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9:30 AM

March 25, 2023 @ 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Master Naturalist Tours
BIG CYPRESS GALLERY

Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Tr., Ochopee

Join us on March 25th from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Big Cypress Gallery. Master naturalist tours will start at 9:30 am with the last ticketed tour beginning […]

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We spent the summer of 1993 building our gallery i

We spent the summer of 1993 building our gallery in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The following summer, we had time to explore our “backyard” for the first time.

Niki and I discovered that beneath the waters of this cypress swamp lie several feet of thick, rich muck—up to 80 inches deep in places. We learned the hard way how deep the mud was in this area of the Everglades.

I made several attempts to get this photograph! Day after day, I set up my camera and then developed the film, only to find that the camera had moved during the exposure.

In an attempt to stabilize the camera, I weighted my tripod with concrete blocks, letting it sink and settle in the muck for days, to no avail.

After two weeks of trial and error, I realized it wasn’t the motion of the water moving the camera but my movements in the muck! Solving the mystery, I swam to the camera, clicked the shutter, and floated upon the water during the six-minute exposure.

📷 LOOSESCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY 2 © 1994 | Big Cypress Gallery

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Big Cypress National Preserve, throughout November and December, 15% of sales from Clyde's photo taken in Big Cypress National Preserve will be donated to S.W.A.M.P. (Swamp Water and Me Program), an initiative that takes every 6th grader in Collier County on a swamp walk, fostering a love and respect for this land in future generations.

In 1992, Clyde and Niki Butcher purchased Orchid I

In 1992, Clyde and Niki Butcher purchased Orchid Isles, an orchid and exotic plant nursery, from its owner, Leon Whilden. This acquisition led to the establishment of the Big Cypress Gallery, which opened in 1993.

A photograph from that time shows Clyde with Leon Whilden, capturing a moment from the property's earlier days. The gallery, located at 52388 Tamiami Trail in Ochopee, Florida, has become a cultural and eco-tourism hub, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Everglades.

📷 In honor of the 50th anniversary of Big Cypress National Preserve, we're sharing Clyde's photographs and stories as a tribute to its beauty and conservation.

I always enjoyed driving along Tamiami Trail (High

I always enjoyed driving along Tamiami Trail (Highway 41) through Big Cypress National Preserve. One spot that caught my interest was a pond near the parking lot of Orchid Isles, an old orchid nursery along the side of the road.

Despite passing by the pond on several occasions, I refrained from stopping due to the numerous “No Parking” signs scattered throughout the lot. However, the pull of that pond was too strong, and I eventually decided to stop and try to capture the picture.

Upon pulling over at “Orchid Isles” to photograph the pond, a wild man emerged from the house, fired his gun into the air, and shouted at me to leave his property! Needless to say, I abandoned the idea of taking the photograph at that moment.

Only many years later, after purchasing “Orchid Isles,” did I finally have the opportunity to capture this image.

The pond I had longed to photograph all those years ago now sits in front of my gallery, and you all are welcome to stop by and photograph it!

📷 BIG CYPRESS GALLERY 2 © 1992 | Big Cypress Gallery

Throughout November and December, 15% of sales from Clyde's photo taken in Big Cypress National Preserve will be donated to S.W.A.M.P. (Swamp Water and Me Program), an initiative through the National Preserve that takes every 6th grader in Collier County on a swamp walk, fostering a love and respect for this land in future generations.

We’re thrilled to share Clyde’s photographs of

We’re thrilled to share Clyde’s photographs of Big Cypress National Preserve in celebration of the park's 50th anniversary.

Each landscape captures the essence of patience, perseverance, and determination. Clyde will wait for hours, allowing the light, clouds, and composition to align perfectly.

Equipped with camera gear weighing up to 120 pounds, he traverses challenging terrain and stands in chest-deep water for hours, committed to capturing the beauty of nature.

Throughout November and December, 15% of sales from Clyde's photo taken in Big Cypress National Preserve will be donated to S.W.A.M.P. (Swamp Water and Me Program), an initiative that takes every 6th grader in Collier County on a swamp walk, fostering a love and respect for this land in future generations.

Click through our recent posts to see some of our favorite images Clyde has captured in Big Cypress National Preserve.

This image was captured off Loop Road, just 6 mile

This image was captured off Loop Road, just 6 miles west of our gallery on Tamiami Trail, with the exit located 13 miles east. While compiling the Everglades book in 2020, we sought to include a previously unpublished photo for the Limited Edition Collection.

Clyde meticulously sifted through his negatives and discovered this gem that had never before been printed. This exclusive 11x14 silver gelatin photograph is only available with the limited edition book, which is limited to an edition of 125 copies.

📷 LOOP ROAD 2 © 1987

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Big Cypress National Preserve, throughout November and December, 15% of sales from Clyde's photo taken in Big Cypress National Preserve will be donated to S.W.A.M.P. (Swamp Water and Me Program), an initiative that takes every 6th grader in Collier County on a swamp walk, fostering a love and respect for this land in future generations.

Join us at the Venice Gallery & Studio this Saturd

Join us at the Venice Gallery & Studio this Saturday, November 16th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 📷

Meet Clyde and Niki Butcher, get your books signed, browse unique gift ideas, and enjoy Clyde’s stories over tasty refreshments.

Be among the first to catch an exclusive clip from a new documentary about Clyde and Niki’s inspiring journey, shown right in our cozy darkroom theater.

For an extra treat, Clyde’s darkroom will be open for you to explore—a rare chance to see his creative world up close. We’re also thrilled to celebrate Clyde’s recent National Medal of Arts award from the White House!

We can’t wait to share this special day with you, honoring the incredible impact of Clyde and Niki’s work.

The event is free, and we’d love for you to RSVP so we can plan refreshments and create a welcoming space for all. Comment "RSVP" below and we'll DM you the link!

Questions? Give us a call at (941) 486-0811.

Galleries

Venice Gallery & Studio

237 Warfield Ave. S., Venice, FL, 34285
(941) 486-0811 | mail@clydebutcher.com
Tuesday-Friday 10am-4:30pm

Big Cypress Gallery

52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee, FL, 34141
(239) 695-2428 | bcg@clydebutcher.com
Open 7 Days A Week 10am-5pm

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