Like the national parks, Clyde Butcher is a living legend – the Ansel Adams of our times. Working from his studio in Venice Florida or the Keys, this evocative photographer captures our disappearing wilderness in his breathtaking art.
Lucky for St. Pete folks, his current exhibit of Cuba photos runs through September 30 at the St. Petersburg Museum of History in Downtown St. Petersburg.
Cuba, The Natural Beauty
Commissioned by the United Nations to create a portfolio of the mountainous lands of Cuba, Clyde Butcher set out on three week-long expeditions into unfamiliar lands.
He explored the island country’s varied geographic regions, from the Sierra Maestra Mountains in Cuba’s eastern Granma province, to the southern coast between Manzanillo and Santiago de Cuba.
His travel took him to Baracoa in the northeast, the southern waterfalls of the Serra de San Juan, and the mogotes of the west in the Piñah del Rio region. While taking photographs for the Conference for Sustainable Habitat of the Mountains, Clyde thought about being part of an event changing history for the better, and enthusiastically saw an opportunity to make a positive difference.
His photography transcends political boundaries, challenging us to work together to protect natural places across the globe.
If You Go:
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. NE, downtown St. Petersburg, • (727) 894-1052 http://spmoh.com
Butcher’s Florida Galleries & Keys Exhibit Venice Gallery & Studio –
Located south of Sarasota in the quaint town of Venice, Clyde’s photographs and books are on display and for purchase. Because the location also houses Clyde Butcher’s 2000-square-foot darkroom, the gallery is located in an industrial park.
We are located right off Venice Ave the first left before you go over the bridge onto the island. 237 Warfield Ave Venice, FL • 941.486.0811 • Tuesday – Friday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Call for Weekend Appointments
Big Cypress Gallery –
Located along the scenic Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), 47 miles east of Naples and 36 miles west of Miami at Mile Marker 54.5 and about half mile east of the Big Cypress National Preserve Oasis Visitor Center.
”To know the swamp you have to get into the swamp.” The gallery offers guided swamp walk tours October-March and Cottage rentals year round.
www.clydebutchersbigcypressgallery.com
52388 Tamiami Trail Ochopee, FL • 239-695-2428
Open 7 days a week 10am-5:00pm
National Park Photos
Just in time to celebrate the National Parks’ 100th birthday, Butcher’s National Parks photos are on display at the Keys History and Discovery Center thru August 31.
50 years in the making, Clyde Butcher’s exhibit is a collective treasure of nature’s landscapes from our bountiful national parks. Included in this exhibit are other areas of beauty to be displayed and enjoyed by all. Clyde Butcher’s exhibit shows his passion for nature, the story of love for our country and its landscapes.
Released to coincide with the observance of the National Park Service’s Centennial, this collection of some of Clyde’s best images help us to celebrate our awesome national heritage, our national parks, the places that really do tell the story of who we are and who we will continue to be in perpetuity.
Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL (305 ) 922-2237 http://www.keysdiscovery.com
Butcher’s Books
Butcher has completed six Public Broadcasting programs on the environment of Florida, three of them award-winning documentaries. Much of his work can be seen in his numerous books including my favorites:
• America the Beautiful, a table top collection of his work from across the United States
• Big Cypress Swamp – The Western Everglades, Second Edition, which features images from the Big Cypress Swamp where he and Niki made a home for 16 years
• Celebrating America’s National Parks, Preserves, Monuments, Recreation Areas. Dedicated to the employees of the National Parks, this book showcases Clyde’s stunning black and white photographs of parks ranging from the mountains of Montana to the swamps in the Everglades.
• Order his books: http://clydebutcher.com/pc/books-and-gifts/
Photos were Commissioned by the United Nations to create a portfolio of the mountainous lands of Cuba, by Clyde Butcher.
Clyde Butcher photos courtesy of St. Petersburg Museum of History
Story by Nanette Wiser