How did a group of seven photographers from all over the world get together to have an exhibition of their work in North East Pennsylvania? And, why in a former hardware store turned gallery? Ashok Sinha, Jamie Smith and myself (Geoff Green) were sitting around the bonfire of Jamie’s family homestead enjoying the beautiful landscape discussing art, community and business. A group show – Meeting of the Art Waters – was born with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting the North Branch Land Trust and Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge. That was the summer of 2010; the show was slated for September of 2011.
Things progressed nicely. We decided on a structure: five themes (home, people, travel, animal, landscape) and seven artists for a show of 35 images. Themes were decidedly open to artist interpretation, images were curated and an exhibition venue in Wilkes-Barre, PA was found. Sponsorships and beneficiaries were aligned, images printed and framed, catalog designed, website ready. One week till show time and Hurricane Irene said “No”. The Susquehanna River crested at over 42 feet and wreaked havoc throughout the area. Meeting of the Art Waters (MAW) was postponed.
Fast-forward 6 months, Jamie went ahead and purchased the building in Wyoming Borough, PA he had his eye on for quite a while. Originally built in the mid 1800’s it was his great-great grandfathers hardware store in the early 1900’s. The building changed hands overtime and an opportunity arose to purchase the property. Having worked for Jay Maisel, and seeing how much personality can be infused into a space, Jamie was clearly looking for the punishment/reward of historic building ownership. Family history was the icing on the cake.
With the flood waters receded, a new spring 2012 deadline was set; MAW would open nearly a year after it was originally scheduled. The new location: T.W. Shoemaker Art, the hardware store turned gallery named after Jamie’s great-great grandfather. After a bit of renovation – debris hauled out, surfaces cleaned, sanded, painted and stained the place was ready. On April 28th the doors to the gallery opened and MAW, on display until June 30, premiered.
If you find yourself in Pennsylvania, please visit the gallery. Alternatively, visit the website were you can browse the entire show, purchase limited edition original art and the exhibition catalog.
Geoff Green
Meeting of the Art Waters
April 28th – June 30th, 2012
T.W. Shoemaker Art
312 Wyoming Ave
Wyoming, PA 18644
