Artist in Residence program

If you enjoy art, then you don't have to look farther than your local businesses in the West End of Monroe County to view some excellent samples of what several of the area's local artists have created.

That would be thanks to the Pocono Mountains Art Group (PMAG) who are working with several local businesses in the West End who has put together an Artist in Residence program.

"We wanted a way to showcase our art while helping our local businesses. It just seems to be a win-win situation for all," says Linda Marnell, a member of PMAG and artist of oils, acrylics and watercolor.

Starting Dec. 19, 2009, the first Artists in Residence were featured at the Hotel Jonas in Jonas.

It featured Mary Jane Arner, of the Fresh Air Gallery, a Brodheadsville artist well known for her beautiful oil paintings; Michelle Arner, a photographer who also shows her photography at her mother's (Mary Jane) studio; Darleen Hyde, of the Hydeaway in Brodheadsville, who paints in acrylics and art decor and recently received notice for her art decor at the Smithsonian in Washington DC; Patricia Smith of Fresh Air Gallery in Brodheadsville, who not only paints and travels the world but is an accredited Art Decor Artist and an instructor in the Art Decor field who has received many awards; Linda Marnell of The Littlest Gallery in Kunkletown, who paints in oils and enjoys sketching the beauty of the mountains as well as the shore lines and has gained a few awards.

Will Daskal of Pheasant Road Art Studio in Saylorsburg will be the Artist in Residence for the month of January, starting on Jan. 4 at the Hotel Jonas. Will is an excellent water color artist with numerous awards to his credit.

"This is a great way to show off my work and to help local businesses. It's a good opportunity to help each other out," says Will of the newly formed program.

Mike Pandolfo, owner of Hotel Jonas since 1999 thinks the new program is wonderful.

"It's a good thing for people to come in and see the works of local artists. And it's great decor," he says.

A different artist will be in the Hotel each month for the Dining with the Arts Program.

Margie Long will be exhibiting her art at the Homestead Veterinary Center from Jan. 4 until the end of the month and at West End Happenings.

Gary Embich will be exhibiting his art at the Life is Good Chiropractic practice located on Rt. 209 in Brodheadsville. He will be there from Jan. 4 until the end of January.

You can see more works of these artists and others at the Third Annual Winter Art Show and Sale on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 12-4 p.m. at the West End Lanes Bowling Center, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville.

If you have a business in the West End of Monroe County and would like to be a part of the Artist in Residence program, please contact Linda Marnell at (570) 629-3136.