Acclaimed panoramic photographer M. Denis Hill has captured the scenic beauty of Whidbey Island in his new book of images, “Whidbey Island, the Jewel of Puget Sound.”
This Saturday, Hill is offering people a chance to get a copy of the book and help preserve the beauty of Whidbey at the same time. He will be signing and selling his book Feb. 13 at the Penn Cove Gallery in Coupeville, donating the proceeds to preserving the rural character of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve through the Ebey’s Forever Fund. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hill, a North Whidbey resident, has spent a decade exploring and documenting Whidbey Island. His book is a portfolio of 44 scenic photographs from Oak Harbor to Langley with special emphasis on Deception Pass, Coupeville and Ebey’s Reserve.
“I hope that this event inspires every artist who is inspired by the landscape, structures, and agricultural activity of Central Whidbey to find creative ways to support the reserve’s preservation and education effort,” Hill said in a press release. “It is we who are especially invested in the reserve; whom without these sights would be poorer at our pursuits.”
Hill is widely recognized for his work, with photographs published in Runner’s World, Places to Retire, Wings West, Stock Car Racing, the Denver Post, and National Geographic’s The GreenGuide.com. He also earned the Qualified Panoramic Photographer designation from the International Association of Panoramic Photographers in 2002.
During this special event, $10 of each $19.95 book sold will be donated to the Ebey’s Forever Fund. The establishment of the Ebey’s Forever Fund was announced at the 2009 Ebey’s Forever Conference by the Trust Board. The
Ebey’s Forever Fund will provide direct financial assistance to owners of historic properties in their efforts to preserve the reserve’s more than 350 nationally significant historic structures, as well as support the Trust Board’s education programs. The Pickard Family, LLC contributed a $50,000 matching grant to kick-start the fund in November. All members of the Trust Board have also contributed to the Fund.
“The Ebey’s Forever Fund was created to support local citizens in their efforts to preserve the reserve’s heritage and important historic buildings for future generations,” Reserve Manager Mark Preiss said. “This is a place with a deep rooted tradition of stewardship, and the Ebey’s Forever Fund is meant to help empower that, and protect Central Whidbey’s rural character forever. We are thankful to Denis, for sharing his great talent in support of this effort.”
The Penn Cove Gallery is located at 9 Front Street in Coupeville. Attendees are invited to enjoy Valentine’s Day cookies and hot coffee.