1. AFA Gallery – “Retrospective”: paintings by Paul McCrone.

2. Alley Cafe – Music by the Jim Buckley Jazz Trio; a variety photographs.

3. ArtWorks Gallery & Studio – Graphite on paper and mixed-media sculpture by internationally known artist David Bender.

4. Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts, LLC – “People and Places”: photography by Marywood student Stephanie Kania.

5. The Bog – “CompartMENTALized”: mixed-media by Alicia Pica and Maura Calderone.

6. B’s Floral Design, Inc. – Mixed media, meditations, and more! Acrylic, watercolor and pastels by Kathryn Harper Foley; hand-designed doll clothing and turn of the last century quilts co-sponsored by Northeast PA Center for Independent Living.

7. Camerawork Gallery – “Excavation”: photography by Gary Cawood. “Ellen Doyle Dance Experience”: music by Rooks.

8. Chocolate Creations Cangiano’s Italian Specialities & Realty Network Group – “Puppy Love”: featuring digital photography by Sarah Edwards; music by Mark Sillaman

9. The Crazy Pineapple – Hand-made jewelry created by Patricia Locke.

10. Duffy Accessories – “Picture Scranton”: photography by Timmy Walsh.

11. Eden – a vegan cafe – Wild About Mushrooms, color photographs and specimens from recent mushroom forays presented by members of the Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society.

12. Exhale Hookah Lounge & Kabob Grill – “FLEURessent POWER, THIRD project”: directed by Constance Denchy featuring saran-wrap, blacklight materials, and mixed-media; belly-dancing by Ms. L.

13. The Fanciful Fox – A Predilection for Ephemera, oil painting & mixed-media by Brie Taylor; musical accompaniment by Sarah Yzkanin.

14. Farley’s – Argentine Tango, dancing.

15. Fidelity Bank – “Paper & Prints”: watercolor and photography by Jerry & Maggie Miller; guitar and vocals by Neil Nicastro.

16. Freedlove – “Sweet Prints!”: linoleum cut prints by The Big Harrumph.

17. Grand Lobby At The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel – “Fresh Visions”: photography by Tom Gavern.

18. GreenBeing – Abstracts and Figure, paintings by Brooke Wandall.

19. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall at The University of Scranton – “Sacred Birch”: paintings by Koval Grippo.

20. iRescue – “Magical Illusions by Chris” performed by Christopher the Magician.

21. The Keys – “Bipolar Love Song”: featuring 20 different artists in a variety of mediums; music by All Is Me.

22. Kiosk in Steamtown Mall – “Blackballed”: book release with author Leo Murray.

23. Laura Craig Galleries – “Small Works”: art from their collection to benefit the American Heart Association.

24. Marquis Art and Frame – Hand built clay sculpture by Frank Mariano and paintings by Mike Trovato.

25. Mission Yoga – “Winter Light”: photography by Joe Longo.

26. New Laundry – Music by singer/songwriter Riley Loftus.

27. New Visions Studio & Gallery – “The Examined Life”: paintings of everyday life featuring: Mike Carson, John R. Kolbek, Ka-Son Reeves, Kevin Schappert, Alison Schmidt, Megan Tucker, and Beth Tyrrell. Reception 5-10.

28. Northern Light Espresso Bar – “Captured”: photography by Mary Beth Roberts.

29. NOW Hair Studio – Live models showcasing bridal hairstyles.

30. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall at The University of Scranton – Koval Grippo.

31. Pierre’s Fine Clothing and Accessories – “Puppy Love”: Featuring digital photography by Sarah Edwards.

32. POSH at Scranton Club – “Proud as a Peacock”: heart warming marker & gouache designs by Lisa Temples-Maopolski; Live music.

33. Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – “Pieces of Scranton”: mixed-media collage by Annmarie Ciccarelli.

34. STAR Gallery – “Artistic Visions of a Future South Side”: young winners of a design contest.

35. Vintage Theater – “Inside For Detals”: visual and performing arts exhibit presented in cooperation with IAC featuring livework creations in various mediums.

36. Wendell & Company Interior Design & Antiques – “A Winter Evening At the Ritz”: If You Can Play Scranton… book signing with Nancy McDonald; cartoon themed mural artwork by Jeff D’Angelo; juggling, magic, and ballroom dancing featuring Mike Simon; John Fitzgerald at the piano.

