They say a picture’s worth 1,000 words. You won’t get any argument from the folks here at Blue Skies of Texas. Our resident shutterbugs have been flexing their creative muscles through photography for years, often with striking results. Take a look through this issue, we think you’ll like what you see.
Want to learn more?
Download our Info Kit.
BlueSkiesInfo.org
AND NOW YOU KNOW
The first person to use the term “photo” was Queen Victoria.
Facebook has 10,000 times more photos than the U.S. Library of Congress.
IF
Ansel Adams wanted to be a pianist but turned to photography instead.
Linda McMillion did not take up photography because she wanted to capture “the big picture.” Quite the contrary; she found inspiration in “the small picture.” The really small picture, like the microscopically small picture.
As a microbiology major in college, Linda spent numerous hours staring down the lens of a microscope. She found beauty in all the colors, shapes and patterns she saw there. So much so that it inspired her to reacquaint herself with the art of photography. Her father had given her a Brownie camera when she was six, so she was hardly a newcomer to the medium.
Today, the Blue Skies of Texas resident likes to photograph landscapes, buildings, people,
creatures and flowers (a throwback to her days of microscopic inspiration). “Photographs allow you to see things that are not quite reality,” she says. Linda is an avid traveler and loves to document her journeys on film. Some of Linda’s work will be familiar to anyone who walks the halls of Blue Skies of Texas—she’s had several exhibitions in the community over the years.
“They gave me a space to show my photographs, and let me grow,” Linda says of the community she joined in 2015. “There are many talented artists here,” she says, “and this is a place that lets us all grow.”
On the following pages, you will see some of Linda’s work along with photographs from fellow resident shutterbug Edie Talley.
Here’s a small sample of some of the stunning photographs
There’s no shortage of opportunities to see great local photography here in San Antonio. What’s more, most of the places listed below exhibit compelling works of art in other mediums.
The Witte’s permanent collection features photographs and other artifacts depicting life in the early days of Texas. www.wittemuseum.org
San Antonio’s longest running contemporary art space is also a great spot to do some shopping or grab a bite. www.bluestarartscomplex.com
MCNAY ART MUSEUM
Located in Terrell Heights, the McNay is one of the leading modern art museums in the country. www.mcnayart.org
More than 200 local artists display their works in the historic Florian House, which is located within La Villita artisan village. www.riverartgroup.com
GALLERY 195 OF BOERNE
Local stars shine brightly in this eclectic collection of varied styles and voices, including photographers. www.gallery195.com
Well, here’s a sign of the times. This isn’t a museum, but rather a photography studio where you can take pictures of yourself (and others) using the house settings, props and lights. www.originalselfiemuseum.com
Cindy Yanez Administrative Assistant
One of our longest tenured team members, Cindy started working for Blue Skies right out of high school and 42 years later she’s still here. As the Administrative Assistant at Freedom House, our nationally renowned memory care center, Cindy particularly enjoys the bonds that develop between the residents, their families and the Freedom House team. “It feels like they walk right through the doors and into our hearts,” she says.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Being with family.
Which living person do you most admire?
My father.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Spoiling myself to a mani/pedi and massage.
What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
What talent would you most like to have?
Singing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
This will sound cliché but having my children and becoming a grandmother.
What was the first concert you attended?
Engelbert Humperdinck with my parents.
What’s the most San Antonio thing you can do?
Acting like a tourist, seeing all the history and diversity in our beautiful city.
