Just shy of the intersection of Lockhill-Selma and Loop 1604, in a modern, small, relatively non-descript strip center, inside Nydia’s Yoga Therapy Studio, is where one eventually finds Lotus Gallery. There, the FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA exhibit Stillness: In Bloom by Elva Salinas is on display.

Owned by yoga instructor Nydia Tijerina Darby, the exhibition space provided for Lotus Gallery is managed and programmed by Georgie Cunningham, the curator for Elva Salinas’ exhibit.

Elva Salinas describes her exhibit: The women that you see in these photographs are people who have given me much-needed inspiration when I needed it most. I have tried to capture the essence of these women and all of their transcendent glory in these photographs. Just as a blooming flower brings life and beauty into the world as a function of what it is, these women cannot help but bring joy and life and beauty into world because of who they are. Just as one might pass by a field full of beautiful flowers without notice, it can be easy not to notice the splendor of the people around us unless we slow down and really take a good look. Through stillness, these blooms become evident, and it is important to acknowledge them. We have become so adept at seeing the ugliness of the world, that to see the beauty becomes something of a revolutionary act.

Elva Salinas, featured artist, Stillness: In Bloom, FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA exhibit at Lotus Gallery.

Nydia Tijerina Darby and Georgie Cunningham.

Partial view of the Stillness: In Bloom exhibit by Elva Salinas.

Partial view of the Stillness: In Bloom exhibit by Elva Salinas.

Image from the Stillness: In Bloom exhibit by Elva Salinas at Lotus Gallery.

Image from the Stillness: In Bloom exhibit by Elva Salinas at Lotus Gallery.

Opening reception for Elva Salinas’ FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA exhibit at Lotus Gallery.

Cindy and Ray Palmer at the opening reception for Elva Salinas’ exhibit.

Warren Borror and Antoinette Richardson at the opening reception for Elva Salinas’ exhibit.

Liz and Al Rendon.

Opening reception for Elva Salinas’ Stillness: In Bloom, FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA exhibit at Lotus Gallery.