Immokalee – The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch is pleased to present Cowboy Roots–Photography by Don Columbus. The exhibition will be on display from October 15 through December 28, 2019. A reception with the artist and local cowboy poet Clint Raulerson will be held on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch is located at 1215 Roberts Avenue West, Immokalee, FL 34142.

Stumbling unexpectedly upon Roberts Ranch three years ago, photographer Don Columbus became fascinated by the long time-depth of Florida’s cattle industry and the cultural roots of today’s cattle men and women, and the ranches they work. Cattle were first introduced to Florida in 1521 and supported early Spanish settlements throughout the state. The cattle industry still thrives in Florida where close to 1 million beef cattle range and ranching traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

Through the lens of his camera, Don Columbus captures this hard working “Real Florida” lifestyle; details that are often missed in the moment. His photographs give the viewer the opportunity not only to experience those moments in time, but to discover a richer present in them. His subject for Cowboy Roots includes the cattle culture around Immokalee where Florida born beef calves are raised, and the annual Immokalee Cattle Drive & Jamboree that commemorates this area’s cowboy roots.

For more information about Cowboy Roots–Photography by Don Columbus please call 239-252-2611.

About Don Columbus: Don Columbus grew up in the suburbs of New York City where, in his words, “you won’t find any ranches, cattle or cowboys. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be shooting a cattle drive or working cowboys.” His love of photography began at age seven when he received his first camera. His creative journey has transitioned from taking snapshots to the genre of street photography where he creates composed images altered with digital enhancement techniques to experiment with how reality is seen.

About Collier County Museums: Collier County Museums offer five locations where you can explore more than a million years of Southwest Florida history: Naples, Everglades City, Immokalee, Naples Depot, and Marco Island. Established in 1978, Collier County Museums are committed to preservation and education, giving you a glimpse of the rich and diverse history of Collier County and Southwest Florida using elaborate exhibits, free education programs and lectures, and free admission at all locations. Each museum offers a different historical focus and an enlightened view into the distant and not-so-distant past that makes Collier County the world-renowned cultural center it is today. For more information, visit www.CollierMuseums.com.