Martha Diaz, widow of Victor Diaz, with photographer Robert Vavra. (photo/sarah strause)

So some 600 people from both sides of the border are sipping wine, nibbling on sun-dried tomato remoulade-topped crab cakes, parmesan cheese-stuffed mushrooms and bite-size pancakes laced with caviar as they mill about the studio and wander through the long halls of the Victor Diaz Gallery on Chula Vista’s bayfront at sunset. Nice.

That’s how Robert Vavra, recognized as the world’s premier photographer of horses, showcased his collection, “Vavra’s Vision: Equine Images,” at the grand opening of the Victor Diaz Gallery, hosted by Victor Diaz’ widow, Martha Diaz, president of the International Institute of Photographic Arts.

Victor Diaz founded the IIPA in 1972 in Guadalajara to further the acceptance of photographic arts. As the co-founder of Califormula Broadcasting, he was the pioneer of Spanish language broadcasting in San Diego while shooting, collecting and processing photography for 32 years.

“Victor was always passionate for art,” says Martha Diaz. “It was one of his dreams to open a gallery and share the beauty of his collection with everybody. I will keep doing it in memory of him.”

So Martha asked Vavra, a long-time friend, to be a part of the inauguration ceremony and to showcase Equine Images.

“I had such a long relationship with Victor Diaz,” says Vavra. “The privilege with being able to help organize the show in his honor was a great experience.”

Vavra, author of more than 35 books published in eight languages, got his start in 1958 when he traveled to a ranch in Sevilla, Spain, to conduct a behavioral study on fighting bulls. From there, his passion for horses, inspired by their “beauty and nobleness,” led him to the publication of a series of books.

Although Vavra started his career as a writer, he became a self-taught photographer. His works are known around the world for their beauty and grace and have appeared on the cover of Nicholas Evans’ “The Horse Whisperer.” They have also been used by Max Factor, Jordache, Revlon, Disney and White Horse Whiskey for ad promotions.

Vavra, 71, spends his time traveling between his ranch in Spain and the Kenyan Highlands.

Robert Vavra’s long-time friend and fan, Betty Feldman, admires one of his photographs, her favorite in the collection. ‘He captured the whole horse’s personality. You know what it is feeling inside. Robert can do that.’ (photo/sarah strause)

Vavra touched the hearts of the crowd at the opening of the gallery as he shared intimate experiences as a photographer and stories of his friendship with the Diaz family.

“I had an emotional reaction I wasn’t ready for,” says Ronald Vavra, Robert Vavra’s identical twin brother. “I am so proud of him.”

Patricia Alvarez, director of Channel 12, says she views the opening of the gallery as an important landmark in the joining together of Tijuana and San Diego. Alvarez refers to Victor Diaz as a “pioneer in the Hispanic market,” and says she is pleased to see that Martha Diaz is continuing his legacy with the opening of the gallery.

Lorena Giddens was among the staff who worked for the past three and a half years on the production of the gallery. She says it is a “dream come true” to have the gallery open to the public. “When you have different collections, it brings freshness,” says Giddens. “Vavra’s brings beautiful magic; you can see it in his images. It speaks for itself, you feel what you see. We are very proud to have him opening the Victor Diaz Gallery.”

Vavra’s equine collection will run through the end of November. Admission to the gallery is free. “It’s a gift to the community,” says Giddens.

The Victor Diaz Gallery is located at 1690 Frontage Road in Chula Vista, adjacent to the studios of XLNC1 and xlnc1.org, the San Diego/Baja and worldwide classical music station established by the Diaz family. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group tours on Saturday and Sunday can be arranged in advance. For more information, call (619) 628-2466 or log onto the very cool iipa.org Web site.

— Sarah Strause