Somerville Madonnas in Paradise

He started snapping photos of religious icons while taking his son out for walks in the stroller near their Somerville home. Josh Michtom, an amateur photographer, public defender, and one of Bostonist's own, found the project to be addictive. His iconography of Somerville's Madonna statues (and other religious lawn ornaments) expanded his set of images into a 234 image set on Flickr, and last November the Somerville Madonna shop was born on the Internet. Note cards and 2007 calendars were the big sellers, both featuring images taken by Michtom. Rumor has it that Boutique Fabulous in Inman Square still stocks the note cards if you don't want to buy online.

Tonight the Somerville Madonna's and Michtom take the center spotlight at the Paradise Lounge Gallery. Prints of the photos have been hung on the walls of the Paradise Lounge (which often features up and coming local artists) and hosts an opening tonight from 6 to 8:30 pm. It will be Michtom's first exhibition of his work in a gallery that doesn't have "virtual" in the name. Images of the Somerville Madonna project include the traditional, the tub-less, Madonna-less tubs, sneaky backyard shots, even a Jesus, or eight.

Opening reception tonight from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Paradise Lounge Gallery. Show is up until July 20. And, as Josh reminds us, "the Paradise Lounge has live music most nights, so maybe you can come when a band you like is playing and kill two art-appreciation birds with one stone."

Image used with permission from Josh Mictom, it's one of his personal favorites.