Flash in Memphis’ Frypan

Curious about what a fashion photographer likes to shoot when he’s capturing more than just beautiful people lounging in beautiful clothes?

An ongoing show at a popular local restaurant lets you find out. The photographer is Mike McGill and his “fine art” prints are displayed at Memphis Soul Cafe in Costa Mesa through July. An artist’s reception was Monday.

The McGill show is part of Gallery Paradiso’s plan to get more art, especially the kind not shown elsewhere, in front of the public.

“Every five weeks, we program an artist and display the work at Memphis,” says the gallery’s Charlie Woon. “We treat the cafe like a satellite gallery. We take it seriously.

“The artists are enthusiastic about participating, and the guests enjoy it. Plus they serve up great food in a low-key environment. You get all kinds of fun people.”

McGill’s 10 images are scattered throughout the tiny eatery.

“Mike’s background leans more toward commercial fashion photos, but he’s such a prolific artist that some of his work doesn’t get used because it borders on fine art,” Woon says. “In the photographs we have on display we see more of his intellectual side, his more emotional side.”

The gallery, which displays mixed media, is at 1604 Babcock St., Costa Mesa, (949) 650-3690. The restaurant, which displays only photographs, is at 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 432-7685. McGill can be reached at (949) 645-5790.