Statues at ESU

On a brilliantly sunlit day, East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of Pennsylvania held an Artists' Reception on Wednesday October 7^th in their Madelon Powers Gallery for their exhibition of sculpted pieces created by Ronald Gonzalez and Andrew Molinaro. A large gathering filled the space as overpowering beams of light streamed into the room causing a number of conversations inspired by the incredible work to be shared with eyes shielded or half closed. Yet, through the peerings, a brightness shown from the work which illuminated the wonder the exhibit attendees were engulfed in.

The pieces shown demonstrated the varied approaches a sculptor is able to employ while creating his/her three dimensional images. Mr. Gonzalez's works were communally titled, “Smalls” and consisted of miniatured forms which allowed the viewer, who looked closely enough, to discover a humorous correlation between each piece and the individual title it was given. Mr. Molinaro's work, on the other hand, were huge pieces that took on the enormity of their subject matters which included in depth explorations of spiritual and psychological topics. While the work of each artist may seem too far removed from one the other to bring a coherent meaning to the gallery goer, their complimentary aesthetic abilities allows the viewer to experience the all encompassing essence of humanity.

While jointly contemplating the smile inducing miniatures of Mr. Gonzalez and the thought provoking ironworks of Mr. Molinaro, one begins to discover their connectivity in that their diametrical countenance can be found within a single mind. Therefore, when we chuckle at the smalls or become in awe of the larger pieces, we are merely holding up an esoteric mirror to ourselves enabling us to see our inner perceptions much more clearly. And this, is what art does best. You'll find more photographs take during the Artists' Reception in the Statues at ESU Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154271022653761.1073741906.91146283760&type=3.

According to his biography, the work Ronald Gonzalez presented at the Madelon Powers Gallery reflects an “obsession with creating anthropomorphized objects.” He has been doing so from a very young age in which he would pick up small pieces of wood from the streets and make toys from his salvaging. As an adult, Mr. Gonzalez combines his “obsession” with the tradition of assemblage art to create figures with steel armatures and time worn objects. Mr. Gonzalez has had numerous solo exhibits at major galleries throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. He is a Professor of Sculpture at the State University of New York-Binghamton and is a recent recipient of the university’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. You can learn more about Ronald Gonzalez by exploring his Website at www.exh-a.com/ronald-gonzalez.html.

Andrew Molinaro is an artist-blacksmith who began as an apprentice at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and later became its head blacksmith. He also apprenticed with the firm Stokes of England which is located in Charlottesville, VA. In the year 2000, Mr. Molinaro opened his own studio in Stroudsburg, PA known as “Artisans of the Anvil.” The establishment specializes in the fine craft ironwork for residential and commercial architectural in both traditional and contemporary styles. Although this economic aspect of technique is used to maintain the shops financial stability, Mr. Molinaro has recently been creating more individual and expressive pieces which are on display throughout the ESU Gallery. You can learn more about Andrew Molinaro and Artisans of the Anvil by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/artisansoftheanvil or his Website at www.artisansoftheanvil.com.

East Stroudsburg University’s Madelon Powers Gallery is located within the campus' Fine and Performing Arts Center which also houses theatrical and music facilities for performance and study. The Ronald Gonzalez and Andrew Molinaro exhibition will continue to be on display at gallery until November 6^th. The work brings together the elements of humanity through not only it's multidimensional format but through the seemingly different approaches to life each artist employs. It is recommended that one visits the venue to explore the work that is able to reflect oneself. The next exhibition scheduled to take place will be a Juried Holiday Craft and Art Market presented by the ESU Student Art Association www.facebook.com/groups/2208607072. An Artists' Reception is scheduled to be held on Wednesday November 18^th beginning at 4pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display in The Madelon Powers Gallery until November 23^rd. Please explore The Madelon Powers Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EsuArtGallery for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A Life Touched by Tourette's

The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA hosted the premier of the documentary film titled, “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's” in a Private Screening on Sunday October 4^th. The film is directed by Peter Giunta and narrated by Daniel Ferron of whom the film is about. A great number of friends, relatives, and participants of the film along with members of organizations related to the syndrome filled the theater to capacity. Anticipation filled the gathering as Mr. Giunta and Mr. Ferron stepped onto the stage to share their welcoming and appreciative words before the showing the cinematic work.

