A cursory look at Charlie Ferguson's photos, shot in countries ranging from India to Nepal to Brazil to Spain, might make you think that the Houston-born photographer leads a jet-setting, voyeuristic life. But closer inspection - and a peek at his personal story -reveals a studied intimacy as well as a substantial personal investment in his subject. The self-taught photographer was so moved by his time spent in Sao Paulo that he joined the Peace Corps and served in Nicaragua. From there, he went on to Argentina, where he began experimenting with color photography - good news for us, as evident in "Street Impressions," a collection of colorful, abstract photographs at the Vaughan Gallery. Seeking the beauty in things like urban decay and graffiti, Ferguson ended up with a series of images that could pass for Impressionist paintings. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Through August 14. 1217 South Shepherd. For information, call 713-533-0816 or visit www.vaughanchristopher.com. Free.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: July 29. Continues through Aug. 14, 2009