Brooklyn-based multi-media artist and yogi Shana Dressler is removing obstacles all the time. Right now she has the help of the subject of her latest photo exhibition, website, and book--Ganesh, the Hindu deity who blasts barriers. All those elements are part of Discovering Ganesh, a sweeping, ongoing project produced by her company, Swimming Elephant Productions.

Her outrageously beautiful photos of Ganesh show the elephant in many guises--from a sign selling cell phones to glorious temples. Most were taken at the Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival in India of epic proportions.

To catch a pre-glimpse of her exhibit, Discovering Ganesh, before it goes on tour in September 2009, check out her fundraiser this Thursday, June 26.

Discovering Ganesh's mission is not only to celebrate Indian art and spirituality, but to support an organization called Scojo Foundation that gives rural Indians access to affordable eyeglasses. This might sound like a small obstacle, but it's not: "For India's working poor who work with their hands--embroiderers, weavers, tailors, mechanics and barbers--the loss of sight means the loss of their jobs and income for their families," writes Shana.

The event will also be filled with goodies--they'll feed you yummy vegetarian appetizers, mango cheesecake, and "crystal-infused," alcohol-free drinks. And you'll be able to enter raffles for things like gift certificates at East West, The Chopra Center, a 2008 Yoga Passbook, a Thai bodywork session and more. You'll also get to groove to "Indie-Hindi songstress" Falu. Yoga studios throughout the city are involved and helping out.

When: Thursday June 26, from 6:30 to 8:30
Where: East West Living @ 78 Fifth Avenue (at 14th Street), 2nd floor, Buzzer #2
Cost: By donation (suggested donation: $50)
More info and to sign up: discoveringganesh.com/scojofundraiser

And to see the stunning photos now: go to DiscoveringGanesh.com

To learn more about Scojo: www.scojofoundation.org

And what about you? Do you ever call on Ganesh to clear your path?