All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Mendon Ponds by Lisa Cook , 16x20-in, $200, Print $75 Lisa’s photos are featured on the East Wall of the Gallery, a series of beautiful black and white photographs. There is a term often used “having a good eye”. It refers to someone who can look at something and finding a wonderful composition. Often many folks might even walk by these subject entirely…but Lisa has kept her “creative eyes open” and seen and captured the beauty encountered while walking through the local parks and her neighborhood. Mendon Ponds is a great subject matter for photography with its varied and striking natural features, and Lisa has focused on an amazing graphic interplay of grasses. They are lined up symmetrically, with the curved plants providing a foundation for the soaring grasses that reach to the top of the photograph. She utilizes the black and white medium effectively, almost stripping out any tones other than the strong blacks and whites of the composition. This is a subject that she saw, reacted to, composed in the camera and created a wonderful photograph which is a “mini-landscape”…a small detail of an overall landscape which stands by itself as a beautiful component standing by itself, not needing a wide angle shot showing earth, water and sky, but just a small and beautiful part of Mendon Ponds Park. By Steve Levinson
	Rocky Mountaineer Train by John Ejaife, 17x23-in, $180, Print $75 This collection of work by John has offered us an opportunity to join him as he and his family traveled through the Canadian Rockies.  These are all wonderful, but Rocky Mountaineer Train” caught my eye because of how well it was composed.  It appears that John has put on his “Indiana Jones” hat and was sitting on top of a moving train snapping photographs with one hand and cracking his whip with the other! In fact, the train provides a transparent encasement safely take such photos. The blue Canadian Rockies with the majestic white clouds are a fitting background. The rolling river on the left holds down that side of the image along with the pine tree at exactly the 1/3 point on the left. The steep cliff on the right completes the excellent framing and our subject, the train, snakes us through the frame with the prospect of discovery ahead of us. This is a well thought out composition, as complete as any landscape photo I’ve seen. Well done, John. By Don Menges
	Crested Center by Eric Granger, 18x23-in, $210, Print $90   Eric Granger has an intriguing collection of Saguaro Cactus photographs, displaying its habitat and the different varieties of appearance. They are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert, in southern Arizona and western Sonora, Mexico. Though they are found in a relatively small area they have come to symbolize the “West.” Eric’s full exhibit is beautiful, but he garners a Gallery Pick for Crested Center. I particularly liked the close-up of the ‘crested’ fan-like structure both as a photograph that kept me looking at it, but also as something intriguing that I wanted to know more about. The ‘fan’ has multiple branches, some that continue and others that create a “V,” while others end by being rounded off. Still others seemingly twist to return to create a straight upward trajectory. There are triangles galore and a contrasting color with the more ‘regular’ vertical arms of the plant. Is this because they are not as full of water as the vertical parts? It’s fun to try to follow one of the numerous branches (leading lines) and try to work out where they lead to or wonder what happens when they seem to truncate, but then begin again. I also had the urge to learn more about this cactus. For some reason, that the scientists have not quite figured out the vertical growth of the arm is interrupted, and the cells divide horizontally instead. Yet, as seen in Eric’s descriptive photo, at some point during their average life span or over 150 years, the horizontal cells began vertical growth creating even more arms. The arms store the water, as well as support the flowers that are pollinated by bats, birds, and insects. If pollinate, by summer small fruit grow on the branches that provide seeds for new plants. The seeds pass through the digestive system when the fruit is eaten by a coyote or cactus wren but are consumed in the digestive system of a dove or quail. A saguaro can produce some 20-40 million seed during it lifetime, but it’s estimated that perhaps 1 or 2 will become an adult. What a cool photo! By Dick Bennett
	Sugar Bush Butterfly by Lee Ingraham. 18x23-in, $300, print $100 Lee Ingraham’s Gallery Pick, Sugar Bush Butterfly,  is a delightful composite photo that combines the charm of butterflies with the beauty of spring, as well as autumn, maple leaves. Each part of the photo includes photos taken by Lee and then manipulated very carefully as Lee processed and artistically designed the final image. This captivating blend of nature’s elegance made me linger as I stared at the image. With its vivid colors and careful placement of each of the butterflies and leaves, Lee has managed to merge two distinct natural wonders into a harmonious portrayal of whimsical enjoyment. The composition of the image is masterful. Each butterfly had to be carefully placed within just the right spot of each of the layered leaves. Lee included an image of a maple tree branch as it is bursting into springtime blossoms and has cleverly placed the butterfly images to appear as if they are pollinating the blossoms. At the same time, the different hues of orange, yellow and green leaves blend harmoniously, reminiscent of the striking transition of fall foliage. By including both seasons in the image, and through the lively colors, the image evokes a sense of warmth and playfulness. The attention to detail in this composite photo is exquisite. Each “wing” exhibits meticulous patterns and intricate veining, recreating the delicate intricacies found in actual butterfly wings. The transformation of maple leaves into such delicate and graceful structures is a testament to Lee’s creativity and skill. As I studied the image, I found myself being drawn into its ethereal qualities. The harmonious combination of butterflies with maple leaves awakened a sense of tranquility and an appreciation for the ever-changing beauty of nature. In this and Lee’s other images, the viewer is immersed into a world where boundaries blur, reminding us of the interconnectedness and symbiotic relationship within the ecosystem. Congratulations, Lee, on a splendid image! By Marie Costanza
	Mater by Amy Palermo, 16x20-in, $150, print $75 Similar to the rusted tow truck cartoon character named Mater, who captures the hearts of many who have seen the movie, Cars, I couldn’t help to be captivated also by Amy Palermo’s Gallery Pick entitled Mater. Amy’s image depicts a mesmerizing subject, showcasing a small section of a red rusted vehicle resting among plants. Staring at the image, I wondered if the vehicle is a tow truck, like Mater, or if it is a vintage van or car. The composition of the photograph is skillfully executed, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central subject---the tail lights on the vehicle. The vibrant red hue stands out vividly against the shiny tones of the taillights, which have withstood the passing of time, with just hints of rust shown on the screws. The rusted patches on the surface and the rusted-out hole that perhaps once held hardware to hold up a bumper, tells a story of its history and evokes a sense of nostalgia; while the patch of flowers symbolizes the resilience of nature. The interplay of color and textures adds depth and intrigue to the photo. The juxtaposition of the vibrant, weathered vehicle placed just slightly above the natural setting of foliage creates a captivating visual experience. This allows the viewer to appreciate the vehicle’s presence within its natural surroundings. The subject positioned near the flowers serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the cycle of life.  Once vibrant and full of life, it now stands as a relic of the past, blending with the elements of nature. Perhaps it symbolizes the transience of human existence and the eventual return of all things to earth. The photo’s narrative invites viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the beauty found in the interconnection of man-made objects and the natural world.  It is a testament to the power of photography to capture history and evoke emotions.   Nicely done, Amy! By Marie Costanza.