In the compelling new exhibit Unseen Mysteries, Image City Photography Gallery invites viewers to explore what lies beneath the surface—those subtle revelations and quiet forces that often go unnoticed. The show brings together the distinctive visions of Luann Pero, John Solberg, Don Menges and photographers from the Meaningful Image Workshop, creating a rich tapestry of interpretation and introspection.
Luann Pero’s connection to the natural world is shown in her displayed images that reflect a quiet dialogue with her surroundings—branches, blossoms and an abandoned boatyard. Luann says, “My muse is nature and its unseen mysteries. I welcome you to a world of literal and impressionistic photography.” She hopes that the literal images and manipulated images, with their vibrant colors and textures, inspire an emotional response. Through her images we are reminded of how much beauty is waiting to be noticed when we pause long enough to look.
John Solberg’s work leans into abstraction and visual metaphor, with a consistent focus on the horizons of Lake Ontario. His photographs are composed with a soft, meditative palette of blues, oranges and pinks, creating dreamlike images that feel both grounded and transcendent. These images are at once serene and stirring—suggesting mystery not through complexity, but through stillness, subtle color and the shifting moods of nature itself.
Don Menges and the photographers from the Meaningful Image Workshop round out the show with a spirit of experimentation and personal exploration. The group includes six photographers from across the country who have been studying together in an online course led by educator and photographer Daniel Gregory, whose photos are also included in the exhibit.
Gregory emphasizes that a photograph isn’t truly complete until it is shared or published. Inspired by that philosophy, and encouraged by Don Menges, the group chose the shared theme, Unseen Mysteries, for this joint exhibition, which is their first public presentation as a collective. Their work spans a variety of subjects and techniques, but each image is unified by a thoughtful approach and a desire to connect emotionally with the viewer.
Together, these artists remind us that mystery is not something to be solved, but something to be experienced. Unseen Mysteries is a visual journey and an invitation to look closer, think deeper, and enjoy the beautifully unknown.