CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency is proud to announce the November launch of an exhibit by world-renowned Florida Artists Hall of Fame photographer Clyde Butcher in Downtown Clearwater.
Clyde Butcher’s exhibit, “America’s Everglades”, will be on display at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., where the public can see the natural beauty, boldness, and technical achievement of his work, earning him the recognition of being the foremost landscape photographer in America of the 21st century.
The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency invites the media to a press conference to preview the exhibit on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m., where Clyde Butcher will be introduced and be available for interviews.
This will be followed by the opening of the exhibit to the public on Saturday, Nov. 6, with a book signing that day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through May 31, 2022, during open library hours. This exhibit and parking at the library are free.
Clyde Butcher’s black and white monumental photographs have been exhibited in museums around the world, with the exhibit in Clearwater showcasing a collection of his Everglades photography that will be an important display of art in an accessible public space.
“The Everglades exhibit is an opportunity for us to not only showcase a nationally acclaimed artist but also the importance of our environment,” said Amanda Thompson, Community Redevelopment Agency Director. “We welcome residents and visitors to experience this new gallery overlooking the waterfront and all the opportunities for arts and entertainment that Downtown Clearwater has to offer.”
Clyde Butcher’s love of the Everglades began when he discovered the unique environment upon moving to Florida in 1980, from California. He began capturing the Everglades mysterious and beautiful habitat and used his images in conservation efforts to help the people of Florida understand the need to conserve the endangered habitat.
In addition to showcasing unparalleled views deep within the Everglades, this exhibit allows guests the opportunity to learn about this unique Florida ecosystem and the importance of water conservation while seeing the stunning large format photography. The exhibit coincides with an important milestone next year for Everglades National Park, which will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in late 2022.
“It is my hope that the vision I give to you of the Everglades will inspire you to love and protect it for generations to come,” Clyde Butcher said of the Clearwater exhibit.
Clyde Butcher’s work has been honored with many prestigious awards and has been the subject of various news and PBS programs, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Nature Photography Association and Ansel Adams Award from the Sierra Club. He has been inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, which is the highest honor presented to a private citizen in Florida, and earned the Distinguished Artist Award from the Florida House of Representatives in Washington D.C.
In addition, he has been named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Floridians” by Florida Trend and been included in “Who Will be the Next Ansel Adams?” by Popular Photography Magazine.
For more information, visit: www.downtownclearwater.com/clydebutcher, or contact Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Public Relations and Programs Manager Eric Santiago at eric.santiago@myclearwater.com, or call 727-562-4024.