The film, “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's,” is a very well made documentary that not only reveals information about the syndrome but shares how life can be lived to its fullest by those who is inflicted with it. Numerous individuals ranging from Doctors to Actors in the film overcame their affliction and fulfilled their vocations with a high degree of proficiency. This point was made clearly through the narrative provided by Mr. Ferron whose stories of his life as a model, actor, and artist proved to be very illuminating and served to dispell many of the misconceptions the syndrome has accumulated throughout the years.

The film's conclusion was met with a well deserved standing ovation which inspired Mr. Giunta and Mr. Ferron to retake the stage to reiterate their appreciation to the audience for attending and for their very warm reception of the film. This was followed by a drawing for the door prizes that were offered to those who bought a ticket to participate. Screams of delight filled the theater as the final digit of the winning ticket were uttered and the ticket holder rushed to the stage to collect his/her coveted item. Soon, the final prize was given out and a fond adieu was shared by Mr. Giunta and Mr. Ferron to the crowd who proceeded to leave the theater in order to chat with the men and one another. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the screening of “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's” in the A Life Touched by Tourette's Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154259793308761.1073741905.91146283760&type=3.

The Film “My Life, My Story, My Tourettes” is directed by Peter Giunta and produced by Primodio Studios. Daniel Ferron serves as the documentary's narrator, interviewer, and focal point. The film consists of a series of interviews along with personal anecdotes designed to enlighten it's audience to the source of Tourettes Syndrome, the myths surrounding it, advocacy groups designed to dispel the myths and to gain funding for medical research relating to the condition, and coping mechanisms people afflicted with the syndrome has used in order to live a productive life. As mentioned earlier, the film is a well made one which intertwines factual information with personal point of view very well.

The only criticism I have for the film is that there are some points it makes that are unnecessarily repeated. Perhaps another look by the filmmakers would reveal this repetition and the film could be fine tuned accordingly. However, this is a minor criticism as the film is a good one to see and I recommend doing so as it is presented throughout the festival circuit. You'll be able to view a trailer of the film at www.vimeo.com/123151240. In the meantime, you can learn more about Tourettes Syndrome by exploring the PA Tourettes Syndrome Alliance, Inc. Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PA-Tourette-Syndrome-Alliance-153637774670161 or their Website at www.patsainc.org.

In addition to hosting the screening of “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's.” The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past such as the film “Night of the Living Dead” on Sunday October 11^th along with “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Halloween II” on Monday October 19^th. The Pocono Community Theater also hosts special events such as their Book Club Series which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater as well as special events like their Comedy Cabaret - Open Mic Night on Sunday October 11^th, a screening of the film “Adelante” followed by a Question and Answer session with director on Thursday October 15^th as part of the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival www.facebook.com/ESULatinoFilmFest?fref=ts&ref=br_tf. a concert with the Bovine Social Club on Saturday October 17^th, a screening of the film “Fed Up” on Sunday October 18^th, and an exploration of the book titled, “Your Face in Mine” in conjunction with The East Stroudsburg University One Book, One Campus program. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater or their Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Viva La PCT

The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center (PCT) in East Stroudsburg, PA hosts the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival which began on Thursday September 24^th and will continue until Thursday October 15^th. The festival is presented by the East Stroudsburg University of PA's Department of Modern Languages under the auspices of Assistant Professor Annie Mendoza, Ph. D. The variety of films reflecting the Hispanic culture are shown during the course of the festival in two venues which are The Pocono Community Theater and Room 113 located within the campus' Stroud Hall Building.

