'Bolt on the Prairie' ©Connie Bransilver

Central to this multi-media art/conservation/education exhibition are Nicholas Petrucci’s ten 6’x4’ oil portraits of people dedicated to protecting the Everglades.

Applying the techniques of the Old Masters Petrucci will depict humans who live in or are dedicated to defending the wetlands, accompanied by video interviews and video of the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Everglades. Supporting will be Clyde Butcher’s immense landscape photographs detailing the complexity of the glades, and photographer Connie Bransilver’s native orchids printed on 8’ silk panels swaying in the breeze. Projectors will create images of moving water and other effects, while sounds of the swamps will enhance the mood. A book will be available for sale and will be presented to policy-makers in Florida and Washington in support of Everglades recovery.

The message is inescapable: the Everglades ecosystem is unique, necessary for our health and should be preserved. We aim to bring its beauty and importance to people all over the world through the lives of these Living Legends.

Connie says, "The totality of the images in the Guardians of the Everglades installation gives this conservation story emotional appeal. It connects, inspires, and engages us, and paired with solid science and strong grass-roots conservation support, I believe we can protect our unique heritage." www.GuardiansoftheEverglades.com