Tasty Art SOHO Good

With mouth watering aromas emanating from the delectable cuisine prepared by Chef G (aka Guarino Cortese) chefIIgo@yahoo.com as it's backdrop, The SOHO in the BURG Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday August 8^th for their Art A La Carte exhibition. The exhibition was held in conjunction with The Local Flair Magazine whose next issue will be focused on the culinary delights that are abundant throughout the local area. A contest was held to determine which images depicting a wide variety of foods would be featured in the magazine's Harvest issue was held with the winners being displayed in the gallery's front window facing the street where all who pause to peek at the wonders inside the establishment will be able to explore the wonders found in the artists' talents. These artists are Andrea Rimberg, Kara Detrick, James Chesnick, and Jill Swersie.

Their work and the works of others who shared their talents with the gallery captured not only the imagination of those who viewed them but their taste buds as well. The enjoyment of partaking of a fine meal of colors and shapes was prevalent throughout the well attended event as the gathering feasted upon the appetizing images with their contemplations and conversations. A variety of approaches to the theme revealed the ever expanding scope of the topic and how it feeds the artistic desire to discover new ways to prepare what sustains us. In other words, the work is delicious.

In addition to the pieces on display for the Art A La Carte exhibition, a number of cells from cartoons that were also shown. These images included those of Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, Felix the Cat, and others. A delight was seen in each viewer's eye as childhood memories filled their hearts with the joy of seeing their friends and their antics for the once again. The collection of Disney and Warner Brothers animation was donated to the gallery by Frank Fiore and Rob McMahon. You'll find photographs taken during the Artists' Reception in the Tasty Art SOHO Good Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154103444228761.1073741884.91146283760&type=3.

Local Flair is a full-color bi-monthly publication which celebrates the art of living in Northeast Pennsylvania and beyond while serving as a guide where their readers can learn of the abundance of the arts, fashion, food, and natural living prevalent throughout the area. The magazine seeks to showcase excellence in community businesses, services, and efforts by appealing to the tastes, sensibilities, and curiosities of its readers and advertisers alike. You can learn more about Local Flair and all it has to offer the community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/LocalFlair of their Website at www.flairmag.com.

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. The Art A La Carte exhibition will on display until September 30^th. The next exhibit will begin in October with details regarding it to be announced in the future. In addition to the art exhibitions held at The SOHO in the BURG Gallery, the gallery offers a wide variety of classes designed to enhance an appreciation for the arts. You can learn more about The SOHO in the BURG Gallery, their future exhibits, and all the gallery has to offer the creative community by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Soho-In-The-Burg-Gallery/871129779587964 or their Website at www.sohointheburg.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Rubino at The Rail Road

A short burst of rain touched the area on Monday August 3^rd just prior to the beginning of The Eastburg Community Alliance weekly Music on Mondays event which caused many to wonder if the concert would be held on its out doors stage. Yet, the nearly cloudless skies outside The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA shared a reassurance that the musical talents many have come to experience would be welcomed by the meteorological forces for the remainder of the evening. I arrived early enough to chat with the small number of vendors who populated the grounds adjacent to the depot which included The Spruce Ridge Farm who were new to the venue and The Baarda Farms www.facebook.com/pages/Baarda-Farms-and-Denises-Design/176947865664075?fref=ts who shared samples of their delectable fruits with those who were fortunate enough to visit their stand.

As the stage was being prepared, an air of anticipation enveloped the modestly sized gathering. The excitement was quelled as 14 year old Katie Rubino stepped upon the stage with her guitar which she named, “Tucker.” No sooner had she sat upon her chair did she belt out a song that resonated throughout the crowd igniting their eagerness to hear more. And, more they did hear as a mingling of original and established tunes created by other artists poured from her voice and doused the audience with their universal essences. Stories were added as introductions to the original songs which enhanced their already outstanding qualities.

After some time, Ms. Rubino's father arrived with a guitar strap and her mother helped affix it to her instrument. Her ability to stand while singing added a new dimension to her musical interpretations enabling the animated aspects of the songs to become even more apparent. The mood of the gathering was elevated by the new energies Ms. Rubino employed as the sun shown brighter and the clouds that lingered dissipated further with every note she sang. A break in the performance provided an opportunity for Ms. Sonya Kressler Cole of the Eastburg Community Alliance to share her appreciation to Ms. Rubino for enchanting the day through her magnificent performance. This sentiment was echoed throughout the gathering. She then shared information about the concert series and the Eastburg Community Alliance along with coupons offering discounts at various local businesses.

