I’m sorry. I swore that I would not write another single word about the weather, but it’s all anybody is talking (and posting on social media) about. Well, that and Lady Gaga—and I’m not even sure who she is. While I am rarely at a loss for words, most often it’s because I have left my house, ventured out into the world and seen people, taken in a show or attended the most recent art gallery installation. The past week has seen more frigid, relentless (almost unspeakable) double-digit dips on the thermometer, causing even more cancellations and folks to stay in and keep the home fires burning, lest Jack Frost sneak in and take our breath away.

I must say, we had snow a few days ago that was downright magical. It was so cold, that the ice crystals forming as the snow reached the earth caused an effect that only happens once in a while. Glittering, sparkling and looking like a special effect in a film, the landscape was covered in a blanket of magical fairy dust that had me running for the camera, making a valiant effort to capture it on film. Lord knows I tried, but ever mindful of the onset of frostbite, I only stayed out for a bit. Instead, I went online and recommended to all of our friends here in the Upper Delaware River Valley to dash outside (for a brief shining moment) and see for themselves.

Constantly honing my social networking skills, I attached a photo of the snow coming down, to assist in the visual, glitter not included. “Catskill fantasy snow alert!” I wrote, “Check it out and get back to me.” One by one, the reports trickled in from my pals bold enough to brave the brisk winds that dire warnings had suggested we eschew. “Oooooh, pretty!” Mary Bakalis reported in from Richmond Hill. “Yup, confirmed!” chimed in musician Keith Newman from his post in Kauneonga Lake, as he posted a pic of his own. “I just got warm, and now I’m chilly again from looking outside,” cried Hurleyville’s Lorraine Allen, “but it sure is pretty.” One by one, the comments were posted, as folks from far and wide took my advice and checked out the scene, before it was too late. “Very, very beautiful,” wrote Honey Hill Pottery’s Ellany Gable from her studio in Callicoon. “Thanks for the heads up.”

Satisfied that I was the Pied Piper of Sullivan County, I retired to my office to rest on my laurels. Piles of paper littered my desk, and as I shuffled them about, I cringed. “Oh, I forgot!” I barked at the dog, “We went to that cool art show in Narrowsburg (www.artsalliancesite.org). What was it called?” Ambling over with the program between her teeth, Dharma dropped it at my feet and went back to her bone. “Figuratively Speaking,” it read, and I perused curator Rocky Pinciotti’s notes to refresh my memory. “The human figure is one of the most enduring themes in the visual arts,” he wrote. “Contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from the human body as a way to explore emotions, relationships, and indeed the human soul. Figural art is an integral part of mankind’s ongoing reflection on who we are.”

Pinciotti’s words reverberated as I perused the photos I had taken last week, recalling the array of artists’ work and the never-ending inspiration I personally gain from a stroll through the Alliance Gallery. Amid the large sculptures, mixed with tiny sketchbooks and everything in between, the show’s common theme was evident throughout, even as the mediums (oils, acryllics, photographic prints and chicken wire figures) changed around every corner. The opening reception also served as a springboard for the debut of curator Phyllis Bilick’s “B Gallery,” which is the DVAA’s newest online venture and (IMHO) well worth perusing. Recalling my conversation with mixed-media sculptor Nancy Lew Lee, I chuckled. “Don’t worry, Jonathan,” she advised. “This one won’t scare you!” Referring to an off-hand comment I made years ago regarding one of Lee’s installations, I was reminded of the power (LOL) of my humble opinion. True to her word, I found Nancy’s “Three Buddhas” to be mystical, impressive, beautiful and serene to gaze upon and not frightening in the least. Overall, the entire exhibit yet another reminder of just how much talent resides in our neck of the woods. Don’t take my word for it, go see for yourself. The show is running through March 14, so there’s still time to button up your overcoat (when the wind is free). Take good care of yourself and get back to me.