A Little Town with a lot of ART...

Ever end up in Binghamton?

While living in Upstate NY (thats the real upstate and not the catskills as some of you NY City dwellers seem to think), I would travel via Grey Hound Bus Lines. Like clockwork the buses would always stop over in Binghamton NY for a layover. I was never impressed by the great pot hole parking lot near an old brick building, that the city of Binghamton calls its bus station. I was even less impressed when the bus would take the "long way" around the "city" to get back to the road to civilization. It was then that I swore to myself that I would never end up in that little hole in the wall town. Little did I know that, not 2 months after graduating from SUNY Oswego, I would spend 6 months living in this little town. It was probably the best 6 months of my life.

Binghamton is nothing exceptional to look at. From what I recall, their great claim to fame was a bunch of old carousels and IBM. However, the people there were just wonderful. If you made the effort to be nice, the town would welcome you with its arms wide open. I always remark that if the town had a better economy, I would not at all mind living there. Binghamton is close enough to the city (NY City that is) and is far away enough to be considered the middle of nowhere. And, most important of all, if you are a SciFi fan, it is also the home to Rod Sterling (Mr. Twilight Zone himself) and his weird little museum.

I think I digress.

I was in Binghamton this past weekend, attending the art opening of my friend Mike Leonard (check out his stuff here www.michaelleonardphoto.com ) at the Brunelli Fine Arts Gallery (check them out here www.anthonybrunelli.com) and I was astonished at the crowd that showed up. At one point I felt very claustrophobic.

As I walked outside, down State St. I was flabbergasted at the number of people that made it out to the first friday events. It was incredible.

So, in a long and winded way I suppose what I am trying to say is a few things;

1. You never know where you are going to end up so never say never.
2. Binghamton is a great little town with a lot of art and even more very pleasant people.
3. I talk too much and should learn to keep things to a 250 word max. story.

So, if you are ever in the neighborhood, check out Binghamton's Art scene and stop by the fine folks at the Brunelli Art Gallery.


Now, stop wasting your time reading this and go do something useful with your life. :D