37. Windsor Studios – Oils and watercolors and acrylics by local artists Don Murray and
Don Fatzinger.

Click the image to download the First Friday Scranton 2011 Newsletter

The festivities began with Lackawanna’s annual tree lighting ceremony held at Courthouse Square. A larger crowd gathered there to initiate the Christmas season. In addition, Main Street Scranton, a project of Scranton Tomorrow announced the recipients of the annual Downtown Holiday Decorating Showcase Awards. The awards recognized the efforts by downtown businesses to create a festive atmosphere by decorating for the holiday shopping season; just one more reason to venture out into downtown Scranton. Slightly further up Lackawanna Ave., the Lackawanna County Children’s Library hosted a story book hour accompanied with hot chocolate to warm the yuletide spirits. A healthy crowd listened to “The Polar Express” while enjoying a Nay Aug Park Mural by Liz Kluesner. Just like the days of ‘yore.

The celebration of giving and its expression in the arts was located in other venues as well. New Visions Studio & Gallery held its holiday art sale and offered many opportunities to share art as a gift. There was and still is a fine selection of modestly priced paintings and photographs that inspired the viewer. As a cathartic lens, two other venues also encouraged visitors to look inward. At City Lights the Marywood University Art Therapy Association presented mixed media that explored the psychology of art in practice, while Starbucks hosted an exhibition of drawings by children from Marley’s Mission. The children here moved past practice and used art as a conduit and were accompanied by an energetic “flash mob” that caught most by surprise when they started dancing in the middle of Steamtown Mall.

The Member’s Show at AFA Gallery showcased a variety of local artistic achievements highlighted by jewelry artist Paul Nielsen winning the Youshock Award, which is presented annually to a member of the AFA Gallery. The artists represented the variety of expressive elements the arts hold dear ranging from painterly abstractions and representational pieces to three-dimensional works that focused on form. The assemblage of a group of artists was also represented across the street at Artworks where their talented Wednesday night painters revealed a glimpse into the process of painting through the many colorful watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media works.

Identifying yourself within the created work was a key focal point for Thomas Wise’s exhibition at Laura Craig Gallery. The thrust of his watercolors was bent on a realism that captured the relationship he had with his objects. As a realist he focused on his love for the objects he depicted, through skillful rendering and richly painted surfaces.

Whether it was a celebration of festive proportions or indulging in minute retrospection First Friday Scranton December 2011 held our attention and hopes to do the same as we head towards a new year. Until then make sure you stay in the know by visiting us on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for a great year!!!!

- Jeff Boris, Executive Director

1. AFA Gallery – “2011 December Members Show”: featuring more than 40 works from AFA
Members in a variety of styles and media.

2. ArtWorks Gallery & Studio – “A Visual Feast”: celebrating talents and special visions of our Wednesday night watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media painters; Verve Vertu Artists, featuring
greeting cards, felted gifts, printmaking and more; jazz music by Rich Jenkins.

3. BEKO Sushi & Grill – A variety of colorful artwork by Lisa Temples-Maopolski.

4. Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts, LLC – Four Seasons a “Northeastern Perspective”: photography by Jessica Diehl.

5. The Bog – “Ike Design Group”: reclaimed and recycled home goods.

6. B’s Floral Design, Inc – “Get Off Your Artz”: regional artists design works on chairs, rockers, tables etc. benefiting homeless services at the Community Intervention Center.

7. Camerawork Gallery – “Excavation”: photography by Gary Caewood.

8. City Lights – “Fluent in the Language of Art”: mixed media pieces by Marywood University Student Art Therapy Association.

9. Courthouse Square – Annual tree lighting ceremony @ 6:00 PM, featuring the Abington Heights Women’s Ensemble and the Catholic Choral Society.

10. Crazy Pineapple – Handmade clocks created by Cheryl Dolan.

11. Creedon’s Flower Shop – “Functional Ceramics”: works in clay by Jeff Kuratnick.

12. Duffy Accessories – “101 Ways to Survive a Broken Heart” featuring illustrations from the book by Benjamin Adcroft and booksigning by the author, Kevin Adcroft.

13. Eden-A Vegan Café – “Stuck Together”: accessories made from duct tape and jewelry made from fallen branches by Maura Cummings.

14. Exhale Hookah Lounge & Kabob Grill – Belly dancing performed by Jenan.

15. The Fanciful Fox – “HHM Holiday”: hand painted ornaments personalized on the spot by Samantha Rosenkrans.

16. Fidelity Bank – “A Charlie Brown Christmas”: mixed media work by Virginia Pinto Sosik; music by The Marko Marcinko Jazz Trio.

