By Kathy Collins

The art display in Center Place’s Mook Gallery during the month of February is a wonderful collection of photographs taken by Brandon area resident, Cheryl Sackette. Take a moment and stop in Center Place and take a mini trip around the world through Sackette’s photographic images.

The exhibit is a collection of photographs taken by Sackette from far flung, exotic destinations such as Bejing, China; Kyoto, Japan; Iceland; Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Cuba; Slovenia; Croatia; and Italy. There are even closer to home locations such as Idaho and Washington.

The photographs are simply stunning. They are bright and clear and each one tells a story. According to Executive Director of Center Place Dawn Galia, “Cheryl had her first show here about three years ago. At the time, she did not think that she was talented enough to have her own show. Now, look at these photos and see how she has grown as a photographer.”

Sackette’s newer photos are printed on metal. This technique makes each photograph distinctly different. I was blown away by the crispness of the details in each one.

Sackette had an interest in photography at an early age. She took her first landscape photo at the age of 11. At Kent State, she took photography classes, but she went in a different direction and became an RN. For several decades, photography took a bit of a backseat to life, work and family. In the mid 1990’s, Sackette took up photography once again.

She started to study light and composition. She tried different subject matters. She even studied with professional photographers and went on trips around the world taking wonderful diverse photos of people, places and things.

Center Place was established in 1976 and is a non-profit whose members are dedicated to the promotion of fine arts and civic involvement. Center Place offers a plethora of arts, entertainment and workshops for the community.

Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.

Previous articleEscape Countdown Comes To Tampa, Offers Team-Building Experience
Next articleLibrary Continues Exhibits Celebrating Black History Month, Area History