Gail Russell, a Taos-based photographer, artist and designer, will present her latest photo art exhibition, “The Secret Life of Plants and Other Adventures,” at the Farmhouse Cafe and Bakery in El Prado. The show will be available for viewing from July 3 through Aug. 31, with an opening reception Saturday (July 3), from 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy a breathtaking collection of images on paper and canvas featuring Russell’s botanical studies, her keen eye capturing the delicate and exotic beauty of peonies, magnolias, orchids, roses, irises, hibiscuses and more. The 1973 book, “The Secret Life of Plants,” by Christopher Bird and Peter Tompkins served as her inspiration and, “revealed a whole new world to me: an account of the mystical, emotional and spiritual relations between plants and humankind,” Russell said, which she has flawlessly captured.

“Being in the world of plants is nourishment for the soul and senses,” she continued. “From being cooped up all last year, I hope we all are out in the garden, or a place of natural wonder.”

In the early 1970s, Russell was asked by the Hopi tribe’s Traditional Elders to document the devastation that Peabody Coal had wrought on their land. From that time on she has remained involved with Native American causes and issues, and the exhibition will also feature important works from her Native American collection of photographs: moments of solemn ceremonies, joyous dances and haunting portrayals.

The Farmhouse Cafe and Bakery is located at 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte in the Overland Sheepskin compound in El Prado. For further information please call (575) 785-5683.