We’re closing the 2025 season with a terrific “Show of Shows” at the Stroudsmoor on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The help the Shawnee Inn and Stroudsmoor has given has been invaluable, and I want to thank all our sponsors and the entire community for your support this year. It’s really heartwarming, and gives us all encouragement. We’ve sold out every show since the pandemic, and we’re looking for another sell-out in November. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

They are-

JENNIE HARNEY-FLEMING is a talented jazz and blues vocalist who most recently starred in the Broadway companies of

“A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,” and “Hamilton.”

DeWITT FLEMING JR. is a world-class tap dancer regarded as one of its masters and innovators. He has excelled both as a performer and choreographer on stage and in television, and is the true definition of a “triple threat.” He is also blessed to be married to Jennie Harney-Fleming.

MANNY HOUSTON is a vocalist and pianist who most recently appeared in the Tony Award-winning production of “Illinoise.” He has headlined with major symphony orchestras across the country showcasing the hits of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder and also is a talented rapper who has appeared in “Freestyle Love Supreme” with the legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda.

GRACIE LOU HYLAND is one of country music’s fastest rising young stars. She recently won the prestigious Shoals City Showdown competition. Born in Los Angeles, she can’t wait to bring her unique brand of “City Girl Country” to the Poconos.

RODNEY INGRAM is one of NYC’s most impressive young leading men who has starred in the title role in Disney’s “Aladdin” on Broadway and in Mexico City. He also was selected to play the role of Raoul in the 30th annual performance of Broadway’s longest running musical, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

DAISY JOPLING is a world renowned classical and rock violinist, who was born and trained in London. She has recorded nine albums and was the first international violinist to play a major outdoor concert in front of the pyramids of Egypt. Other global venues in-clude The Royal Albert Hall, the Vienna Festival, 53 concert halls across China, and countless more. You may recognize Daisy from her PBS television specials.

I am also happy to welcome back ASHER DENBERG to the keyboards as Musical Director/Accompanist for the afternoon. He has been on the road across the nation with “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” as well as making his Broadway debut as Musical Supervisor/Conductor/Composer and Arranger for, “Take a Banana For a Ride,” starring Comedian and “Roastmaster General” Jeff Ross, which will soon be streaming on Netflix.

I hope you can join us for the one-of-a kind event created exclusively for our audiences which is certain to contain something for members of all ages.

The Sherman Theater in downtown Stroudsburg Just hosted an event where it was announced the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau will be taking over management. This will have significant cultural and economic impacts for Stroudsburg and the region. President & CEO Rich Berkowitz and two other board members will be stepping down, however, Berkowitz will still be book-ing events and advising new management. At first, the Sherman will be the same, but in time, Chris Barrett, Vice President and General Manager of the Sherman Theater, “…will serve as an anchor for a dynamic destination— a true mecca for creativity and culture in the Pocono Mountains.”

This will be a very important mission for the arts in this area, to bring forth ideas and programs for local audiences and tourism on a grander scale. We wish the very best to all involved in this important venture!

You certainly don’t need any brighter green lights to partake of what’s

already here, though we all are waiting in anticipation like children before a major holiday, to see what arrives!

Speaking of the holidays, the countdown has begun to the Hallothanks-maskwanukkah season! Apologies to all holidays unrepresented, but you hopefully you’ll get my intended spirit! It’s about the blessings we celebrate by food, colors, light, gifts, and spiritual devotions, as the earth’s daylight is shortened, and how our ancestors understood the world, and gave gratitude, along with a touch of magic, and homage to mystery. What an inspired time for art, be it creating in the fine arts, or crafting, taking in a colorful exhibit, or listening to a live music or a theatrical performance, bring the arts into your life! Take a walk, explore the towns and trails, the foods and drinks, take photos, see the many artful displays, take an art class! We list a few of many events here, in fact. Get inspired, and pass your joy onward!

If you’re an artist or fine crafter – there are opportunities ahead to get involved. “Holiday Makers Market” at Renegade Winery in downtown Stroudsburg, and the “Winter Whites Holiday Art Exhibition” at Shawnee Inn are some. Watch for upcoming details on our Facebook Page and (new, updated) website.