When Ms. Cole concluded her sharings, Katie resumed her performance to the delight of those she had touched with her talent throughout the concert. The conclusion of her performance was met with a loving response that was expressed by an enthusiastic applause. She spent the remainder of the evening appreciatively chatting with those who came to hear her play. You'll find more photographs taken during the event in The Rubino at The Rail Road Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154092772493761.1073741883.91146283760&type=3.

According to her biography, Katie Rubino has realized at an early age that music connects with everyone and she likes to think her music has the same abilities. Her original songs are mostly driven by the intense, extensive, confusing mess embodied in a 14 year old girl's life which often involves 14 year old boys. Ms. Rubino's musical influences range from Taylor Swift to Etta James. You can learn more about Katie Rubino and her music by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Rubino/671949426269618?fref=ts or her Website at www.katierubino.com.

The Eastburg Community Alliance was established over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners and is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fund raising, memberships, and local contributions. The next Music on Mondays concert will feature The Lost Ramblers and will take place on Monday August 10^th. The Farmers' Market and other merchants will have their wares available to be purchased beginning at 5:30pm while the music is scheduled to begin at 7pm. In addition to their Music on Monday Series, The Eastburg Community Alliance presents a number of events to delight and entertain the overall community. These include their Fall Octoberfest scheduled to take place on Saturday October 10^th and a Winter Holiday Celebration which is scheduled to take place Saturday December 12^th at the Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance or their Website at Www.eastburgalliance.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Meandering Around the Arts in Stroudsburg

The Saturday August 1^st Art Walk that was held in Stroudsburg, PA by the Pocono Arts District who presented many wonders to behold. There were paintings being created by area artist of local business (you'll find a list of participating the artists and and businesses at www.facebook.com/Wehearttheforwardianarts) to commemorate the town's 200^th Anniversary as well as Murals being prepared and painted to further enhance the beauty of the town. These projects were initiated and maintained by St'Art Stroudsburg www.facebook.com/startstroudsburg?fref=ts. There was also music performed by the duet knows as “Woodrow” www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow throughout the town during the day. However, since I arrived a bit later in the town than I expected, I missed all of that.

Luckily, many of my friends took photographs and shared stories with me of their adventures that they experienced before my arrival. I was and remain very appreciative of all they relayed to me as I continue to value their friendship highly. Thank you. I've shared the photos they posted on Facebook on The Forwardian Arts Society's Page. Please feel free to explore them. I invite you to share your photographs and stories about all that transpired during the day with me. I eagerly await hearing from you.

Anyways, there were some events going on during the day that occurred after my appearance in the town. The first was an Artist's Reception held at DR's Custom Framing, Artisan Crafts and Art Gallery featuring the oil paintings of Charles Rauch carauch@yahoo.com. It was a very small gathering but this allowed me the opportunity to learn more about Mr. Rauch and his wife along with all the art related adventures they partook of. The work presented was very well done as the subtleties found within the exceptionally applied brush strokes gave each image a beauty illuminated from within.

DR's Custom Framing and Art Gallery is located at 730 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA. In addition to presenting art upon their walls, the shop offers a variety of framing options for artists who seek to present their visual work in an enhancing manner. They also offer  a number of gift items including artist note cards, greeting cards, jewelry, baskets,  posters, and prints. The exhibition featuring the work of Charles Rauch will continue to be on display until September 30^th. The featured artist for their next exhibition is yet to be announced. You can learn more about DR's Custom Framing and Art Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/D-Rs-Custom-FramingArt-Gallery/115617568553944?fref=ts or their Website at www.drsgallery.com.

After a time, I left DR's Custom Framing and Art Gallery and waked to the Origins Gallery. They were in the midst of holding an Open House event in which those who arrived were given an opportunity to share their talents in drawing, painting, music, poetry, or however the creative spirit of the venue moved one. I was inspired to relax upon one of their magnificent couches while intermittently rising to chat with one of the artist or to view the work upon the gallery's walls. I enjoyed that. The work upon the gallery's wall was from their Fantasies and Imaginings exhibit which concluded on August 2^nd. The gallery's next exhibit will be titled, “Surreal Estate of Mind – Abstracts and Apertures” with the Artists' Reception taking place on Saturday August 8^th beginning at 6pm. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg?fref=ts or their Website at www.originsgallery.org.

While I was at The Origins Gallery, I learn of the locations of where the new murals being prepared for more extensive painting were. It was shortly after this did I bid my fare wells to the company and ventured toward their sites. Even though they were in the early stage of their creation, I could already imagine the magnificence they would obtain through their aesthetic evolutions. I am eager to experience the completed images. In the meantime, you can view the photographs I took during my Art Walk Adventure in the Meandering Around the Arts in Stroudsburg Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154089405043761.1073741882.91146283760&type=3.

