Florida House was honored to host the “Clyde Butcher: A Florida Icon” exhibit throughout 2024 featuring the photographer’s extraordinary black-and-white images of Florida’s natural beauty. This collection allowed guests to explore Butcher’s iconic Everglades landscapes, as well as learn about the importance of conservation and the fragile ecosystems of our state.
In May 2024, Florida House celebrated the Clyde Butcher exhibit with the legendary photographer himself! This special viewing event brought together his family and guests, fans, and admirers from across Florida and the Washington D.C. area. We were honored to welcome Washington State Congressman Dan Newhouse, as well as a group from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Guests had the unique opportunity to engage with Clyde, ask him about his photography, and marvel at some of his most iconic images from around the state.
In October 2024, Clyde Butcher returned to Washington D.C. to receive the National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden in a private White House ceremony. Joined by First Lady Jill Biden and representatives from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), President Biden honored Butcher as one of 20 recipients from 2022 and 2023, celebrating his remarkable contributions to America’s cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the recognition, Butcher shared: “I’m truly honored by this recognition. Photography is more than capturing what’s in front of us; it’s about feeling, interpreting, and sharing a story that stirs emotion and meaning. I hope to keep using my art to inspire conservation, reminding others of the beauty we must protect for generations to come” (Coastal Breeze News).
After receiving the award, Clyde and his family gifted Florida House a signed copy of Clyde’s latest book, Lifeworks in Photography, for our visitors to enjoy for years to come. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share Butcher’s work and highlight Florida’s unique environmental heritage.