If you’re an arts patron, exhibitions, special events, and chances to meet and talk to the artists and creators in the area, classes and workshops (see the list in this Newsletter) abound. Your calendars can be filled with fun events for you to check out and enjoy!

Artworks at several other art galleries around the area are hosting exhibitions as well. Please read on for more info on these events, and all the other fun events happening around the area throughout the next few months and beyond- whew!

Opportunities to volunteer with any of these events are also open and waiting to welcome you. Contact us for more information.

Read on to get connected, create, participate, and enjoy this wonderful time of the year!

Read all about how Monroe County, Pennsylvania, along with all other counties in PA, and every state in the Union will be celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026, with events, art exhibitions, music and dance performances and a parade and much more! Join us on the Arts & Culture Committee for Monroe County’s planned celebrations, or another committee of your choice. Go to www.mc250pa.org for more information.

Cool Cats of DWG a Success!

This amazing Cool Cat statue, created by Ayanna Rodriguez created quite a purr with attendees of the Cool Cats of Delaware Water Gap event at Sycamore Grill on Sept. 13, winning “Best in Show!” “Kat Le Fleur” was sold at auction, along with 9 other creations, but there are still 9 Cool Cats waiting for their furr-ever homes! They each need a quiet, protected space, out of the elements, but they are guaran-teed to bring joy to your home or place of business! If interested, contact Jody at

originsgallery1@gmail.com.

Thank you to the purr-chasers for supporting Pocono Center For The Arts and the artists! Also receiving donations were Animals Can’t Talk, Ozzie’s Angels, and SOS Pet Rescue, who all house and care for adoptable cats and kittens, Trap, Neuter, Return programs, along with every aspect of cat rescue. Guests had entertainment, a buffet, kitty bling bags and many raffle items! Each guest was given their cat name. This was the Fine Arts division of PCFTA first fundraiser, with plans for more in 2026!

~Princess Hissworthy

Art Show at Chant Realtors, Pike County;

Seeking 2026 Artist Lineup

“The Written Word” a display of poetry and prose by members of the Hemlock Farms Writers, at The Gallery at Chant Realtors in Lord’s Valley. Also featured, seasonal theme paintings in the Curators Corner by Joan Polishook. This show will be up until Dec. 27.

Up and coming at the gallery, “Young at Art,” a show of work featuring local emerging artists . This show is planned for January.

Artists interested in exhibiting in The Gallery at Chant

Vendors Needed for Indoor Makers Market at

Renegade Winery in Stroudsburg

Fine artisans and crafters are welcome to submit photos of their work to be considered for this maker’s market, on Sat., Dec. 6, 12 –5pm.

There is an application, and a $30 fee that benefits Pocono Center For The Arts. We are looking for creations that are not flat paintings; are locally or personally crafted, fun, and giftable! Vendors will need to bring a 6’ folding table per space, table cover, battery operated lighting, if needed, and promote themselves and this event on their social media.

Please contact Jody at originsgallery1@gmail.com for application and any questions.

Bring your friends out for a fun afternoon of shopping, chatting, and of course, sipping locally crafted wines!

Come celebrate the holiday season in downtown Stroudsburg, PA!

Artists’ Reception on Saturday,

Nov. 29th, 2025 from 2 – 4pm.

Coming Soon!

New photography exhibit at

Shawnee Inn at end of October!

Details TBA.

Artwork Intake for our winter art show at Shawnee Inn, in the Pearsall Room, is Fri., Nov. 14th, 2—5pm.

Artwork will be on exhibition and for sale through December 26th 2025. Outtake on Sat., Dec. 27th from 1-3 pm

Click on “Events.”

www.shawneeartshed.com

Monroe Co, PA

Veteran Association

Skip Scheetz, President

Dr. William Watkins Esq., Vice President Dr. Roger McFadden, Secretary Treasurer Vice President, Visual Arts Division, Jody Singer

Rich Spezzano, Emeritus

Jane Mayhew MacHale, Editor, The Call Photography: Jane Mayhew MacHale

www.poconocenterforthearts.org to view all events and changes, donations, etc.

www.originsgallery1@gmail.com Submission, circulation, questions.

The Pocono Center for the Arts is a PA non-profit 501(c)3 registered arts organization, showcasing talent and excellence in the arts in the Poconos area!

Photo by June Gagliardo