The Gallery of Scranton Celebrates Special Showcase

The Gallery of Scranton will celebrate naming “Diva Theater its “Theater in Residence” and the closing of “The Artist’s Soul” exhibit with a special presentation on Friday, May 5.


The Diva troupe will use music, movement, acting and original works in response to the visual art of
prominent Northeast Pennsylvania artists Robert Bergstrasser, Michele Davis, Paul DeLuca, Timothy Hawkesworth, Earl Lehman, Allison Maslow, Travis Prince, Frank Wengen, and the gallery’s owner, Helen Lavelle, who were all featured in “The Artist’s Soul” exhibit. The collaborative event is sponsored by Fidelity Bank who understands the positive impact that the arts have in our community. “The importance of the arts and creative sector on economic growth and vitality is often overlooked, but cannot be overstated,” said Dan Santaniello, president of Fidelity Bank.


“Collaborative partnerships between nonprofits and the business sector make sense for our community.” Diva Theater is a nonprofit, award-winning community theater celebrating its 25th Anniversary in the city of Scranton. The company is under the direction of Paige and Bob Balitski with performances held in the Olde Brick Theatre. The performers have been rehearsing in the gallery itself and Paige Balitski said she is excited for the chance to partner on this special event.


“At Diva Theater, we pride ourselves in producing original plays by local writers and showcasing the
talented performers we have here in Northeast PA. Everything we do works toward fostering the arts
throughout the community so we are excited to partner with Helen and The Gallery of Scranton to bring the work of these accomplished artists to life,” she said.


The Gallery of Scranton will open at 5 p.m. and the Diva performance will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Attendees will have a chance to meet and interact with all of the performers during a reception following their ½ hour show. Lavelle adds, “When the arts are integrated into the fabric of our community, great things happen. The Artist’s Soul exhibit has been viewed by hundreds to date. Now we are honored to bring Diva Theater talent to The Gallery of Scranton…and are thankful to Fidelity Bank whose support allows all to enjoy this performance free of charge.”

The Gallery of Scranton Grand Opening

Get your first look at Scranton’s newest art gallery and see inside the minds of some brilliant regional artists during First Friday Scranton’s first time event on Friday, April 7.
Acclaimed Scranton artist Helen Lavelle invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of The
Gallery of Scranton, and the launch of its inaugural exhibit “The Artist’s Soul”, from 5-9 p.m. at 323
North Washington Avenue in Scranton. In addition to Lavelle’s art, “The Artist’s Soul” show features work from prominent Northeast Pennsylvania artists Robert Bergstrasser, Michele Davis, Paul DeLuca, Timothy Hawkesworth, Earl Lehman, Allison Maslow, Travis Prince and Frank Wengen.
“As a direct result of my recent successful exhibit in New York, I was moved to show off the talent of
incredible artists right here at home. These artists provide creative, intellectual and emotional insights into society at large,” states Ms. Lavelle, a nationally recognized leader in the advertising industry. “Their work impacts the masses and challenges the status quo.”


The Gallery is located in the historic Professional Arts Building, (formerly the Medical Arts Building);
the street location which Ms. Lavelle believes will enhance the exciting Renaissance happening in
Downtown Scranton. “The importance of the arts and creative sector on economic growth and vitality
is often overlooked, but cannot be overstated,” continues Ms. Lavelle. The theme “The Artist’s Soul” challenged the willingness of this diverse group to reveal the real, the raw, the honest art that is coming out of Northeast Pennsylvania. The show which will be personally curated by Ms. Lavelle, breaks the barriers down between Lackawanna, Luzerne and surrounding counties as well. “Great art knows no bounds, we know no boundaries.” This group has exhibited locally and regionally…some nationally and internationally—to critical acclaim. This inaugural show gives the community the opportunity to meet and interact with these artists.


Lavelle said she plans to host more collaborative events at The Gallery in the future. Bringing the arts in every genre together sets the stage for memorable human interactions…all focused on quality of life. For more information about The Gallery in the future and its grand opening celebration, contact Lavelle at hlavelle@lavellestrategy.com.