receiving the second highest number would be presented on the magazine's back cover. The joy of participation filled the room as votes were eagerly made with a thoughtful care before being inserted in the designated cup.

As the evening continued in its relaxed excitement, Formula Eden completed a portion of their set as Author, Rob McMahon, was introduced to the gathering to began reading selections from his book titled, “Wandering Thoughts.” www.rob-wanderingthoughts.blogspot.com Each word that was spoken held every listener with its gentle embrace allowing its love to penetrate their spirits and perceptions of life. Mr. McMahon included the audience further into his work by asking if there were any topics in their lives they would like him to explore. Once a person shared his/her choice, Mr. McMahon would turn to the section that it closely corresponded to and began to read. The healing effect of the passage was evident through the countenance of the individual who made the request and this inspired others to make similar beseechments. It was when Mr. McMahon concluded his readings did Formula Eden retake the stage to share more of their melodies with the gathering.

After a time, the much awaited and anticipated Art Raffle began which gave those who purchased tickets an opportunity to acquire a piece of artwork that was donated to the gallery. I, personally, did not pay much attention to the proceedings as I was busy counting the votes that were cast throughout the evening. However, I felt the electricity of event and this energized me as I recorded each ballot to determine a winner. It was soon afterwards that all the votes were counted. But, the announcement of the winner was delayed as there was a tie. I immediately went to the pieces to see if I could determine which piece would win based on my preference but found the quality of works equally outstanding so I couldn't decide. It just happened that some individuals entered the gallery so I asked them to look at the two pieces in question and choose which one would be on the front and back cover of the magazine. They did and the tie was broken.

It was shortly after this did I take the stage to announce that Nancy Tully, whose work titled, “Garden of Paradise,” was chosen to appear on the back cover of our literary and arts magazine, "Forwardian" and Maria Filosa, whose work titled, “Bouquet for Mama,” was chosen to appear on the magazine's Front cover. Ms. Filosa had left the reception earlier which meant Ms. Tully was present to receive a great deal of congratulatory praise by the company. It was some time after this did the evening conclude and those who were enlivened by all they encountered bade their established and newly made friends fare well. It was an awarding and wonderful evening spent in conversation, music, words, and the arts. You can view photographs taken during the Artists' Reception at The Cover to Cover at Origins 05-01-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153816842268761.1073741844.91146283760&type=1. You can also view images of the art work and other exhibitions taking place throughout the area in Our Creative Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1 as well as photos taken of the event's musicians and other performances given in various locations at our Performing Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789279141163124.1073741841.207838092640568&type=1. In addition to this, you'll be able to view photographs taken at other venues throughout the area in Our Pocono Arts District 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3.

The Forwardian Arts Society's Cover to Cover III exhibition will continue to be on display at The Origins Gallery until May 10^th. And, while I may be accused of being biased of which I would enter a plea of guilty to, I recommend coming to the gallery to view the incredible work that is being offered there. I hope to stop by to experience the work again and it would be great to see you there as well. In the meantime, I would like to thank Jody Singer and Ashley C. Fontones of The Origins Gallery on behalf of The Forwardian Arts Society for hosting the exhibit, Formula Eden and Rob McMahon for adding their enchanting talents to the evening, and to the artists and photographers who made the exhibit an incredible one through their work. Thank you all.

The next exhibition to be presented at The Origins Gallery is titled, “Photography and other works from the past” featuring the work of Jody Singer, Ashley C. Fontones, and Kevin Cormier. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday May 16^th beginning at 6pm and will remain on display until May 31^st. The gallery's following exhibit is titled, “Napkin Shmapkin - Whatever Happened to Saturday Morning Cartoons?” featuring “framed and hang-ready napkin art to show the world what you doodle while you’re waiting for your food to come, as you sit with family and/or friends at your local dining establishments.” All artists wishing to be part of the exhibit are invited to drop of their renderings on Thursday June 4^th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday June 5^th from 2pm until 6pm. The Artists' Reception is scheduled to take place on Saturday June 6^th beginning at 6pm. This will be followed by another exhibition titled, “Papers, Prints and Frames” whose schedule is yet to be announced.

The next event scheduled to be presented by The Forwardian Arts Society was their Forwardian Film Festival which was held May 2^nd and 3^rd at The SOHO in the Burg Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA. The festival featured the live action and animated works of Anthony R. Cuttitta, Teddy Hazard, Gerard Ucelli, Kevin Vorgrin, Palden Khar, Kyle Rebar, the late Hank Aldrich (as Represented by Jody Singer), and Martelle Jones. Many other events to take place throughout 2015 are being contemplated by The Forwardian Arts Society and news of these endeavors will be shared once they are ready.

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.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts. We define ourselves as a fellowship as compared to an organization because an organization suggests some form of hierarchy exists where some members would have the right (or assume to have the right) to tell other member what to do. On the other hand, a fellowship suggests every member is equal to one another and each member’s conduct in The Forwardian Arts Society is only governed by their love for the arts. Membership is free as we believe there should be no barriers between our members and their love for the arts and the only requirements to join is one must have a love for the arts and a desire to become a member.

In addition to the Cover to Cover exhibit and The Forwardian Film Festival that was mentioned earlier, The Forwardian Arts Society publishes a literary and arts magazine titled, “Forwardian” www.facebook.com/pages/Forwardian/146331875478830. The next issue is scheduled to be available on line in June 2015. Since this issue would celebrate our 5^th year as a publication, we hope to establish a printed version of the magazine for this and future editions. Please feel free to explore The Forwardian Arts Society Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forwardian-Arts-Society/91146283760 or their Website at www.forwardianarts.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.