The August 1^st Art Walk proved to be an enjoyable one even though I missed most of the happenings through my tardiness. The echoes of the day could still be felt and they brought a smile to my heart while I was there. The first Saturday Art Walks are presented by The Pocono Arts District which is comprised of a small group of artists and art lovers who has a desire to enhance the local artistic community. The next Art Walk will take place on Saturday September 5^th. I hope to see you there. The Pocono Arts District is always searching for new ideas and you can share them through their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ThePoconoArtsDistrict.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Photography Finds an ARTSPACE

The PoconoArts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception for their Photography Exhibition in their ARTSPACE Gallery on Friday July 31^st. The event showcased the gamut of photographic technique which made the display of expertly created pieces a joy to explore. However, there was a disappointing aspect of the reception and that was the number of attendees were rather small. This was very unfortunate as the quality of the work deserved more support from the community and it's hoped that many will come experience the work while it's still available.

The exhibition is a juried one and Bruce Ward served as its Judge. Mr. Ward revealed that he utilized a point system in selecting the recipients of the awards offered by the PoconoArts Council to those artists demonstrating a high degree of talent in the art of photography. However, the exceptional quality of the show made it all the more difficult to make a decision as there were very few points between much of the work. Still, he persevered and the results of his ponderings were shared with the gathering. The recipients of the awards were Tony Cuttitta who received a Honorable Mentioning for his piece titled, “Boy in Window,” Jean Perry who received the Third Place Award for her piece titled, “The Seduction,” Eric Goins who received the Second Place Award for his piece titled, “Blooming in the Rain,” and Linda Mann who received the First Place Award for her piece titled, “Bloom and Buds.”

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 Photography Finds an ARTSPACE Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154079048288761.1073741881.91146283760&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 Photography Exhibition continued to be on display until August 29^th.

Their next exhibition will be their Narrative Exhibition to be held in their ARTSPACE Gallery. The Artists' Reception is scheduled for Saturday September 5^th beginning at 5pm with the work continuing to be on display until September 26^th. The exhibit is an open one and welcomes all artists to participate. 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.

Drawing Upon The Origins of Transcendence

One of the great gifts art gives to humanity is the realization that spontaneity can (and often does) create something cool. This was demonstrated as The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA presented the duo known as “Lobo Marino” on Monday July 27^th. The concert was formulated through a discovery that the duo was touring in areas adjacent to those near Stroudsburg, PA and was asked if they could come to the town. Lobo Marino realized they had a day off from their touring schedule and decided to come. The entire arrangement occurred the previous Sunday Evening and was thus dubbed the first installment of the gallery's Last Minute Mondays Series.

Numerous people who have been to previous events at the gallery were contacted and those who maintained a flexible schedule found their way to the music. A sizable crowd did appear which in and of itself reflected how magical the evening would be. The concert was held in conjunction with a Drink and Draw event in which attendees to the concert were invited to obtain a sheet of sketch paper and a pencil that were provided in order to draw an object while enjoying a glass or two of wine. I partook of this activity and found the image I drew got better looking with each sip.

The concert began as the gallery's Director, Jody Singer, welcomed the gathering to the venue while sharing information about the gallery and the work it does to promote the arts. Mr. Singer was followed by Lobo Marino who are from Richmond, VA and consists of Jameson Price and Laney Sullivan. Together, they preformed upon a variety of musical instruments including a harmonium, jars, guitars, flutes, and a bass drum many of which originated in India and other countries associated with a spiritual uniqueness. Each instrument owned its own spirit and the essence it embodied moved among the gathering as the melody of each composition were released by the lovingly magical touch of the musicians. The chanting of mantras emanating from Ms. Sullivan's other worldly voice provided a haunting quality that drew the listener deep within each utterance as their vibrations beckoned them nearer.

The concert was further enhanced by the free and open conversation the couple shared with the audience. In such exchanges, information about the instruments and the music they performed were revealed as well as thoughts on the arts in general. An enchantment touched the gathering as the room filled with a profound love of whose transcendent qualities lifted the thoughts and countenance of all to their own divinity. The concert concluded with words of appreciation followed by deeper conversations and the giving of pictures that were drawn during the concert by artists possessing various levels of experience to the couple. You can learn more about Lobo Marino by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Lobo-Marino/124201317615541 or their Website at www.lobomarinomusic.com.

