Over the Moon for Mooney

One of Joe Mooney's pieces in the gallery. Photo Courtesy / Pocono Community Theater
One of Joe Mooney's pieces in the gallery. Photo Courtesy / Pocono Community Theater
One of Joe Mooney’s pieces in the gallery.
Photo Courtesy / Pocono Community Theater

By Amanda Schreck
SC Staff Writer

The Pocono Community Theater Gallery is exhibiting “Painting with Passion,” the Art of Joe Mooney. Mooney displayed his paintings at the Pocono Community Theater in 2012 and is showing his work again this year.

Fourteen of his paintings now line the walls of the hallway in front of the biggest movie theater.

Mooney’s recreation of the Saturday Evening Post, portraits of Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Catherine Zeta Jones, and even Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz are displayed in the theater.

Mooney uses acrylic paint, but he has done other works in charcoal, oils, and pencils.

“Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to art and music, but I think some of the portraits I’ve done of famous celebrities might be interesting to them,” he said.

Some of his previous exhibitions include: the Credit Union and the Municipal Building in Stroudsburg, Clymer Library in Mt. Pocono, Peter Daniel’s Custom Framing and Artisan Gallery, DR’s Custom Framing and Art Gallery, and The Bixler Gallery on Main Street in Stroudsburg.

The Pocono Community Theater Gallery is close to the East Stroudsburg University campus, making it easy for students to take a short trip to catch a movie, relax in the café, and admire the paintings in a serene and friendly atmosphere.

“I’m thankful to have my work on display at a place like PCT that gets a lot of through traffic. When young people go to see a movie, they can enjoy the art as well,” said Mooney.

Art can benefit students in a variety of ways, and they can learn about it in a relaxed environment. The gallery can perhaps open new doors for students who may or may not be studying art.

“Maybe it will inspire others to create art for themselves,” said Mooney.

According to Mooney, “Everyone does their own thing when it comes to art. Seeing an artist’s work in person might make someone appreciate a style of art they might not have given much thought to before.”

The paintings will be on display until October 26 at the Pocono Community Theater.

Email Amanda at:
aschreck@live.esu.edu