Throughout September and October, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions features Look Again: Photography and Artwork by Dana E. Benner.

Says Dana, "I have been a photographer for most of my life. As the daughter of a photographer, I grew up with a camera in my hand at an early age. However, it wasn't until college and after graduation that I pursued photography as a career. I enjoy capturing the scenery of the beautiful places I visit along with the serendipitous moments that appear all around us."

She continues, "Over the past few months as I prepared this new body of work for my exhibition, I took the time to slow down and really look at the beauty that surrounds each of us always. This selection of my photography focuses on the sublime and often subtle beauty and grace found in many things forgotten or left to ruin. Have you ever stopped long enough to observe nature's palette in the lush ivy draped across an old stone wall, or the crackling paint on a car from decades ago? Do you see color, texture, pattern and form? Do you see beyond what something is to the layers below? In this world of fast paced movement and frantic days, it's important to remind ourselves it's okay to stop and breathe.

I hope my exhibit challenges each viewer to take pause, to enjoy the gifts around you. Make and take time to see. Plentiful is the unexpected beauty. It lies in everything. Slow down and look again."

Meet Dana and see her work at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Saturday, September 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Photo: Dana E. Benner, Broken Heart. Inkjet print on archival paper, 20" x 16".