Join us for First Friday Scranton.

Wes Akers

ARTIST'S BIO

My artistic journey has been fully intuitive and based on adventure and exploration. For myself, the active process of making artwork is much more rewarding and exciting than the outcome, as I am interested in the ways in which creativity expresses itself through us. Simply put, I act as a sieve for whatever wants to come through the camera. This is achieved very simply and without much, if any thought whatsoever, through a combination of work ethic and spontaneity. It is much more an act of allowing rather than force. I find that doing the work out of enjoyment, while simultaneously restricting mental judgement of the work, is what allows for interesting and emotional work to present itself. These works fall at a photographic intersection where diaristic photography, landscape photography, and environmental portraiture meet. 

Joel Shambe

ARTIST'S BIO

“Working representationally, I strive to create narrative images. I enjoy combining elements of humor and satire while taking inspiration from the world around me.  

My intent is always to create images capable of inviting any viewer to stop and become, “part of” my work. I always hope that a relationship will develop between us: the painter and the viewer of painting and that it is a satisfying relationship“ -Joel Shambe  

A native of Northeast Pennsylvania, Mr. Shambe is a graduate of Luzerne County Community College and  The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He has also studied privately at Studio Incamminati, and with Philadelphia painters, Carlo Russo and, the late, Patrick Connors.   

He has enjoyed several solo shows and has been contracted to produce artwork for several corporate and private collections, including the U.S. Army. His work appears in collections both in the U.S. and abroad.  Mr. Shambe is a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and the U. S. Army 

Monica Noelle Simon

ARTIST'S BIO

Monica Noelle Simon (M.Noelle) is a visual artist, poet, and community activist from Northeastern Pa. She explores fantasy worlds to escape the mundane through sketching, murals and paintings. Encouraging creativity and exploration in art is a main mission in her life as she has experienced firsthand the divine healing that can come with creation.  

In this show you will find mystical pieces of work that will hopefully inspire you to escape the gray concrete and endless city traffic into a place of wonder, hope and endless possibilities.  

If you can’t find magic in your own world, M.Noelle feels that is just a challenge to create your own. Everyone carries this magic in their own pocket.