All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Sts. Cyril and Methodious Church By Dick Beery Dick Beery’s Gallery Pick entitled Sts. Cyril and Methodious Church, is part of his series of Painted Churches of Texas. The intriguing aspect of these churches is that they were made of wood, but painted to simulate stone and marble. Dick’s photograph serves as a visual reminder of the historical significance of St. Cyril & Methodius Church, one of the oldest Czech Catholic churches in Texas. In an effort to make their new churches feel more like the ancient Gothic structures of their homelands, the early settlers painted the walls, altars, and arches of their simple wooden sanctuaries in colorful patterns and clever tromp l’oeil images. Stepping into Dick’s Gallery Pick photo, which concentrates on a small section of the interior of the church, is like entering a realm of divine beauty and spiritual serenity and is a testament to the rich history that must lie within its walls.  The photograph transports the viewer back in time offering a glimpse into the past, when the settlers created the amazing paintings; while simultaneously celebrating the present, as seen in the pristine renovated walls meant to preserve the past.  Upon first glance, the composition of the photograph captivates me. Dick used an angle that leads the viewer’s eye up the colorful “marbleized” pillar and decorative walls, towards the angel overlooking the scene. The vibrant hues gently illuminate the space creating a sense of ethereal beauty. The intricate details of the painted pillar and walls, adorned with pastel hues create a kaleidoscope of colors that dance across the image. By concentrating on just one small section of the church, the photo conjures several questions that might spring to mind about the rest of the church and the early people who attended it. One thought that I have as I continue to stare at the photo, is how many children were reprimanded as their attention wandered away from the mass because there was so much to see as they sat in the pews and gazed up. It is a mesmerizing portrayal of a sacred space filled with history, beauty, and spirituality. It captures the essence of the painted church, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricate details and immerse themselves in the profound sense of peace and reverence that permeates the air.  Thank you, Dick, for bringing this and several other painted churches alive for all of us to enjoy! By Marie Costanza
	Watch Dog By Jim Dusen There is order in chaos. Driving through back roads we often encounter such scenes. Possessions piled up, often looking like a collection of “things” that should be at the landfill. The building or shack leaning to one side, the door ajar, the umbrella propped in the warning cone, has seen better days. Boxes, supermarket shopping cart filled with abandoned items. Disarray? And in the center, the protector: the Watch Dog, calm. He seems so “part of it all.” It’s a scene full of stuff, but there’s delight in the photo. It’s a story, and we might wait until the main character emerges from inside. The viewer can probably remember seeing something similar, but it makes them wonder who will emerge from the building, will the watchdog greet him/her or will the owner sic the dog on the photographer. What is the owner’s story? This photo captures this scene in an elegant composition and great use of lighting, making for wonder in the eyes of the viewer. The tree connects the photo gives life to this corner of the world. The other important factor is almost complete desaturation of the image.  It gives the sense of being “old” – not just age, but the “good old…” Really well done! By John Solberg
	An Encore Selection from 2016 Tango by Chip Evra Every one of Chip’s stellar images relate to precious moments in time, in which he has brilliantly and artistically captured scenes that tell emotional and awe-inspiring stories that cover the gamut from humor to sadness. In Tango, there is a gracefulness and passion that is unsurpassed, where all of the elements work harmoniously together. What is especially memorable, is that even in rather modest surroundings, exemplified by the bare wooden floorboards and the highly colored cement block wall, these entertainers are so decisive and passionate about their music and dance, that one could easily imagine that they were performing before a large audience in a club or concert facility. The ambient lighting is virtually shadowless, yet it highlights every important detail, and greatly contributes to the inspiration that one gets in watching and listening to this intimate and joyous stage presentation. The classic pose of the dancers as they perform the tango has been impressively captured by Chip, beautifully illustrating the couple’s passion and their love for the dance and music. Obviously, the two musicians in the background play an important part in this ensemble. The accordion player sits in a very stoic pose, virtually ignoring the dancers so that he can concentrate solely on the music, which no doubt he has played countless times, yet one knows that he is very cognizant of the couple’s every movement. The singer in the background adds her own vocal talents to the group, and it is left to the viewer to fully enjoy the quartet’s interpretation of the tango. Certainly one can imagine the dancer’s fervent and exciting movements, and definitely one can hear the romantic music. I would be remiss if I did not mention of how Chip has creatively captured this uplifting image, and of special note is how the singer’s right arm follows and blends beautifully with the upraised arms of the dancers, just as though the action was choreographed to near perfection. By Peter A. Marr
