| Apalachicola River exhibit and film unveil the magic By DEBORAH BUCKHALTER Jackson County Floridan September 15, 2006 The portraits and the landscapes of two renowned photographers went on display at Chipola College Thursday, each style illustrating in its own way the unique character of the Apalachicola River. In the weather-beaten faces of men and women who'd spent a lifetime on the water, photographer Richard Bickel captured the unadorned dignity of shrimpers and others who love the river and know its secrets like no city-dweller ever could. Clyde Butcher's landscapes caught the beauty of the river, found jewels mostly hidden from the casual visitor. His camera revealed magic in the contours of driftwood and of cypress trees, making clear why they can seem the stuff of myth and fantasy. The art was part of a multi-media presentation, Apalachicola River: An American Treasure, which also included a documentary film by noted producer Elam Stoltzfus. It is already earning acclaim in sneak previews. The film and exhibit debuted Thursday night in a three-hour event. As visitors viewed the display prior to the start of the show, Sammy Tedder's music played in the background. The well-known musician also provided the soundtrack for the film, and played a short selection Thursday on a flute he made of river cane harvested from the banks of the Apalachicola. The three men said they did the project not only to chronicle life on the river as it now exists, but also in hopes of reminding local people of just how precious a resource they have, and how much it needs their help in order to survive. |
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