A not very romantic way to Celebrate Valentine's Day by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady Forty years ago I got engaged on Valentine's Day. But since I got divorced, I have viewed this holiday differently. Perhaps my vision is more in line with Dallas artist and photographer David Lyles.  Lyles has an exhibition of new photographs entitled “St. Valentine’s Massacre” at the Magnolia Gallery, located inside the Magnolia Theatre in the West Village, 3699 McKinney Avenue in Dallas from February 6 – March 18, 2007.
The “St Valentine’s Massacre” series springs from collaboration with local filmmaker Patrick Johnson. About a year ago Johnson was finishing up the filming of his new horror film Crushed and approached Lyles about photographing the gruesome wardrobe. With the help of stylist Ferrule Rose, Lyles selected clothing and props in a stark environment to set the tone of the shoot. The result is a series of austere and sophisticated that put the macabre trappings of the modern slasher movie under the expert eye of a commercial photographer. The reception is Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14, from 8-10 PM.  Admission to the reception is free and the art is available for viewing and purchase during regular theatre hours, or by contacting Scott Horn at magnoliagallery@gmail.com.
In addition to the art, the Magnolia will be screening Crushed at 7:30pm the same night. If you don't have a date, don't worry. This might be a great event for meeting singles. David Lyles attended the Minneapolis School of Art & Design and later, the New England School of Photography. A Freelance photographer specializing in Advertising and commercial assignments, he opened his first studio in Chicago, Illinois in 1980. In 1996 Lyles made the move to Dallas, where he continues to pursue a career as a freelance photographer in his daylight studio and on location. Lyles also hosts the annual Dallas Portfolio Exchange where he challenges other local commercial photographers to submit and trade fine art photography. In addition to his professional career, David has been an adjunct professor at Collin County Community College, is a private pilot, a horse owner and enthusiast, and can often be found around town playing bass guitar in the “B” Street Blues Band. Go to www.landmarktheatres.com for show times and more information about the theatre. Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves heart shaped things. (especially if they are made of chocolate). Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com and www.teaAtllas.com | 