17. Freedlove – Music by DJ Salinger from NYC.

18. GreenBeing – “Nature”: works in acrylic, watercolor, and pen and ink by Elizabeth Lordan.

19. Hope Horn Gallery (Hyland Hall at The University of Scranton) – 26th Annual University of Scranton Juried Student Exhibition.

20. The Keys – “A December To Dismember”: featuring mixed media work by Sean Flynn and Sean McHale; music by Those Clever Foxes, The Fox Method, and A Fire With Friends.

21. Lackawanna County Children’s Library – “The Polar Express”: model train display by Jim Loven; a mural of Nay Aug Park by Liz Kluesner; story book hour with Laureen Maloney followed by children’s craft and Polar Express hot chocolate.

22. Laura Craig Galleries – “Recent Works”: oil paintings by Thomas Wise.

23. Lavish Body and Home – “SNOW GLOBE!”: watercolors by Jack Puhl.

24. Marquis Art & Frame – “Local Realism”: oil paintings on hardboard by Mike Trovato.

25. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts at The University of Scranton – “Our Town”: a performance by Th e University of Scranton Players.

26. The Platform Lounge at Trax Bar and Grille – “Forest Whispers”: Oil pastels by Simona Gavern.

27. New Visions Studio & Gallery – “Give the Gift Of Art”: exhibit and sale featuring more than 25 artists; music by Donnie Kirchner.

28. Nimble Hill Winery, Chocolate Creations, Cangiano’s Deli, Semian Realty Group – “Recalling Warmer Times”: watercolors by Jan Henning; music by Mark Sillman.

29. Northern Light Espresso Bar – Watercolors of the Endless Mountains.

30. Pierre’s Fine Clothing & Accessories – “Deck the Halls”: Digital photography by Sarah Edwards.

31. POSH at Scranton Club – “A Taste of POSH”: Leslie Bacanelli’s photographs, Discovering Beauty in Every Frame; accompanied by live music.

32. Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – “Terror At Tinsel Tower”: drawings in marker by Brian Langan.

33. STAR Gallery – “The Biggest Art Party In Town”: mixed media by local artists.

34. Starbucks – “Hands & Hooves”: children’s art chosen by Marley’s Mission.

35. The Vintage Theater – “The Moth Project”: mixed media by members of the community; benefit for The Children’s Advocacy Center.

36. Well-Heeled – Various oil and watercolor paintings by Michael Neary.

37. Wendell & Company Interior Design & Antiques – “Holiday Stars at The Ritz”: custom made Swarovski crystal figurines and ornaments by Crystal Mountain presented by Carl Schaner; Murano Glass pendants and Murano gifts sets by Ann M. Miner; Amber jewelry & beads by Andzia; music by pianist Dan Darlymple.

38. Windsor Studio – “Assorted Surrealties”: photographic and lens-based art by Peter Hocking.

39. Wright Center Student Health Clinic at Seeley Hall, Lackawanna College – Open House, featuring oil paintings by Karen Vance.

While this kept some people away or at least from visibly roaming the streets in search of First Friday venues, the turnout was robust (Lavish reports they had over 70 people walk into their establishment). Local universities represented themselves well as Marywood architecture students took to the square to showcase their “Sustainable Architecture” and the Hope Horn Gallery at the University of Scranton highlighted “The Sherwin Series” exhibit, a mix of photos, prints, and digital images set against Sherwin Williams paint samples (speaking towards the housing crisis).

Thirty-three other venues opened their doors as well to a good reception. In addition to the art several businesses expressed their musical side by hosting local bands, a capella groups, and jazz artists.

- Jeff Boris, Executive Director

1. AFA – “November, Artists for Art”: photography by John Budash, ceramics by Mike McGoff, mixed media by Christine Medley.

2. ArtWorks Gallery & Studio – “Samhain: A Celebration of the Arts”: enamel by Jenn Bell, printmaking by Peter Hoffer, jewelry by Paul Neilsen, wood works by Ted Sokolowski.

3. Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts, LLC – “101 Ways To Survive A Broken Heart”: Kevin Adcroft book signing.

4. The Bog – Eric Brocious paintings.

5. B’s Floral – “Recent Works in Oil”: by Alison Schmidt, live music by Jung Bergo.

6. City Lights – Live music by City Lights Band at 7:30 and Witherfade at 7:45.

7. Courthouse Square – “Sustainable Architecture Pavilions for Northeast Pennsylvania”: Marywood University School of Architecture Students.