I was and am unable to view all of the films being presented in the festival, but, if the entirety of the cinematic works are favorably comparable to the film I've experienced, it would be safe to surmise that the screenings are both satisfying and enlightening to those who love the meaningfulness of quality films. The film I did see on Sunday October 4^th was titled, “Gypsy Barcelona” which is a documentary on Flamingo Dancing directed by Eva Vila. The cinematic techniques employed in the film were of a very high quality that made the life evolving narrative of the work much more engaging to the audience. Even though the subtitles translating the Spanish Language into English was inoperable in this screening of the film, one could still relate to the actions and emotions being felt throughout as the images communicated with a universal lexicon that was understood by all who viewed it. This was especially true as the camera showed the reactions of a young girl who aspires to be a flamingo dancer while she was watching professionals perform.

After the film, Ms. Mendoza expressed her appreciation to those who attended the screening and introduced Christina Luna Zabih to the gathering. She shared her experiences of living in Barcelona, Spain and her comprehensive understanding of the art of Flamingo Dancing including its varied international origins. Her talk was followed by some thoughtfully asked questions whose answers enhanced the perceptions of all who heard them. It was after this session did the afternoon end with many eager to partake of future films presented during the festival. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday October 4^th afternoon screening of the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival in the Viva La PCT Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154259679928761.1073741904.91146283760&type=3.

The 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival takes place from September 24^th to October 15^th and is presented by the East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA's Department of Modern Languages. The department's primary focus is to teach the students of ESU to communicate effectively in their target language while allowing them to gain inter-cultural competencies that serve their professional and personal goals. The Festival is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the ESU Center for Research and Economic Development, Inc. The film festival continued with a screening of the film “Mr. Kaplan” in the late afternoon of Sunday October 4^th at the PCT and which will be shown once again on Thursday October 8^th at 2pm in Room 113 at ESU, another screening of “Gypsy Barcelona” on Tuesday October 6^th at 2pm followed by a Question and Answer session with the director via Skype, and the film “Adelante” at The Pocono Community Theater on Thursday October 15^th at 5pm followed by a Question and Answer session with director. You can learn more about The 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival from their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ESULatinoFilmFest?fref=ts&ref=br_tf or from their Website at www.esu.edu/academics/departments/modern_languages/film_festival.cfm.

Christina Luna Zabih was born in Barcelona, Spain to a Catalan father and an Iranian mother which provided her with an inter-cultural perception of life. After graduating in the field of public relations in her home country, she studied Communication Studies at the University of East Stroudsburg of PA. She then began broadcasting on the University's Radio Station, WESS 90.3 FM Www.tunein.com/radio/WESS-903-s28605, on a program known as “Your voice with (Tu Voz con) Christina” which was designed to give a voice to the Hispanic community through the presentation of entertainment, music, and interviews. The program can now be heard on WABT aka Pocono 96.7 www.Pocono967.com every Sunday beginning at 8am. She is also a columnist in the daily publication of the local Newspaper, “Pocono Record” in which she expresses the experience of being an immigrant in the United States. You can learn more about Christina Luna Zabih and her contributions to the community by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/tuvozconchristina?fref=ts or her Website at www.tuvozconchristina.com.

In addition to hosting the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival, The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past such as the films “Night of the Living Dead” on Sunday October 11^th along with screenings of “Halloween” and “Halloween II” on Monday October 19^th. The Pocono Community Theater also host special events such as their Book Club Series which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater as well as special event like their Comedy Cabaret - Open Mic Night on Sunday October 11^th, a concert with the Bovine Social Club on Saturday October 17^th, a screening of the film “Fed Up” on Sunday October 18^th, and an exploration of the book titled, “Your Face in Mine” in conjunction with The East Stroudsburg University One Book, One Campus program. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater or their Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Educating ARTSPACE

The PoconoArts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception for their Art Educators' Exhibition on Saturday October 3^rd in the Center's ARTSPACE Gallery. Although the Artists' Reception was sparsely attended, the incredible display offered a variety of work created by artists who shared their talents and love for arts with students who aspired to fulfill their Aesthetic yearnings. The artists consisted of educators who presently teach along with those who have taught in the past. In either case, the work presented reflected a mastery among the artists which made it clear to each viewer how fortunate their students were to learn from them.

