Pocono Arts Council’s ‘For the Arts’ fundraiser has become a tradition for many of our members and community friends. This year, we held an online auction and concluded with a Sunday brunch at Stroudsmoor on May 19th.
In attendance were many familiar faces as well as new members and friends eager to be part of our artful community. All enjoyed swapping stories and catching up with one another. A number of past board members along with our previous Executive Director, Sue Randall, joined in the celebration and shared memories of prior events.
Board Treasurer Julie and past Executive Director Sue look over the program.
First Things First
Before I get too far into the details of the day, I’d like to acknowledge the folks who helped make Spring for the Arts possible.
Our online auction ran for a week and featured over 130 treasures. A few competing bids took place on some of the popular items with very proud highest bidders enjoying their efforts! Thanks to our Treasurer Julie Golin who collected a bulk of the donations and Secretary Rachel Keslosky who photographed the physical goods. Both prepared the listings on our auction website and were also the smiling faces you saw when you came in to pick up your winnings. This may all sound like a 1-2-3 sort of task, but it’s an incredibly time-consuming undertaking and their work is greatly appreciated.
Board President Malia Kasperkevic designed and coordinated our elegant celebration gathering at Stroudsmoor’s Lawnhaven, complete with toe tappin’ music generously provided by Doc Pappa (Pete Pappalardo) and Joe Dorsch. Even the weather was lovely, just as requested.
Guests enjoyed the music of Joe Dorsch on standup bass and Doc Pappa on guitar.
Administration and marketing were taken care of by our incredible staff members Becky Hofman and Christie Lee whose dedication and grace are second to none. Volunteers during the bunch included Andrew Hofman, Marc Tomassian, and Sylvia Clare. Their positive energy and muscle made set-up and clean-up a breeze.
The day was designed to encourage conversation and connection as well as serve as a stage for recognition of special community members. After a tasty brunch buffet (Can we take a moment to appreciate those strawberry shortcake cupcakes!?) we presented our esteemed guests with their awards.
Honoring an Artist, Friend, and Mentor
It was an honor to present the Lifetime Impact Award to our long-time member, multi-talented artist, and instructor, John McAllister. His recent Best in Show award-winning painting “Narcissus and Echo, Kinda” was on display during the festivities.
John R. McAllister received his degree from York Academy of Arts in York, PA. His instantly recognizable oil paintings have won numerous awards at Pocono Arts Council exhibitions – with no complaints about the judge’s decision from the other artists. (That’s no small feat!)
Recognized by many as our resident artist and gallery curator, or “that guy with the ponytail,” John’s skill and devotion to the arts are evident in all he does. McAllister is perhaps best known for his paintings, full of rich color and layers of symbolism; he is also a skilled graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer.
Always ready to discuss art history, traditional and modern painting techniques, and (of course) the proper way to wire artwork for hanging, John is a willing and able teacher. An instructor at Pocono Arts Council for many years, several of John’s previous students have shown their work at Pocono Arts Council and other regional galleries and attribute their continued desire to explore their craft to him.
We are honored to present John McAllister with the Lifetime Impact Award in recognition of his significant contributions to Pocono Arts Council and the arts community at large.
John (unintentionally) participating in the Artful Hat Contest.
In addition to honoring John, two very talented young men from Monroe County schools were also recognized for their devotion to the arts. Owen Christian (Stroudsburg ’24) and Jordan Oney (East Stroudsburg South ’24) were presented with this year’s Suzanne Anderson Art & Music Awards – an exciting time for them both as they graduate high school and prepare for their collegiate adventures.
These annual awards are extended to graduating seniors who plan to continue their creative education at the college level. The awards are available thanks to a generous bequest from long-time local art supporter Suzanne Anderson.
2024 Suzanne Anderson Art Award
Owen Christian is a senior at Stroudsburg High School and will be attending Kutztown University after graduation. Owen won the 2024 Julianna V. Bolt Art Contest, 2nd Place in Pocono Arts Council’s 30th Annual Student Exhibition, honorable mention for the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards, and was admitted into the FBLA State Competition for Digital Animation. He is also involved with his school. This year, Owen worked on art pieces for the school play and led the art team in designing and painting the senior float.
