Nationally acclaimed local photographer Gene Page, IV: a symposium of his life's journey behind the camera

Palmetto Art Center is proud to host sixth generation Floridian and Manatee County native, photographer Gene Page, IV, for a symposium that chronicles the experiences that shaped his career as an artist and photojournalist.

Gene will speak about his passion for underwater photography, and experiences on set photographing Hollywood stars including Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Colin Farrell, Drew Barrymore and, most recently Jack Black.  

Gene began his journey with photography as a young boy in Bradenton.  At age 9, Gene was hanging around with his father in the dark room at the family's newspaper, the Bradenton Herald.  By age 12 he published his first photograph.  Exploring the contents of an old wooden cabinet, Gene found an 8mm movie camera and began making short films with family and friends.

Gene's maternal grandfather was an artist and maritime historian on Anna Maria Island, who influenced his interests in water, history, and travel.  By age 11, Gene began using scuba while on a family camping trip to Weeki Wachee River.  With his stepfather, the family lived in Germany, Italy and Taiwan.

To continue his travels as a young adult, Gene joined the Air Force and was stationed in Turkey and Germany.  After his years in the service, Gene earned a degree in Photojournalism from the University of Florida and a graduate degree in Fine Arts from Long Island University.

Today Gene has to his credit a career as a publicity photographer for film and television productions.  He has worked as a photojournalist with numerous newspapers across the nation, freelances with an emphasis on underwater photography, taught photography as an adjunct professor at UF, is a certified cave diver, and recently, co-owner of a dive shop in High Springs. 

Gene and his wife Kim, a documentary film maker, and their two children, reside in historic Micanopy, Florida, enjoying family life and travel as Gene goes on assignment for various productions.

Join us and follow along as Gene chronologies his life's journey behind the camera.  We hope this family-friendly event will spur you to pick up a camera and capture your own journey!

The symposium is open to all ages.  Admission is free, though seating is limited. Wine and soft drinks will be on sale.  PAC is located in historic downtown Palmetto at 907 5th street West - right next door to Growers' Hardware.  For detailed directions and additional information visit PalmettoArtCenter.com