The exhibition is a juried one and Kristin Baxter, Ed. D served as its Judge with awards given out to those whom work were considered to be even more exceptional than those created by their peers. The recipients of the awards were George K. Shortness who received the Third Place Award for his piece titled, “Grasses Seen,” Patti Tinsman-Schaffer who received the Second Place Award for her piece titled, “Ellumine,” and Aaron Yetter who received the First Place Award for his piece titled, “Desolate Memories, Shattered Dreams #4.” Although Ms. Baxter could not attend the reception, her reflections of the winning pieces where shared through written assessments which were given to the artists as their prizes were given to them.

Kristin Baxter, Ed. D is an Associate Professor of Art and Coordinator of the Art Education Program at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. Ms. Baxter also serves on the PA Art Education Association Board of Directors as its Advocacy Chair. She has shown her work at various galleries throughout the United States and has been published in several peered reviewed journals. You can learn more about Kristin Baxter, Ed. D and view her work at www.inliquid.org/complete-artist-list/baxter-kristin.

In addition to the Photography exhibit presented in The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center’s Artspace Gallery, a collection of Assemblages along with some paintings that were created by the late Morris Berman were presented in the Center's Studio Gallery and various places among the main gallery. Mr. Berman's work was donated to PoconoArts by his daughter, Ilona Marmer, and remains on permanent display. It can be explored during the center’s business hours. You'll find more images taken during the Artists' Reception in the Educating ARTSPACE Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154250674328761.1073741903.91146283760&type=3.

The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center is part of The PoconoArts Council which is an organization designed to build the communities in which it serves artistically and culturally by providing leadership, service, and education. It does so by offering avenues for artists to display their work through the center and other galleries, educational opportunities for those who would like to explore and/or enhance their creative natures, and encouragement to those who seek to express and/or support the arts. The Art Educators' Exhibition continues to be on display until October 24^th.

Their next exhibition will be their Portraits Exhibition to be held in their ARTSPACE Gallery. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Friday October 30^th beginning at 5pm with the work continuing to be on display until November 21^st. The exhibit is an open one and welcomes all artists to participate. The Drop Off Date is Monday October 26^th. You’ll be able to learn more about The PoconoArts Community Cultural Center and all it has to offer the creative community by exploring The PoconoArts Council Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/poconoartscouncil or their Website at www.poconoarts.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Yards of Jazz to Jam

On a cool Autumnal night, the Newberry's Yard of Ale in Stroudsburg, PA held an installment of their weekly Jazz Jam on Wednesday September 30^th. The sounds emanating from the house Quartet and those who would joined them throughout the evening breathed a syncopated melody into those who attended the event enhancing the flavor of the food and beverages they consumed during the course of the evening. The Quartet consisted of Adam Niewood on Saxophones www.facebook.com/pages/Adam-Niewood/62039199022, Bill Washer on Guitar, Joe Michaels on Bass www.facebook.com/joe.michaels.54584, and Bill Goodwin on Drums www.facebook.com/bill.goodwin.395.

The evening began for me when I ordered a dinner that would prove to be beyond delicious. It was while I was enjoying the delightful dish did the first notes from the Quartet touch the room. Their beats and measures inspired an attentiveness among the patrons which moved them to explore the music with their communal consciousness. One composition led to the next until a break ensued which was preluded by an invitation to all musicians who were present to share their talents when they returned to the stage.

The first of these to do so was guitarist Jesse Moralas who performed a solo set while the break was going on. His songs delighted all who heard him especially among those who were his friends. It was after his set did the full Quartet take their place upon the stage and played a number of tunes accompanied by percussionist Ed Hudak. The musicians were later joined by a drummer known as “Storm” who replaced Bill Goodwin on the instrument. His interpretations of the rhythms associated with the pieces the band played brought about a transcendence far beyond the composition's intent. Another break ensued after these shared sets and it was at this time did I decide to go home as I was quite tired from the busy day I had. You'll find more photographs taken during the September 30^th Jazz Jam in The Yards of Jazz to Jam Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154244458773761.1073741902.91146283760&type=3.

