While the above words might not necessarily be my mantra, they did bubble up to the surface over the last week as I zipped around town, doing what I do.

 After agreeing to put in some time at the post-Artwalk pop-up exhibit, which is tem­porarily housed in the the soon-to-be-renovated Callicoon Depot, I wasn’t surprised that zero art enthusiasts showed up during my two-hour stint, shared with fellow artists Sam Hotchkiss and Ramona Jan. 

It was a gorgeous but blustery day, it was early (in the grand scheme of things) and it’s possible that there just wasn’t any interest, all of which could have sent me into a tailspin, but did not.

I chose instead, to “accentuate the positive” and enjoy my time with That Dog Named Gidget. And I chatted with Artwalk/pop-up organizer Nicole Vallance, Sam and Ramona, all of whom also put in time and effort to be present and accounted for. 

The artwork is still there for one more week. Feel free to swing by (check in at www.thecallicoondepot.org for more info) and support local artists.

I beat a somewhat hasty retreat from Callicoon, having made plans to take in a show at the Krause Recital Hall, housed in the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance in Narrowsburg, NY. Produced by Act Underground Theatre, the show consisted of a pair of one-acts written by Elaine May (“The Way of all Fish”) and Alan Arkin (“Virtual Reality”). Directed by Kyoshin Lohr and featuring Lisa Gonsalves, Tina Gordon, Matt Carpenter and Matt Nolen, respectively, the show was titled “Power Plays.” While it may have had its ups and downs, I prefer to (you guessed it) accentuate the positive—and I’ll tell you why.

Making theatre is not easy. I have a smattering of first-hand knowledge and experience doing so and can speak to it from a personal perspective. At the end of the day (and I suppose the beginning and middle, too) it’s (alert the media!) not about me. It’s about talented individuals pouring their hearts and souls into living creative lives and I have nothing but respect and admiration for them and that. After all, who am I to say anything (this time anyhow—don’t get used to it) other than both shows have merit. While I might have liked one more than the other, I can unequivocally state that each of the performers had their moments to shine. 

Additionally, Lohr’s casting and directorial choices were smart, and the place was packed.

More to the heart of the matter is that it’s not about the material per se (this time, anyhow), but rather the people involved. It’s about actors acting, directors directing, sound technicians sounding (wait...what?) and the small army of folks behind the scenes putting their blood, sweat and tears (there are always a few tears) into a project collectively. They are working together to make something for others to enjoy, or experience, or be mad at. 

It doesn’t really matter (IMHO) whether it’s good, bad or ugly. It’s art for art’s sake and I applaud it.

Well, this time, anyhow. I’ve said it before, and I’ll undoubtedly say it again. Go, see, support. We can always discuss it later.

You don’t have to be a mind reader to know that accentuating the positive is not always at the top of my to-do list, but it’s possible that mentalist Vinny DePonto knew that I had reservations to catch his mind-reading act last Saturday in the Event Gallery at Bethel Woods.

Possible, but unlikely, since a mentalist is (according to the Google) “a performing artist or practitioner who simulates psychic abilities,” rather than claiming to possess them. Mentalists perform “intuitive mind feats that trick the audience into believing in their supernatural powers,” and that is precisely what DePonto did for an appreciative crowd during his show last weekend.

Funny, clever, and alarmingly (how’d he do that?) accurate, DePonto entertained us with sight gags, audience participation and more than a few tricks involving what actually appeared to be mind-reading abilities. Vinny was the first to admit that it’s all an act, and allegedly learned the tricks of the trade doing some time with an actual traveling carnival. 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t even matter if that’s all just part of the routine, because he delivers the goods. While the self-professed “hipster” weaved in and out of the audience—while somehow keeping track of names, faces, numbers and suits of cards—he managed to keep us mesmerized and amazed with his prowess at keeping the illusion alive.

Even the dog was entranced. 

Did some of the show drag a little? We’ll never know, because I’m all about accentuating the positive. This time, anyhow. Don’t get used to it.

For more, follow Act Underground Theatre Company on Facebook and go to http://www.vinnydeponto.com.

Fun Fact: If you’re like me, you might be under the impression that “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive” is a popular song from a Disney film—but in fact, it was never used as such. Published in 1944, the music was written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 18th Academy Awards in 1945 after being used in the film “Here Come the Waves.” Hmmm.