8. Creedon’s Flower Shop – “Private Myth”: Marcelle Reinecke figurative painting.

9. Duffy Accessories – “Flowers and Feathers”: paintings by Lisa Temples Maopolski.

10. Eden – a vegan cafe – Eden’s 3-year anniversary art show.

11. Exhale Hookah Lounge & Kabob Grill – Belly dancing by Jenan.

12. Fanciful Fox – “Bionic Me!”: paintings and jewelry by Lindsay Barrasse.

13. Farley’s – Argentine Tango at Farley’s.

14. Fidelity Bank – “Contemporary Songbook”: Erin Malloy Duo.

15. GreenBeing – “Gardens in Glass Kelley Nash Living Art”: miniature gardens, salves & herbs.

16. Jersey Style Subs – “Art on the Wall”: photography by Edward Kucha; paintings by Joseph Paciotti; music by Stones of Atlantis.

17. The Keys – “Cut Along the Dotted Line”: acrylic paint and mixed media by Ali Pica and Samantha Rosenkrans. Music by The Invisible Swordsmen.

18. Laura Craig Galleries – “Autumn Regales”: ceramic by Robert Crystal.

19. Lavish Body and Home – “The New Collection”: handknit scarves in feathers, beads and wool by Norma Ishak.

20. Marquis Art and Frame – Oil paintings by Andrzej Szynal.

21. New Visions Studio & Gallery – “Off the Wall”: glass, books & more by Erica Simon, Michael Swanson, Heather Murphy, and Lolita Nogan.

22. Nimble Hill Winery, Cangiano’s Deli, Chocolate
Creations, Semian Realty Group – Photography by Sayde Machek, live music by Mark Sillman.

23. Northern Light Espresso Bar – BReynolds Photography.

24. Pierre’s Fine Clothing & Accessories – Digital Photography by Sarah Edwards.

25. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – “Riding the Rails on Wyoming Ave”: Anthracite Heritage Museum: Religion and Railroads, Stone Angels Photography by Ed Snyder, “Monili by Mary”: hand crafted jewelry by Mary Caponigro, “Lionel Trains” by Don Beemer, University of Scranton Singers: Men and Women of the Octaves, The Great Escape “Paper Mache” Keystone Community Resources, “Funeral
Mourning Exhibit” by Dunmore Cemetary Players, live music and performances in the church, Robert Dale Chorale: Chorale Sampler of 2011/2012 Season, poetry reading by Various Artists.

26. STAR Gallery – “Lace & Beyond”: Photographs-Scranton Lace Co. by Jason Healey, Acrylic Spiritual Paintings by Mildred Williams.

27. Vintage Theater – “East Meets West II”: The second part in a series focusing on eastern art and its place in the western world. Art, music, fashion and food from Nepali.

28. Well-Heeled – Various oil and watercolor painting by Michael Neary.

29. Wendell & Company Interior Design & Antiques – “At The Ritz”: custom art umbrellas by Ellen Drake Beechko, “Fabulous Fall Fashion Furs” by Marisa Fabri, photography by Edward Osborne, contemporary acrylic paintings by Fred Kulick.

30. Whiskey Dick’s – Boys & Girls Club guest bartender fundraiser.

Located at 323 N. Washington, Creedon’s has been a loyal First Friday venue by hosting various talented local artists.

