Sharing another previously published story of mine

Larry Kanfer Presentation and Workshop for Fugate Woods     by Rebecca Sadler               August 17, 2010

Do you love the breath-taking beauty of local prairie landscapes? If yes, then don’t miss out on this upcoming opportunity.

‘A Sense of Place’ nature photography presentation and workshop will be offered by Larry Kanfer this Sunday, August 22 at 2:30 pm at the Fairbury Legion Hall at Pine and 4^th streets, adjacent to the fairgrounds. It is free and open to the public.

Alaina, Kanfer’s wife, commented on her husband’s upcoming event, “He finds intriguing what people love about a place and to capture it in 2-D.” Kanfer started developing his own photographs at age 10 and his photography helped pay for his college architecture degree coursework.

She reflected on his 30 or so years of capturing landscapes, particularly Central Illinois’ prairie. “He’s grown in his respect for the people who work the land and the weather; its changing earth cycles and climates and their effect on each other,” she stated. The Weather Channel has become his new obsession according to Mrs. Kanfer.

‘Prairiescapes’, ‘On Firm Ground’, and ‘On This Island’ (about New York City) are three of his already published books. “His new book, ‘Barns of Illinois’, continues his love of the land and capturing the essence of a place and the people who love and care for it,” mentioned Mrs. Kanfer.

Larry Kanfer’s studio and gallery are located in Champaign. To view his work, visit www.kanfer.com.

“Our programming is open to the public with the hopes it will provide opportunities for people to utilize and enjoy the natural beauty and wonders provided any day on the flat lands of the prairie, stated Sara Hostetter. She is the new steward of Fugate Woods.

Hostetter was very excited about Mr. Kanfer agreeing to come with only the provision of an honorarium. “The Kanfer Presentation is exceptionally fortunate opportunity to have one of Central Illinois’ nationally acclaimed photographer artists bring his work and guidance to Livingston County,” replied Steward Sara Hostetter.

As a former librarian with 23 years experience in Pontiac, Hostetter’s expertise in coordinating aids her well in her new work. “Part of my job is to create collaborations whether it is Boy Scout troops, science teachers, or Boys and Girls Clubs. This is in keeping with the desired intentions of the Fugates.

Hostetter continued, “I also oversee and coordinate the efforts of many volunteers with their projects in keeping with the Fugates’ wishes.” Sara mentioned knowing the Fugates and exploring in their woods as a child.

“We would like people to come and walk in the woods Saturday to get an appreciation for it and then to come to the nature photography workshop being held at the Legion Hall on Sunday,” emphasized Hostetter. Howard Fugate Timber or Fugate Woods is a project of Prairie Lands Foundation.

There is walking access from the Stafford Pool to the main entrance. Trail markers and a fording bridge have been placed this year. Trees have been planted. A restroom facility is being added soon. Some of the spring and early summer events at Fugate Woods were flower walks, bird walks, and children’s fishing camp. Upcoming late summer-early fall events besides the Kanfer ‘Prairiescapes’-inspired talk include storytelling and night star gazing.

Prairie Lands Foundation is a tax-qualified public charity. It has been organized for Livingston, McLean, and Ford counties to provide a tax-exempt structure for charitable giving for community projects. Some of their current projects are Fairview M.E. Church restoration, Westview Prairie plot, and North Park/Community Trail along with Howard Fugate Timber and James Family Woods. There are also endowments and funds. Some of those include the John and Tula Wade Endowment fund, Marjorie Fulton Girl Scout Fund, Prairie Central Educational Endowment (scholarships), and Forrest Historical Society Fund.

David Hammer, President of Prairie Lands Foundation, expressed, “We look forward to sharing the woods and what it has to offer and hope that Mr. Kanfer and his work will help generate more people to come and visit.” For additional information including map directions and upcoming events calendar, visit the website www.fugatewoods.org.

*no photo taken for this article