The Florida Gulf Coast University Archives and Special Collections will present
The Shape of Orchids: An Eternal Love Affair from August 19 – December 3, 2021. Orchids are considered to be one of the most coveted ornamental plants with their exotic, graceful, and delicate form. The orchid has, for many centuries, been a symbol of love, luxury, beauty, and strength. Several of Clyde Butcher’s large-format orchid photographs will be on display with this exhibit in the Bradshaw Library (third floor) of the Florida Gulf Coast University. The library is open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm. Call (239) 590-7658 for more details.
The Shape of Orchids will highlight rare prints dating back to the early 17th century, a collection of stamps from across the globe, and Neil Gaiman’s Black Orchid comics donated by Porecki in 2016. The exhibition will feature rare books from our permanent collection, Clyde Butcher photographs, handcrafted botanical wallpapers, local herbarium specimens, and living orchid walls on loan from the Naples Botanical Gardens.
The exhibition will celebrate the Porecki Collection, named after Daniel and Mary Alice Porecki, in a new Victorian-esque narrative. Their own love affair began the moment they set eyes on each other – fueled by their mutual passion for horticulture. From the moment the Poreckis bought their first orchid, there was no turning back. Africa, Costa Rica and Jamaica are only a few of the many incredible destinations they traveled to collect new specimens. Their love of live plants encouraged a new passion: collecting orchid-related treasures from flea markets and antique stores. The Poreckis lived by their own rules – traveling, gardening, caring for family, and collecting were the staples of their incredible, orchid-fueled life together.
Clyde’s Exhibit
Cuba: The Natural Beauty will be on display at IMAG History and Science Center, March 6 to December 31st, 2020.
This collection documents Clyde’s journey through Cuba on three separate expeditions. Discovering the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people, through his photography, he has helped open Cuba’s natural beauty to the world. From mountain waterfalls to lush green jungles and grassy swamps to sandy beaches, his photographs reveal the seductive beauty, subtle grandeur, and majesty of this diverse island. The expedition to Cuba took him to places not seen by visitors in over fifty years.
Cuba invited Clyde, as an official photographer, and conservationists from across the Americas and the Caribbean to meet in 2002, a year declared by the United Nations as “The Year of the Mountains.” The U.N. encouraged countries across the world to hold environmental conferences about mountain conservation. Clyde saw this as an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world and wholeheartedly photographed the remarkable island.
“Clyde Butcher’s images of Cuba presented in this book will not simply be a melancholy record of what once was, but rather a celebration of what will always be.” –Robert L. Bendick Jr., Director, Southeast Division, The Nature Conservancy
Turf Wars: Art Speaks for the Earth featuring “Living Waters” Clyde Butcher photography exhibit on loan from the Aquatic Preserve Society. The juried show will feature the original works of local artists and special events all month long including Action Workshops every Wednesday in November 1-3 pm.
Nov. 1, 2019: 6-10pm Opening Reception, Nov. 1, 7pm: “Trashion Fashion Show”.
Nov. 6: workship with Zan Lombardo.
Nov. 13: Lecture and discussion on Climate Change with Dr. Terry Root, Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Nov. 20: Gallery Talk with Susan Hedge.
Nov. 23: 7:30 pm – 9pm Cultural night with Calusa Waterkeeper, music and storytellers.
For questions, call 239-333-1933.
