CLYDE BUTCHER

January - June 2020

"Only in black and white can I see the design and textures. I don't consider color photography art. Black and white is an interpretation. Color is a duplication."

Clyde Butcher developed a collection of photographs of Florida’s Aquatic Preserves and loaned them to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to be displayed at public facilities to help grow awareness and appreciation of these awesome natural areas.

For many years the photos made several rounds around the state until the collection was boxed up and stored for, at the time, an unknown future use – that is, until Aquatic Preserve Society formed; a non-profit citizen support organization of the DEP Florida Office of Resiliency and Coastal Protection, with a mission to protect, conserve and restore these unique natural resources through public awareness, stewardship and support.

As part of their mission, the Aquatic Preserve Society was interested in acquiring the Clyde Butcher collection to bring it back into rotation. The Clyde Butcher Gallery, in their extreme generosity and love of the Aquatic Preserve system, donated the collection to them.

The collection has since began travelling around the state, at Aquatic Preserve anniversaries, fundraisers and celebrations – once again displaying this awesome collection of the best Florida has to offer for all to enjoy.