The 1st Annual Monroe-Carbon County Autumn Art Show, an exciting new art exhibition in the Pocono Mountain region and a key element in the economic and cultural revitalization of this area, makes its colorful and triumphant debut on Saturday, Sept. 29, conveniently located at the Jackson Township Volunteer Firehouse, 2176 Route 715 in Reeders, PA. The show hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, with ample free parking for all visitors.

This show marks the collegial co-sponsorship of the Carbon County Art League with the Pocono Mountains Art Group in what they hope will be the first of many such joint ventures to bring greater artistic immersion to the Lehigh Valley and Pocono regions, while spreading the joy of artistic enjoyment across a much wider area than ever before attempted by an single artistic or cultural entity.This new show is geared toward artistic enjoyment, not artistic competition; consequently, while the work of the participating artists will be scored and judged on the quality and artistic execution of their work by the show's juror, Mr. Thomas Augusta, no cash prizes will be awarded. Mr. Augusta was born in Wilkes-Barre, and graduated as a BFA Honor Student from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he went on to pursue a successful career in the advertising business as an art director. He now lives in Portland, PA, along the Delaware River, and has returned to his first artistic love, watercolor painting, which he has taken up as a full-time career. He paints en plein air and in his studio, "Crow's Nest Studios," located at his home. Augusta is active in the local arts community in Northeastern PA, and his work can be seen at ARTSPACE Gallery in Stroudsburg PA, Philip Hone Gallery in Honesdale, PA and has shown regularly in local galleries & boutiques. He has received various art awards and has had numerous solo shows in PA and the New York metropolitan area.Noted acrylic artist and retired NYC Firefighter Anibal "Andy" Collazo has painted a very special, extremely beautiful original acrylic painting entitled "Movin' In" which he will be donating to the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department in honor of all the gallant men and women volunteers who so unselfishly serve the community. The wonderful painting will be on display during the show.This year's participating CCAL-PMAG artists who will be displaying their artwork are, as follows: Audrey Altemose (Pastel), Mary Jane Arner (Acrylic, Oil, Photography & Watercolor), Anibal "Andy" Collazo (Acrylic), Arlene "Hez" Conklin (Oil & Watercolor), Barbara Daskal (Photography), Will Daskal (Acrylic, Oil & Watercolor), Lori Eastman (Acrylic), Gary Embich (Watercolor), Nancy Embich (Photography), Marie Gelsomino (Acrylic), Darleen Hyde (Acrylic), Grace Ikai (Oil), Steve Kager (Acrylic & Mixed Media), Beverly Lambert (Mixed Media), Marjorie Long (Oil), Dolores Midure (Acrylic & Oil), George Miller (Acrylic & Photography), Julia Saeger (Acrylic & Oil), John Stoj (Photography) and Joy Warner (Acrylic & Watercolor).Following the judging phase of the show, ribbons will be awarded to the top three finishers in all categories for which there was a minimum of three registered artists. In addition, Mr. Augusta will select one piece of artwork from the vast array of exhibited pieces to receive the "Best in Show" award.Admission to the 1st Annual Monroe-Carbon County Autumn Art Show is absolutely free, and it may well be the artistic and cultural highlight of the fall calendar of weekend festivities. This premier one-day show on Sept. 29 features some of the most talented artists and photographers residing in this region.The judging of the artwork will take place between 11:45 a.m and 1 p.m., with the selection of winners and the awarding of ribbons at approximately 1:15 p.m.So mark your calendars, update your Outlook data files and revise your PDA's to ensure your visit to the historic 1st Annual Monroe-Carbon County Autumn Art Show. By all means, bring your family, friends and neighbors. Refreshments provided by the Jackson Township Volunteer Firehouse Ladies Auxiliary will be available to the public.For further information about the 1st Annual Monroe-Carbon County Autumn Art Show, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (570) 325-9804 or (570) 236-5808.