1. AFA Gallery – “Selected Works: 1972-Present”: by Louis Rogai.
2. Alexander’s Salon & Spa – “Live Art for Life”: Fashion show benefiting The Susan G. Komen Foundation.
3. ArtWorks Gallery & Studio – “Points of Departure”: drawings & paintings  by William Amptman; ceramic sculpture by Mark Chuck; jazz music by Rich  Jenkins.
4. The Bog – “Galaxies Within”: paintings by Matt Rattigan.
5. B’s Floral Design, Inc. – “Celestial Creations”: mixed media hand sculpture by Theresa Popiolek.
6. Camerawork Gallery – “The Museum Guard Project”: photography by Paul Greenberg.
7. City Café – “An American’s View of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton”: photography by Francine Douaihy.
8. City Lights – “Trip the Light Fantastic”: lite brites by Marywood University students.
9. Connell Building – Mixed media by Johnson College students; music by  Sage Grass Drifters.
10. The Crazy Pineapple – “Raven Lunatic”: giclee prints by Kamilla White.
11. Creedon’s Flower Shop – Illustrations by Jess Bruno and Nathan Miller, accompanied by Jeff Brozena on the Tabla.
12. Duff y Accessories – “Collage O’Fall”: mixed media by various low-key  artists.
13. Electric City Tattoo Gallery – “Carson & Schmidt: Mind & Body”: by  Michael Carson and Allison Schmidt.
14. Elm Park Church Community House – “Art Show”: various media by various local artists.
15. Essence of Paradise – “Hand Painted Organic Fair Trade Fashion”: paint by Para-Dice Jackson; music by L-Citty DJ.
16. Exhale Hookah Lounge & Kabob Grill – Belly dancing by Jenan.
17. The Faniciful Fox – Mixed media jewelry & books by Corrie Grant; music by Celestial Horizons.
18. Farley’s – Argentine Tango.
19. Fidelity Bank – Various media by Keystone College students.
20. Fig – “Autumn”: photography by Russell Lucas; paper sculpture by Kristen Caudullo Martelli; music by D’Leah.
21. GreenBeing – “Graphic Prints & Handmade Goods”: by Samantha Nardelli and Jenn Jimenez.
22. The Grove Media – “iMAGES”: photography by A. Greg Raymond.
23. Hope Horn Gallery – “Taiwan Sublime”: photography.
24. Jersey Style Subs – “Art on the Wall”: photography by Edward Kucha; paintings by Joseph Paciotti; music by Stones of Atlantis.
25. The Keys – “A Tribute to Evil Dead”: various media by various artists;  music by Walt Prez & The Awesome.
26. Laura Craig Galleries – “Autumn Regales”: ceramic by Robert Crystal.
27. Mackarey & Mackarey Physical Therapy – Photography by Eileen Barett  Notarianni; music by East Coast Trio.
28. Marquis Art & Frame – “Continual”: various media by Leigh Pawling; acrylic on canvas by Nina Davidowitz; metal sculpture by Mike Trovato.
29. Martini Grill – “Birdie”: woodblock prints by Sam Barrese, proceeds  benefiting the American Red Cross.
30. NAMI PA – “Annual Candlelight Vigil”: Candlelight Awards, speakers,  refreshments, friendship and song to raise awareness of mental illness,  treatment and recovery.
31. New Visions Studio & Gallery – “Nightmare on Vine Street”: spooky narrative through photography by Alex Seeley; glass blown pumpkins, black light paintings, horror books by Erica Simon; multimedia haunted masks by
Nick Shotwell.
32. Nimble Hill Winery, Cangiano’s Deli, Chocolate Creations, Semian Realty Group – “Nelstra Gallery”: window art by John Nelson; photography by Barb Nelson; music by Kevin Reilly.
33. Northern Light Espresso Bar – “Greenfi eld”: scanned negatives by Jason Reidmiller; music by Panked! DJs.
34. NOW Hair Studio – “Hats and Jewelry”: watercolors by Lois Kearney; jewelry design by Kristie Miller McMahon.
35. Pierre’s Fine Clothing & Accessories – “The Roads Less Traveled”: photography by Sarah Edwards.
36. Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – “From One Cultural Center to Another”: Rebuilding the Dietrich Th eater One Photograph at a Time:  photography by Dale Wilsey, Jr.
37. The Scranton Times – “Storm Fronts”: photography from The Times-Tribune Archives.
38. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – “4th Annual Pet Blessing”: by Rev. Philip  Altavilla assisted by Rev. Michael Kloton; pet clothing by Ann Krause; various media by Verve Vertu; pet care display by Springbrook Kennels; stained glass by Lawrence Studios; Griffi n Pond Animal Shelter available pets for adoption; paper mache by Keystone Community Resources, Dr. Seuss on the Loose; live performance by Welcome Waggers & Pet Prancers; music by The University of Scranton’s Men & Women for Octaves.
39. St. Peter’s Cathedral – “How Can I Keep From Singing”: by The St. Peter’s Cathedral Choir and Th e Scranton Preparatory School Student Choir.
40. STAR Gallery – “Nature’s Way”: photography by Tom Gavern; paintings by Nancy Hickok; music by Jim Buckley Jazz Duo.
41.  The Vintage  Theater – “La Isla Foundation”: photography by Colin Dempsey; various drawings from children of Nicaragua.
42. Wendell & Company Interior Design & Antiques – “At the Ritz”: acrylic abstraction by Andrew Valanda; live performance by The Dearly
Departed Players; photography by Edward Osborne.
43. Windsor Studio – “Cartoon and Comic Illustrations”: colored pencils, markers and digitally colored art by Gerry Stankiewicz.

For over 25 years the philosophy of Marquis Art & Frame is of “serving the customer well” and “always quality”.  That rings true as you enter this beautiful gallery.  This great business is also a strong supporter of First Friday Scranton.  Thank you for being one more reason why Scranton is such a wonderful place.