	On the Edge of Light The Conversation By Mike Haugh Mike has presented me with a collection of photographs that meet his goal; photos taken with very little light available, mostly sunsets. The Conversation, however, is the one I was attracted to immediately. The sunsets are nice, but this photo is so interesting and unusual and it made me want to spend some time with it. I was fooled at a distance as I thought this was a B&W foggy photo with very little detail, but I was drawn to it because of its mood and mystery. It turns out it’s not a B&W photo as the yellow of the incandescent lights prove. This, not quite a square photo, is excellently composed. The parallel white streetlights lead me diagonally through the fog like an airport runway. They’re echoed by those yellow lights running alongside. The diamond shaped sign is usually a warning sign, but the fog and lack of light don’t provide enough information to determine which. Of course, this adds to the mystery.  The closely grouped horizontal white lights to the left push my eyes from the edge back into the photo where I’m rewarded with the benches running along the same diagonal as the lights. By Don Menges
	Corbett’s Glen Phantasmagoria by Tom Kredo Many of us have seen excellent photos of Corbett’s Glen, but in Tom Kredo’s Gallery Pick entitled Corbett’s Glen Phantasmagoria, Tom takes the subject to a whole different level. The photo is part of Tom’s display of eight fantasy photo compositions; many that include self -portraits of himself. When I read the title, I thought about the meaning of Phantasmagoria, which brought to mind illusions or deceptive appearances as in a dream or imagination.  Then I thought about what the man in the foreground might be pondering as he gazes down the road (that is superimposed over the water under the bridge); and he sees the silhouette of a man, confined in his home surrounded by flying birds.  This composite photo effortlessly captures the essence of human existence, presenting a thought-provoking narrative that lingers in my mind long after viewing it.  The composition of the photo is skillfully executed with the man positioned at the forefront, as the long road under the bridge stretches into the distance; acting perhaps as a metaphorical representation of the journey through life, possibly symbolizing the passage of time and the unknown that lies ahead. The road might symbolize a passage, a threshold between the known and unknown. It invites us to ponder the man’s perspective, as he gazes towards a house in the distance.  The house, seemingly ordinary at first glance, holds a captivating secret.  A man, confined to a second-floor room, is visible through the window. The juxtaposition of freedom and confinement raises questions about the complexities of human existence.  The presence of birds soaring around the house adds an ethereal touch to the composition.  These birds, possibly representing freedom and liberation, create a stark contrast to the man’s restricted circumstances.  Their graceful flight serves as a reminder of the vast possibilities that lie beyond the confines of our own lives. The use of a composite technique enhances the overall impact of the photo.  The seamless blending of different elements creates a surreal atmosphere, amplifying the emotional depth of the scene.  The use of black and white adds a nostalgic touch, evoking a sense of reflection and introspection. Tom’s photo invites viewers to delve into the complexities of the human experience.  It prompts us to contemplate the dichotomy between freedom and confinement.  It serves as a poignant reminder that life is a tapestry of emotions, experiences and unanswered questions. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the ability to ignite our imagination and provoke deep contemplation. Thank you, Tom for such a mind-stirring Gallery pick! By Marie Costanza
	Jeffery Tree by Nancy Rice  Typically, landscape photographs show numerous trees, clouds, mountains, etc. This requires the viewer to appreciate the entire vista, looking at the interrelationships between the objects. Too often we “label” each component and then do not spend enough time focusing on the image. “A tree is a tree”. Nancy has presented a beautiful image of a tree, isolated from its surroundings. Using this minimalist technique, we marvel at the stark beauty of this tree against the snow field that envelops it.  Most of the leaves are missing so we can focus on the tree trunk and its branches.  But the leaves make the tree look less austere, perhaps the promise of spring or the closure of fall. Tones are muted, which contrasts with the overall white of the tree’s surroundings. Nancy has placed the tree center but down towards the bottom of the frame in a very pleasing composition. One sees connections to Japanese brush painting, where the beauty of nature is presented abstracted from the details of the surroundings. A beautiful photo that would be welcome on your wall! By Steve Levinson