In the spirit of the historic City of Homestead Centennial Celebration, Councilman Stephen Shelley’s Art in the Council Chamber Program recently presented the “Historic Homestead 2012: Photos for the Future” exhibit by renowned local photographer Robert Chaplin. The exhibit showcases a collection of photography of each of the historically designated buildings in the City of Homestead.
“The intent of photographing these historical sites is not for us today, it is for the generations to come,” said artist Robert Chaplin during a special presentation at the January City Council meeting where the exhibit was unveiled. “One day they will look back and remember how things were and how they have changed. History is changing day by day; sometimes we notice it, sometimes we don’t, one thing is for sure it needs to be preserved whenever possible.”Capturing the timeless beauty of the City of Homestead was Chaplin’s idea for this particular collection. He followed a list of all the historic designated structures in Homestead that was put together by the Homestead Historic Preservation Board and photographed each of the buildings for future generations. The collection was first exhibited at ArtSouth Homestead and can also be seen in the “Homestead Then & Now” booklet. The booklet offers a self guided tour of all of Homestead’s historic properties with before and now pictures of the buildings. Chaplin donated the current photography for this project.
Robert Chaplin is a native of South Florida, whose professional photographic career began in 2009. He has been photographing nature for 16 years and has a lifetime of experience in Everglades National Park. In addition to capturing the natural beauty of nature on canvas, he also dedicates his time to teaching others the skills that he has mastered through his photography workshops, and can be found giving photographic workshop with his one of a kind “Everglades Experience.” “This exhibit is not only beautiful but it allows us to learn about history, architecture and photography,” said Councilman Shelley. “Robert Chaplin was the first one to exhibit in this Council Chamber and is now the last one. Closing this chapter of the program with such a significant exhibit about our history and in celebration of our Centennial is very meaningful.”
The Art in the Council Chamber is a program created by Councilman Shelley to highlight local artists and their work as well as bring education and culture to the community. Since the City of Homestead City Hall is being relocated, the program will be moved to a new location that will be announced in the next months.
For more information on Robert Chaplin or his tours to the Everglades please visit www.naturephotographyworkshops.org and fine art at www.rlchaplinphotography.com
.JPG)