Art Award Recipient Owen Christian and his mom at the SFTA Brunch
2024 Suzanne Anderson Music Award
Jordan Oney is a senior at East Stroudsburg High School South and will be pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at The Eastman School of Music. He participated in All-States Choir, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, district and regional choirs, honors band, adjudications, and ensembles. He is also involved in the community through music and as an Eagle Scout. He performed a solo with the Pocono Pops at the Sherman Theater; played Sweeney Todd in a community production; and sings at school and community events, Faith United Methodist Church, and East Stroudsburg United Methodist.
Music Award Recipient Jordan Oney and his mom at the SFTA Brunch
A Round of Applause
For guests with a sense of fashion (and playfulness), an Artful Hat Contest was held…
Contestants (Rachel, Sylvia, Nora, and Laura) line up for the Artful Hat Contest
Contestants (Cindy, Anne, Jill, Lizzy, and Penny) line up for the Artful Hat Contest
The audience voted by applause and after a rematch between Penny Ross and Sylvia Clare, bragging rights and a lovely Lesa Ross painting were bestowed upon Sylvia for a top hat like none other.
Nora, Lizzy, and Penny brightening up the event with their hats and smiles.
Laura looking as elegant as ever with her classic white hat.
Susan and Cindy became fast friends… look at Cindy’s hat, decorated with art made by her grandchildren.
A close up of Cindy’s hat!
Board President, Malia modeling a beautiful vintage hat complete with netting.
Radiant Board Member Jill in her playful hat donning a live rose.
Board Secretary Rachel wore a hat they decorated with found remnants and silk flowers.
Sylvia’s winning Artful Hat was adorned with a hand embroidered flower and brightly colored findings.
Thankful Hearts
The Spring for the Arts Auction & Brunch raised nearly $5,000 thanks to the enthusiastic support of community members and art lovers throughout the region.
On behalf of Pocono Arts Council, I’d like to extend heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s generous support of Spring for the Arts. The contributions we received played a crucial role in making this event a success.
The kindness of our community allowed us to raise much needed funds in support of our programing and operations. We are thankful, as these donations not only impact Pocono Arts Council, but our members, guests, and community as well.
It’s a bit of an understatement to say there have been some changes and challenges at Pocono Arts Council in recent years. As we continue to focus on our mission to foster and support the arts through connection, education, and advocacy, we are encouraged by your friendship and support!
I’ve always felt the arts are central to the human experience. They connect us to the past, capture the emotion of the present, and inspire the innovation of the future. What a gift for us all to play a part in that story for the local and global community!
Onward for the Arts!
Darice Pauselius
Executive Director
Thank You Again to our Generous Sponsors & Donors!
AAA North Penn · Andrew Trout · Arielle Sekula · ArtsQuest · Barbara Fredericks · Bark Box · BLICK Art Materials · Cafe Duet · Camelback Resort · City Winery NYC · Commissioner Sharon Laverdure · Cramer, Swetz, McManus & Jordan, P.C. · Doc Pappa & Joe Dorsch · Donna Kallesser · Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom · Earthlight Natural Foods Market · Electric City Trolley Museum · Eric Goins · Frances Pauselius · Great Wolf Lodge · Hershey Gardens · Historic Castle Inn · Jack & Jill Swersie · Jessica Delfino · Joni Oye · Julie Golin · Lehigh Valley IronPigs · Lesley’s Salon · Mackey Photo · Main Street Makery · Malia Kasperkevic · Marathon Bar Events LLC · Mark Lichty · Miller Symphony Hall · Monroe County Historical Association · Mountain View Vineyard & Winery · Orange: Coffee. Art. Music. · Personal Touch Cleaning · Pet Supplies Plus · Peters Valley School of Craft · Philadelphia Eagles · Pocono Cinema and Cultural Center · Pocono Mountain Music Festival · Pocono Organics · Pocono Sew & Vac · Pocono Soap · Price Chopper · Pure Day Spa · Rachel Keslosky · Renegade Winery · ReStore Habitat for Humanity · Retro Fitness · Richards Tree Farm · Robert Moses · Shawnee Art Shed · Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort · Shawnee Mountain Ski Area · Shear Design Salon & Day Spa · Sherman Theater · Sherwood Samet and Holly Gravel · Silver Birches Resort · Skirmish Paintball · Snydersville Golf Range · Sparkle Car Wash · Stroudsmoor Country Inn · The Cure Cafe · The Flag Store · The French Manor Inn & Spa · The Packaging Place · The Phillips Collection · The State Museum · Thomas Dillon · Tricia Lowrey Lippert · Turrell Art Studios · Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. · Washington House Hotel · Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins · Willowtree Inn · Yoga House