OCEANSIDE -- Photographer Jack Iskin has a place in his heart reserved for people in the military and their families. That is why a portion of the proceeds from the sale of his art sold at a reception opening an exhibit of his work on Jan. 6 was earmarked for the 100-year-old Navy and Marine Relief Society and the newly opened Wounded Warrior facility on Camp Pendelton for Marines injured in war.

The reception was held at the OPT Underground Gallery in Oceanside, which is a natural evolution of Oceanside Photography and Telescope, just upstairs on Mission Street. Having opened in July, Iskin is the fifth artist to have his or her photographs featured. His photography can be seen until Feb. 3.

Craig Weatherwax, who owns the gallery with his wife, Leigh, said there was a need locally for a place for photographers to show their work.

"Photography as an art is under appreciated," Weatherwax said as he stood inside the gallery that displays the work of a number of photographers ranging from whimsical to abstract.

Iskin, 83, an Oceanside resident and a retired textile importer, said his company was the first to introduce Hawaiian print to the mainland in the early 1950s. It is only since his retirement several years ago that he has been able to concentrate on his photography, he said, adding that the two charitable organizations are "my cause" and he contributes to them whenever he can.

Enjoying the reception were fellow photographers Susan Coppock, Michael Vander Vorst, Katherine Sanchez, Peter Nagainis, David King, Jennifer Saracino and Chris Lopatosky. Weekday gallery manger Aaron Schmidt was busying playing host to about 100 other art lovers including Iskin's wife, Rosa, Cissie Sexton and Mike Hire, who represented the Navy and Marine Relief Society.

The OPT Underground Gallery is at 918 Mission Ave., Suite B. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (760) 722-3348.