Date: February 27, 2008
Contact: Oasis Visitor Center, 239-695-1201
Contact: Deborah Mitchell, 305-978-5983

THE OASIS VISITOR CENTER PRESENTS DEBORAH MITCHELL’S VISIONS OF BIG CYPRESS
Photo Exhibit Showcasing the Natural Splendor of the Big Cypress National Preserve

A unique slice of South Florida’s tropical paradise, exquisitely captured by critically acclaimed artist Deborah Mitchell, will be on display as VISIONS OF BIG CYPRESS, a mixed media photo exhibit depicting the primeval beauty of the Big Cypress National Preserve. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and will run from Friday February 15^th through Wednesday, April 30^th, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Big Cypress National Preserve, Oasis Visitor Center located at 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida, halfway between Miami and Naples along U.S. 41.

Ms. Mitchell, a Miami Beach-based artist, conceived this project as a result of her participation in the 2007 Big Cypress Artist in Residence Prorgam, a prestigious program supported by famed photographer Clyde Butcher and his wife Niki. VISIONS OF BIG CYPRESS comprises a collection of 11 photographs and mixed media works showcasing the flora and fauna that define Big Cypress. Also on display are excerpts from the artist’s journal, describing her daily adventures in the Preserve. Says Dr. Paul George, a noted Florida historian, "This devoted wife and mother has somehow found the time, initiative and energy to bring us, the curious public, a never-before-look at the splendor that we call Big Cypress! Whether it is the camera’s capture of a panther skull at the base of a cypress tree standing above a bog or a wood stork imbibing the murky waters of the Turner River, Mitchell’s work will make you think of how distinctive, how special is our subtropical portion of the Sunshine state."

For more information on Deborah Mitchell's work, please visit www.deborahmitchellart.com

For further information about Big Cypress National Preserve, call the Oasis Visitor Center at 239-695-1201

For Artist in Residence information please contact Bob DeGross at e-mail us