Noted Author Discusses ‘Underwater’ Discovery

~April 14, 2008

Acclaimed writer, photographer and lecturer Gary Monroe will discuss his latest book, “Silver Springs: The Underwater Photography of Bruce Mozert,” at the Appleton Museum of Art of Central Florida Community College on Sunday, April 27.

Monroe’s lecture will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the gallery featuring the Appleton’s current exhibition of Mozert’s pioneering photographs. A book signing follows in the museum lobby adjacent to the gift shop where copies of the 144-page volume will be available for purchase.

The lecture and book signing as well as the Appleton’s special exhibit, “Silver Springs: The Underwater World of Bruce Mozert,” are included in the price of admission. The exhibit runs through May 11.

Monroe’s books introduce readers to notable folk and vernacular Florida artists, including the popular Highwaymen. He said he discovered Mozert’s work while researching an unrelated project – a project Monroe put on the back-burner to work on his “Underwater” discovery.

“Bruce Mozert documented the sensibility of [the] modern era,” Monroe said of the now 91-year-old. “He is an original artist who responded to his time and place with an unmatched imagination and unconditional passion.”

Known as the “Grandfather of Underwater Photography,” Mozert was Silver Springs’ official photographer for nearly half a century, developing many of the techniques and much of the equipment still in use today.

Mozert’s zany, Grantland Rice-inspired images of underwater models barbecuing, running hurdles, taking dictation or cooling off in front of an air conditioner were designed to sell the park’s crystal-clear waters. Thousands of Mozert’s black and white glossies were sent out on wire services, luring the postwar generation to what was once Florida’s top tourist attraction.

Monroe has a master’s in fine arts from the University of Colorado and is professor of fine art and photography at Daytona Beach Community College. He has photographed subjects all over the world, from Miami’s South Beach to Haiti and Poland.

The Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, is owned and operated by Central Florida Community College. General admission is $6. For information, call the museum at 352-291-4455, ext. 1835, or visit www.appletonmuseum.org.