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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 14, 2023
YOUROBSERVER.COM
Monica Roman Gagnier
Clyde Butcher poses with Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki at the entrance to the “Nature Through the Lens” exhibition at Historic Spanish Point.
MUSEUM IN THE WILD Clyde Butcher’s photographs dot the trails of Historic Spanish Point.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
I
f you’re new to Sarasota or you’re not a photo buff, you may not realize you’re living
near a giant in the field of nature photography. Everything about Clyde Butcher is larger than life — his iconic 5-by9-foot black-and-white photographs, his trusty 8-by-10-inch view camera on a tripod and the man himself, who looks a bit like Santa Claus dressed for a trip into the Everglades.
Butcher, 81, has had a gallery and darkroom in Venice since 2000 where his silver gelatin prints are on display along with the candy-hued photos by his wife, Niki Butcher. The Butchers also run a gallery and have a home in Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee. Thanks to the efforts of their daughter Jackie and other family members, the Butchers have been documenting their 60-year life together. At the same time, they’re preserving the legacy of Clyde Butcher, often mentioned in the same breath as legendary American landscape photographer Ansel Adams. Both Clyde and Niki do appearances and signings at their two galleries, area libraries and community centers, all worthy efforts to be sure. Clyde has also published several coffee table books and produced awardwinning documentaries on Florida’s environment. SEE BUTCHER, PAGE 2
IF YOU GO
Where: Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Aug. 31. Closes 3 p.m. Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Tickets: $18 ($11 online) Info: Visit Selby.org.