Hughes Library Art Gallery
After the closing of the Pocono Arts Council, the Hughes Art Gallery at the Eastern Monroe Public Library has emerged as a vital space for celebrating and showcasing local artistic talent. Located within the Hughes branch, the gallery reflects the library’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment within the community. The gallery offers artists an opportunity to display their original works for a three-month exhibit, maintaining professional gallery standards to ensure a meaningful experience for both artists and visitors. The library’s agreement with participating artists emphasizes originality, safety, and responsibility. While the library takes reasonable precautions to protect displayed works, it encourages artists to secure their own insurance, as it cannot guarantee protection against damage or loss. Artists retain full control over the sale of their artwork, with no fees required by the library, though donations to support library programs are welcomed following a sale. This collaboration underscores the library’s role as a community hub, supporting artists while enriching the cultural landscape of Monroe County.
If you’re interested in exhibiting your artwork, please fill out a Library Gallery Application and review the Library Gallery Agreement Form to understand the guidelines and process for participating in this gallery space.
Current Artist: Jack Swersie
Yes, I use a camera to create art but I am not a photographer in the traditional sense. I call myself a “photo-artist” and it’s the subject matter that makes my work stand out, not the technical quality of the photograph itself. Nine years ago, after retiring from a 35-year stand-up comedy career, I bought a camera and started creating my photo-art. I immerse myself in different series until I no longer find pleasure in them and then I focus on something new. In the beginning, I had my Shadow series and, after that, my Whimsical series. (It’s no surprise that much of my early work and some of my current art has a comical bent to it.) I moved on to my Black & White series, followed by Cars & Guitars, Love & Peace, Robots Gone Wild and the Secret Lives of Corkscrews series. And then, there were four years of Political Art which saw much success. I never know where I’m going next with my art, but I always strive to create images that are different than anything else that is out there.
To start 2025 off on the right foot, I’m presenting my “Love & Peace” series. This exhibit will remain at the library for one month, at which time I’ll replace it with yet another series of my photo-art.
If interested in purchasing any of these single-edition prints (once I sell a piece of art, I’ll never sell another of the same), please email me at jackswer@ptd.net or contact me through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jack.swersie).