Clyde Butcher, Photographer of the Everglades:

Clyde’s enormous, highly detailed black and white photography brings the beauty and complexity of these sub-tropical wetlands to the attention of the public.

Clyde is emerging from the darkness representing both the often reviled swamp and from the emotional darkness of his son’s death from a drunk driver.  It was in the Everglades that he found his solace.

Gladesman and Conservationist Franklin Adams:

Franklin Adams by all accounts is a true Gladesman. He tells wonderful stories about south Florida in the 1940s and ‘50s. He spins magical tales, guiding us through the swamplands, some long gone, others still thriving, thanks in part to Frank’s efforts.  In his words, “There is a sense of freedom. You have to experience it. Being part of nature is a rare thing.” Frank still goes in the Everglades alone to experience the freedom, and I chose to picture him alone with his rifle, quietly protecting the wilderness he loves. He asked his loved ones not to worry if one day he did not return home after spending time in the Everglades. It would be ok because that is where he would want his story to end.

Chairman Buffalo Tiger of the Miccosukee:

Chairman Buffalo Tiger was a proud figure of strength and self-restraint in the Miccosukee nation. He stands, wholly Miccosukee in the White Man’s world. His successful negotiations with the Federal and State governments 40 years ago enabled his people to retain possession of their south Florida swamplands. A healthy, wild, Everglades, is the basis for their freedom and their culture.

His face is spiritual, rugged and dignified. The Chief is at peace with himself and his surroundings and for all that he had endured this elderly man still extended the peace pipe to all of us. His appearance seems to redefine beauty and reminds us that beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. Buffalo passed away at age 94 in January 2015.

Deborah Jansen, Florida Panther Biologist:

Biologist Deborah Jansen has spent more than 30 years studying, tracking and monitoring the highly endangered Florida Panther, an "umbrella species" for the entire Everglades ecosystem. As the fate of the panther goes, so goes the Everglades.

Deborah has crystal blue eyes, as direct as a panther kitten’s. However, these beautiful eyes are also part of a dedicated wildlife biologist, and a very lovely, charming and thoughtful woman. Deborah's scientific studies define panther and habitat recovery, but her dedication to educating the public on panther and habitat health distinguish her. 

She cares deeply about the big cats and those around her feel privileged to know her. Deborah is one of the unsung heroes for our survival.

Ed Carlson, Director Emeritus of Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary:

Ed Carlson, native of South Florida and now, Director Emeritus of the Audubon Society's acclaimed Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.  Corkscrew, through Ed’s leadership, is the center of protection for crucial wetlands. Ed stands firm for the last, best wood stork nesting grounds and the watershed making human and stork existence there possible. He is a man of great stature and yet very gentle in spirit unless you show contempt for his beloved Sanctuary and its inhabitants or the broader wetlands. 

The statue on the grounds at Corkscrew was the place for his portrait. He represents the kind of person we as artists feel comfortable standing with and supporting because of his heart and dedication. Carlson, recently retired as Director of Corkscrew, will, in his own words, “have more time to devote to conservation.”

The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman:

The Honorable Bob Graham, former Florida Senator and Governor, long known for his tireless support for protection of the Everglades, his participation in the Guardians of the Everglades® adds both statewide and national political perspective to the project. A native son, Bob Graham has dedicated his life to serving the public, and the Florida voters approved. He has never lost an election in Florida.

As Senator, Bob Graham pioneered several environmental programs which have attracted national and international attention. Best known as the author and key sponsor of the "Restoring the Everglades, An American Legacy Act," which authorized the $7.8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Graham would not settle for a piecemeal approach to restoration but steered this multi-billion dollar, multi-year plan through Congress a decade ago. It is still being implemented.  

Rembrandt’spainting ‘Aristotle with a bust of Homer’ was the idea for Bob Graham’s portrait.