The Newberry's Yard of Ale in Stroudsburg, PA holds their weekly Jazz Jam every Wednesday evening beginning with their house band at 8pm and continues with musicians being invited to join the band at 9pm. All musicians (Instrumentalists and Vocalists) are welcomed to join in the party. In addition to their Wednesday Jazz Jams, the establishment offers live music from other musicians and genres every Friday and Saturday night. They also feature a number of beers originating from many parts of the world along with other beverages to enjoy alone or while partaking of a meal from their yummy menu. The Newberry's Yard of Ale also houses a game room in their cellar where their patrons can come and play. A Craft Beer Club is available to anyone desiring to be kept updated on all things related to the establishment. You'll find more information about The Newberry's Yard of Ale and all they have to offer (including how to join their Craft Beer Club) at their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/newberrysYOA or their Website at www.newberrysyardofale.com

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Interview with a Forwardian

On Wednesday September 30^th, members of the Sistah Chat Radio Show (which airs on 90.3 WESS FM of the East Stroudsburg University of PA) conducted an interview with a finalist of The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) in the Community Written Expression Category, Paul Adam Smeltz (aka Paparazzi Paul, Forwardian Dude, that's me, etc.). Members of the Sistah Chat Radio Show include Alicia LaRaine Middleton (aka Madame Raine), Deborah Cofer (aka Mama C), Sara Smith - Katz (aka Lady Sara), and Deaconess Daisy Perez (aka Mz. Daisy). While each of these individuals are more than capable of filling a room with an intense positive energy through their overwhelming presence, their collective approach to life enables their listeners to transcend the mediocrity of the world around them as a new perspective emerges from their soulful soliloquized sharings and the verbal exchanges they employ throughout the show.

As their guest for the week, I spent much of my time being silently in awe of my hostesses' as their words filled me and their audience with joy and inspiration. I was dazzled not only by their physical beauty but their spiritual attributes as well. So, when I was asked the first of several questions which was, “What turns you on?” I stumbled for an answer that would not seem too flirtatious. However, the question was rephrased to “What are you passionate about?” This made an answer relevant to the show's topic easier to come by.

The remainder of the hour added more queries about my approach to writing, photography, the arts, and life itself. The hour also included some questions directed toward the co-host of the show, Mz. Daisy, who is also a finalist for The Monroe County Image but as Woman of the Year. Her answers transcended the outstanding qualities of the questions. In addition to all this, the theme song of The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) as performed by Substance www.facebook.com/hforr was played. It was a wonderful experience being able to explore these and other topics during the hour I spent with these marvelous women. It was a lot of fun and I hope one day I'll be able to join the Sistahs again for another chat.

The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) was initiated to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of leaders who serve Monroe County, PA in an exemplary manner and for the selfless and tireless work they do to enhance the area and the lives of those who live in it. The 1^st Annual Monroe County, PA Image Awards Ceremony takes place Sunday November 15^th beginning at 2pm at The Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, PA www.facebook.com/pages/Kalahari-Resorts/412649115580357. You can learn more about The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Monroe-County-Image-Awards-1664987550379966 or their Website at www.raineyrooproductions.com/imageawards.

The Sistah Chat Radio Show is presented every Wednesday on 90.3 WESS FM www.facebook.com/WESSradio which is a student run radio station that broadcasts out of The East Stroudsburg University of PA. The show has its origins in Deborah M. Cofer’s self-help book titled, “Sistah Power” which serves women and men who want to grow in positive ways in all areas of their lives. The program discusses a variety of topics focusing on those designed to educate, encourage, promote, and support women’s ability to live their lives with greater passion, purpose, power, and wisdom. Their next program will be broadcast on Wednesday October 7^th beginning at 6pm featuring Sharon Laverdure and Miriam Bouchekouk who are finalists of The Monroe County Image Awards. In addition to the broadcasts aired on 90.3 FM WESS, The Sistah Chat Radio Show can be accessed from the Internet from the station’s on line streaming services at www.tunein.com/radio/WESS-903-s28605. You can learn more about the show, how to listen to it, and all it has to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SistahChat90.3.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.