Area artists open galleries to promote art awareness in the Pocono Mountains

The 4th annual Pocono Mountains Art Meander will take place from noon until 5 p.m. Aug. 13-14 with 16 local area fine artists, located in 13 different galleries, spread throughout the Pocono Mountains region. The event will go on rain or shine.

Art Meander is a community event, the sole purpose of which is to promote greater awareness of, and appreciation for, regional fine arts in northeast Pennsylvania.

Scores of area visitors and residents alike have the opportunity to pass through the gallery doors of participating artists, with viewers experiencing a variety of artistic styles and genres, as well as enjoying the art and learning how these artists portrayed their subject matter in their work.

For the fourth consecutive year, residents and visitors alike will have a unique opportunity to visit in person with the area's talented and creative fine artists in their own studios.

This group of artists has worked collaboratively all year to successfully organize and promote this event, which has become a summertime tradition. Visitors receive a brochure and map showing the location of each gallery and have an opportunity to create their own art trail.

Last year, more than 100 people from states as far away as California, Florida and Alaska, came to art studios during the third annual Art Meander.

This year's event will feature 16 area fine artists, and includes: Mary Jane Arner and Michelle Arner, Fresh Air Gallery, Brodheadsville; Anibal "Andy" Collazo, Saylorsburg; Will Daskal, Pheasant Road Art Studio & Gallery, Saylorsburg; Gary Embich, Sun Oak Gallery, Saylorsburg; and Darleen Hyde, Hydeaway Gallery, Brodheadsville.

Also exhibiting will be Linda Kreckel, Saylorsburg; Donna Laviola and Linda Marnell, The Littlest Gallery, Jonas; Alice Prall, Still Water Art + Works, Brodheadsville; Andrea Rimberg, East Stroudsburg; Julia Saeger, Fresh Air Gallery, Brodheadsville; Jim Smeltz, Stroudsburg; Patricia Smith, Gallery on the Farm, Stroudsburg; Charlene Taylor, Patio Gallery, Effort; and Joy Warner, Creatively Yours Art Studio, East Stroudsburg.

As a bonus, all gallery visitors at each location may complete a free coupon for a door prize that will be awarded to one attendee by each participating artist when Art Meander IV concludes on Sunday, and consists of a donated work of art. In addition, free refreshments are provided to all visitors.

For those unable to attend this year's event, some of the participating galleries can still be seen by contacting the artists directly to set up an appointment.

Complete artist contact information is contained in the Art Meander brochure. To receive a free copy, send a stamped, self-addressed #10 envelope to: Art Meander in the Pocono Mountains, 1109 Daniel Court, Saylorsburg, PA 18353.

For additional information about the event, contact Will Daskal at poconoartmeander@yahoo.com or call (610) 381-6188.