First Posted: 11/24/2014

The sense of community spirit shines especially bright during the holiday season and a perfect exhibit of “neighbors helping neighbors” will be on display at the Back Mountain Memorial Library for the month of December.

Both the library’s Art Wall and Display Case will feature the exquisite creations of the artists of the Verve Vertu Studio located on Main Street, Dallas.

Gwen Harleman, director of Verve Vertu, is proud to announce that Verve Vertu has been active in the Back Mountain for one year now after spending the past eight years in Wilkes-Barre.

“The Back Mountain is a good fit for us”, says Harleman. She is pleased with the response that Back Mountain businesses and residents have shown to Verve Vertu. She also adds that several of the artists have received international recognition, having their artwork accepted into the Bryn Mawr International Juried Exhibit, located near Philadelphia.

The studio includes the Gallery, where art work is displayed; a work area including desks, tables and art supply room where the pieces are created; and a newly-added kitchen where (shhh!) cooking classes may be offered in the future.

Verve Vertu is part of the Deutsch Institute of Scranton and offers persons with emotional, physical and/or intellectual challenges a place where they can comfortably allow their creativity to develop. Its popularity is rapidly growing and Verve Vertu welcomes all interested residents the opportunity to participate in their individual and group art instructions, such as learning batik, etc. and an upcoming “Yoga and Healing Depression Workshop.”

The studio will hold an Open House from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18. For more information, call 570-675-1465.