Butcher family to make appearance at refuge lecture
On the heels of the release of his latest Florida photographic collection, “The Everglades,” Clyde Butcher will present a program as part of the “Ding” Darling Lecture Series on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at The Community House. He will be joined by his wife, fellow photographer-artist Niki Butcher, and his daughter-manager, Jackie Butcher-Obendorf.
Clyde Butcher is known for his large-format, black-and-white nature photos that take the craft to levels of composed artistry. Niki Butcher, who will mount an exhibition at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge starting in mid-November, specializes in hand-painted photographs that also glorify nature’s beauty.
Called “his most comprehensive collection of Everglades photography,” the oversized coffee-table book “The Everglades” showcases Clyde Butcher’s work in a collectible edition with notes from the photographer and behind-the-scenes photos. Originally scheduled to publish last winter, it was held up by the pandemic and released in September. Both photographers will share their work at the lecture.
Socially-distanced seating for the lectures is limited and available on a first-come basis. Staff will distribute entry wristbands to attendees starting at 9 a.m., after taking touch-free temperature readings. Attendees must be wearing wristbands and face masks to enter the lecture room. Early arrivals may save their seat and one other with personal items; saved seats must be filled by 9:45 a.m.
The Refuge Nature Store will have a mini gift store set up with Butcher unsigned books, T-shirts, hats, note cards and some of his artwork. Because of COVID, he will not sign books that day. To obtain a pre-signed book for pickup on or after Feb. 5, contact the store by Feb. 1 at 239-472-1100, ext. 241. Profits from the store benefit education, wildlife research and overall conservation efforts at the refuge.
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge is hosting the 17th annual lecture series, and Wayne and Linda Boyd sponsored the Butchers’ lecture.
The remaining series schedule is as follows:
– Feb. 19: Author Jack Davis, “The Bald Eagle: Symbol and Species in American History,” sponsored by Southwest Florida Eagle Cam*
– March 12: Author Paul Bannick, “Gray Owl: A Visual Natural History,” sponsored by Bill and Laurie Harkey*
– March 19: Author Kirk W. Johnson, “Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century,” sponsored by Ashton Kirchner Group/Keller Williams Realty Sanibel and Captiva, HighTower/Thomas and Swartz Wealth Management, Geoffrey and Karen Moss, and Sanibel Carts*
*book signing to follow
For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-and-film-series.
The Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.