Marc Furth's 'Underwater Photography' exhibit at St Lawrence Gallery to benefit Epilepsy Foundation of Florida

When interested in learning more about a particular community and that which I refer to as flaneurism but others refer to as 'a flaneur' I will embark on photo/video walks. Having captured last Friday's "Jazz On The Square" at Pelican Square in Lauderdale By The Sea and wanting to learn more about El-Mar Drive I began my Thursday, 13 March 2008 'El Mar Drive' flaneurism project at the Oriana By The Sea complex, just north of Pelican Square. While I first observed during my June 2007 visit to Fort Lauderdale.

Wanting to capture Oriana's ocean view I entered the beach at the 4300 El Mar Drive entrance and 'strolled' south along the beach, through the Anglin Pier / Beach Village complex, photographing and videotaping along the way. It was when I had exited the beach to capture the construction process of the Villas By The Sea complex along El Mar Drive that Marc Furth introduced himself to me.

After mentioning that as a tourist from WDC I was in the process of a photowalk through Lauderdale By The Sea, Mr. Furth informed me that not only was he a former Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Town Commissioner and that he and his wife, Cristie, own and operate the Blue Seas Courtyard seaside inn which was just yards from where we were standing ... but that as an underwater photographer the Town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea had proclaimed him as "Town Marine Photographer Laureate".

Continuing our walk south along El Mar Drive, in the direction of Blue Seas Courtyard, he invited me to the Friday, 14 March 2008 (6 - 9 pm) 'Wine & Cheese' Opening Reception of the Marc Furth Underwater Photography Exhibit at the St. Lawrence Gallery.

Stunning underwater photography depicting local and international seascapes, on display through 10 April 2008, Marc Furth and the St. Lawrence Gallery will donate a portion of the sales to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida.

Come out and support a good cause while enjoying some beautiful work. There is a raffle and no door charge. Marc Furth will be there to share his passion and sign prints.

The St. Lawrence Gallery is located at 3556 N Ocean Boulevard in the Galt Mile Community of Fort Lauderdale. Telephone at 954.566.8011.

Like I said, it has been through my flaneurism projects that I not only explore communities but also meet interesting people.

Unfortunately, for me, a 50 something black male ... and as I mentioned to Mr. Furth and the ladies at the Kilwin's Chocolate & Ice Cream in the Village ... my photo walks and travels throughout the world are always tainted by the racism that I experience.