  Singer Songwriter |
This month we take yet another turn down the road of Art In Society. There are so many ways that art interacts with our society, but we don't always recognize them. The relationship between art and business is one that has become a regular theme in many of my experiences in our communities. In many ways, these two entities are diametrically opposed. On the one hand we have art: intuitive, free-form, without bounds - on the other hand we have business, which can often be hard-nosed, confined and bluntly stern. But there are times when these two forces come together to complement each other, and make for a positive experience for all. One such instance is Village Pastimes Emporium (abbreviated VPE), the newest addition to the Valley's artistic (and business) community. The person responsible for this new activity center is Donna Gildner. Born and raised in Drums, she left the area to work in the Lehigh Valley for about 23 years as an interior designer and instructor in her area vocational and community college. When Donna returned to Drums about three years ago, she wanted to create a place where American crafts would be the focus. She felt that many of our American craft traditions have faded in the wake of the industrial revolution and foreign trading. She wanted a place where traditional artists could convene to teach and learn about their crafts, and help to spread their knowledge to future generations. Oddly enough, the setting for this center is an old garage that was once owned by Donna's father, Charles Shellhamer. With some paint, planning and preparation, it has been turned into quite a different place reminiscent of a garden complete with winding paths and trellises. Jim Cassarella of Drums and several other friends helped the shop open on time. East Stroudsburg resident and friend Alberta Deiter helped paint the floor, while Donna's mother, Marian Shellhamer, was helping in any way she could with cleanup and preparation. The result is an atmosphere that is relaxing and inviting and an environment that is sure to become a second home for many art lovers. Display space is rented at a variety of monthly prices and there is no need to provide a sales staff because Donna takes care of the shop, handles advertising and even collects sales tax. Crafters choose from a wide variety of spaces and can decorate as they see fit. As paint dried and the excitement mounted, Village Pastimes opened with a two-day grand opening celebration on the first weekend in June. The opening saw over 200 people attending to get their first glimpse of this new breed of craft shop. |
 Rt. 309 in Drums |
The grand opening included acoustic music on Saturday afternoon with Dave Sterenchock and myself. Performing to an appreciative crowd Saturday evening was Contemporary Christian singer Richard Lutz, while Matt Balukonis Jr. and Sr. entertained with American favorites Sunday afternoon. Also on site was poet and writer George Kovach (the subject of our April/May double feature) appeared selling books, tapes and poems. George has plans to return for special events, possibly appearing again near Halloween for an Edgar Allan Poe showcase. If the grand opening is any indication, Donna is doing a wonderful job so far. "The response has been very positive," says Donna. Since the grand opening, she has received calls daily for rental space, and has had some very positive feedback from the community. In fact, the response to the entertainment was so good that there will be regular musical presentations on Saturday evenings (see schedule below). The ideas are flowing, from Donna and her helpers, as they think of different ways to market the center. Special events such as promotions, demonstrations, contests and lectures will be planned as time goes on. All it will take is a little imagination combined with some hard work.The major attraction at VPE will be the fun craft and art classes available for both children and adults. Adult classes are for adult beginners, but intermediate students are welcome. Tim Weaver will start a six week watercolor basics course on June 26 to July 31. Classes will be in the evening and will be $12.50 per night. Basic art classes with Robin Marchetti will start in July. She will teach basic drawing including an introduction to pen ink. Students will create still life drawings for their projects.Local artisan Susan Kelly will teach an eight week country folk-art course. On June 22 and 24 Susan will teach flower pot painting. She will also be teaching fabric painting courses in the future. A five week stained glass class with Sharon & Bruce Williams of Drums is available as well as necklace craft classes. Call 788-6613 for times and dates. Children's classes will include necklace art, fabric painting, sun catchers, flower pot painting, magnets & pins. Classes in magnets, pins and suncatchers with Donna and Darlene VanHorn are also available for children. In July, Shell Enterprises will provide a course in computer basics. Additional classes, such as ribbon embroidery will be available in the future depending on demand. Suggestions are welcome. I'd like to wish Donna the best of luck with Village Pastimes. The shop will truly be an asset to the community, both as an artistic center and as a business. Village Pastimes Emporium is located on Butler Drive in Drums, 1.4 miles West of Rt. 309. Shop hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday and Friday; 10 am to 9 pm Thursday and Saturday; noon to 5 pm Sunday. The shop is closed Monday and Tuesday. Registration is necessary for all classes. Payment in full must be made to reserve your space in class. There is a minimum on most classes which, if not met, the student will receive a full refund. For hours and class information call 788-6613. For info by mail, send a SASE to Village Pastimes Emporium, RR #1, Box 1749A, Drums, PA 18222. |
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With such a positive reaction at the grand opening, we scheduled musical entertainment into August 1996. Performances started at 7:00 pm and lasted one to two hours each. Since that time we have continued performances on a less frequent basis, primarily for special occasions (Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc) |
 with Jeremy dePrisco (L) and Mike Maguire (R) |
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Musicians interested in performing should contact Jeremy dePrisco |
Dave Sterenchock (Original & Contemporary Folk) And a variety of performers at our open mics. |