By Nanette Wiser
CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Clyde Butcher is Florida’s answer to Ansel Adams, and their photographic legacy was showcased in a spectacular James Museum’s exhibition celebrating nature. Now, the talented photographer and his wife will celebrate 30 years of beauty and art at Big Cypress Gallery Sept. 2, 10am-3pm. On Aug. 16, Clyde will give a free lecture at Capitol Theater at 7pm. clydebutcher.com
Join them for this free milestone event and get your books and their artwork signed. You’ll have the exclusive opportunity to view and purchase two of Clyde’s new special commemorative art pieces, each intricately tied to the gallery’s history.
Says Niki about their journey to opening Big Cypress Gallery: “If a magic fairy had appeared at our wedding back in 1963 told us that we would move to Florida where we would open a gallery and build a home in the middle of the swamp, we would have rolled on the floor laughing.
We could not have imagined the excitement, adventure, sorrow, and joy we would experience on our journey together and how the swamp would become so intricately part of our story.” The Butchers purchased the land in 1992 from Leon Whilden and built the Gallery, now a cultural and eco-mecca.
Big Cypress Gallery is located at 52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee; the gallery is open seven days/week 10am-5pm. 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, about half mile east of the Big Cypress National Preserve Oasis Visitor Center. Behind the Gallery, you can take a swamp walk eco tour or photo safari; there are event cottage and bungalow rentals. 239-695-2428
South of Sarasota is Clyde’s Venice Gallery and Studio at 237 Warfield Ave. S open Tues.-Fri. 10am-4:30pm and by appointment on weekends. 941-486-0811