In addition to presenting special impromptu concerts and Drink and Draws, The Origins Gallery holds exhibitions featuring the work of local artists. Their current exhibition is titled, “Fantasies and Imaginings” which will continue to be on display until August 2^nd. Their next exhibition to be presented is titled, “Surreal Estate of Mind – Abstracts and Apertures Exhibition” with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday August 8^th beginning at 6pm. The work will remain on display until August 23^rd. All artists wishing to be a part of the exhibit are invited to drop of their renderings on Thursday August 6^th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday August 7^th from 2pm until 6pm. The Origins Gallery also holds several classes related to the arts designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within. The next Last Minute Monday is not yet scheduled because, if it was, it wouldn't be a last Minute event. You'll find more photographs taken during the July 27^th Last Minute Monday in the Drawing Upon The Origins of Transcendence Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154078042998761.1073741880.91146283760&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.

Living in a Room with the Fire of Foxes

The Sherman Theater’s Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA held an installment of their weekly Open Mic Nites Series on Sunday July 26^th. Although I arrived late to the venue, the openness and friendliness indicative of the establishment's atmosphere greeted me and I was glad for it. The featured band for the evening was in the midst of their performance when I entered which made my arrival all the more enjoyable.

The mind bending hypnotic music of The Foxfires filled the senses with its surreal blending of sounds and lyrics that touched the deepest regions of perception. The band consists of Christian Diana on Vocals and Guitar, Adam Alexander Kahn on Bass, Christian Cordero on Guitar and Keys, and Brandon Vallejo on Drums. Together, they create a new atmosphere to engulf the gathering with every note and chord change they employ. It is in these musical meteorological conditions each listener floats upon while allowing their imaginations to flow through the band's melodic cadences. In other words, they were cool. You can learn more about The Foxfires by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ChristianDianaAndTheFoxfires or their Website at www.thefoxfires.bandcamp.com.

As The Foxfires completed their performance, the evening's co host, Emillie Day, shared the venue's appreciation to the group for sharing their talents with the sizable gathering as well as announcing she had tickets to a show featuring the music of Frank Zappa which was currently going on upon The Sherman Theater's main stage. A break ensued after she ended her sharing where upon the company partook of the opportunity to chat with members of The Foxfires and each other about the experiences they encountered so far as well as those they anticipated for the remainder of the evening.

As the break concluded, Guitarist Dee Songbird took her place upon the stage to enchant the audience with her voice and mastery of the instrument. She was followed by Kevin Tails Moucha who rendered his soulful words for the gathering. He was followed by Baby Teeth who was joined by Brandon Vallejo of The Foxfires who lent his talents as a vocal percussionist to Baby Teeth's Hip Hop renderings. Baby Teeth was followed by a new comer to the event known as Christina whose mixture of A Capella songs and spoken word poetry added a profound dimension to the evening. She was followed by Wilbuim as introduced by the event's new co host, Satilia Rose, whose utterances proved to be a thoughtful prelude to the music that was to come. Wilbuim has become a favorite performance to close the Open Mic Nite event as the sounds from his voice, guitar, and computerized apparatus never fails to move the crowd to dance.

As the final notes played by Wilbuim faded from the gathering's awareness, a final farewell was shared by co host Theresa Ratcliff upon which all present shared their appreciation for the event and each other. It was a great night filled with wonderful performances and the conversations they inspired. You'll be able to view the photographs I took during the event in The Living in a Room with the Fire of Foxes Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154077976638761.1073741879.91146283760&type=3.

The next installment of the Living Room Open Mic Nite Series will take place on Sunday August 2^nd beginning at 7pm with sign ins beginning at 6:30pm. Musicians, poets, writers, and anyone who would like to share something with a receptive audience are welcomed to do so. You can learn more about The Living Room Open Mic Nite Series by Exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OpenMicAtTheLivingRoom.

In addition to the Open Mic Nites presented at The Living Room, the venue also holds a Gallery which presents their current Creepy Crawly Exhibition until August 10^th. Their next exhibit is titled, “Hot Summer Night” featuring the work of local artists with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday August 15^th beginning at 6pm. The drop of date for artists who wish to place their work in the show is Monday August 10^th from 2pm until 8pm. Please contact the gallery at 570-421-2808 for more information.

The Living Room is located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA next to The Sherman Theater who owns the building. The Living Room is a non-profit artspace and community hub featuring live music, exhibitions, and other events in an intimate setting at affordable prices. Please Explore The Living Room Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Living-Room/123978921059378 for more information on The Living Room, all they have to offer, and how to be a part of it all.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.