Show Some Love for the Arts

Outside the Pocono Arts Council on N 7th Street. Photo Credit / Crystal Smith
Outside the Pocono Arts Council on N 7th Street. Photo Credit / Crystal Smith
Outside the Pocono Arts Council on N 7th Street.
Photo Credit / Crystal Smith

By Amanda Schreck
SC Staff Writer

February is a colorful month for art, music, and learning at the Pocono Arts Cultural Center. Get ready to dive into painting, guitar, and new vocal heights.

The Pocono Arts Council is hosting a variety of classes throughout February at the Pocono Arts Cultural Center in Stroudsburg.

Classes being offered include: oil painting, watercolor, costumed figure drawing, acrylic painting, no brush acrylic painting, vocal workshops, a blues guitar workshop, and even a children’s workshop where they can print their own Valentine’s Day cards.

Some of the classes run for several weeks. Workshops like intermediate watercolor instructed by Joan Raushi, costumed figure drawing instructed by Ted Michalowski, no brush acrylic painting instructed by Bahereh Khodadoost, and vocal workshop instructed by Nancy Reed all run over four weeks.

The oil painting workshop is held weekly with four sessions per month, and all other classes are one day only.

“We are trying a new concept of one-night workshops with local artist Jim Smeltz. This gives the community the opportunity to try something without having to sign up for multiple weeks. Of course, all the instructors are professionals and very knowledgeable in their respective fields,” said Laura Goss, executive director of the Pocono Arts Council.

Prices vary for each class, and most classes offer a discounted rate for members. Student membership is $15, which includes a monthly newsletter, information on local events, as well as discounts on classes.

Classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so register quickly!

Along with the classes, the Pocono Arts Council also hosts galleries throughout the month.

Goss said, “This month’s gallery exhibitions begin with a show of PoconoArts students, followed by local high school students. It is always good to see what other students are creating.”

“We have a very special show coming up in April called the Earth Speaks. It is a juried art exhibition on the climate crisis, but there is also a poetry component. We will be creating a catalogue of the show which will include poems juried by local poets,” said Goss.

Registration for classes can be purchased online at www.poconoarts.org or by phone at 570-476-4460.

Email Amanda at
aschreck@live.esu.edu