PAC to Host Symposium on Life Work of Local Photographer Gene Page

PALMETTO – On February 4, the Palmetto Art Center will proudly host a symposium featuring the life's work of acclaimed local photographer Gene Page IV. Page, a sixth generation Floridian and Manatee County native, will speak about his passion for underwater photography, as well as his experiences on set, photographing Hollywood superstars like Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Colin Farrell, Drew Barrymore and, most recently Jack Black.

Photographer, Gene Page IV, on set of the television series, The Walking Dead

Page's journey with photography began early. Page's family formerly owned the Bradenton Herald and at age 9, Gene was hanging around with his father in the dark room at the family’s newspaper. By the time he turned 12, he'd already 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.

As a child, Page gained an international perspective, living is such places as Germany, Italy and Taiwan. His adventure continued as a young man when Gene joined the Air Force and was stationed in Turkey and Germany. After his time in the service, Page earned a degree in Photojournalism from the University of Florida, as well as a graduate degree in Fine Arts from Long Island University.

In addition to his more notable work as a publicity photographer for film and television productions, Page is a noted underwater photography expert. He has also worked as a photojournalist with numerous newspapers across the nation. Bradenton Times readers know Page's father, Gene the third, a talented and prolific sports photographer, from our coverage of the Manatee Hurricanes High School football team.

Gene, his wife Kim (a documentary film maker), and the couple's two children reside in historic Micanopy, Florida, enjoying family life and travel as Gene goes on assignment for various productions. The symposium will take place February 4 from 7-9:00 p.m. and 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 www.PalmettoArtCenter.com