U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy has served Vermont for 35 years in the Nation’s Capital — years that have given him a front row seat to innumerable historic events and extraordinary access to the world’s most remarkable leaders and cultural icons. At every opportunity, his camera was close at hand to capture the moment. And now, a personally selected collection of his unique images, entitled “The Eye of Senator Leahy,” will be exhibited March 13 to May 2 at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. In addition, at a special ECHO Members-only event on Saturday, March 20, the Senator will lead attendees on an exclusive guided tour of the exhibition. From the Senator’s over-the-shoulder image of President Obama signing the Lilly Ledbetter Act (protecting women from hidden pay discrimination) to a photo of his wife, Marcelle, in a conversation with rock star/human rights activist, Bono, the 52 candid images in the collection present a wide spectrum of many of our time’s most important and fascinating people, and convey a universal sense of humanity. Senator Leahy’s images are keenly sought by the media, and have been featured in such leading publications as the New York Times, U.S. News, USA Today, Newsweek and Time.

“As the son of a printer in Montpelier,” Senator Leahy recalls, “I learned early about the power of the printed word and the printed image, and a lifelong interest in photography was born the first time I picked up a camera. Photographs can at once be both timely and timeless. They enhance our understanding beyond the ability of words alone. They can bridge the gap from generation to generation and breathe life into our history. The essence of leadership and life sometimes is better captured by the lens than by the pen.” Beyond the movers and shakers of our times, the Senator’s eye has also documented the hopes and dreams of “just plain folks” from around the globe. Senator Leahy comments, “When I have been fortunate enough to visit with presidents or popes, or spend time with locals in another country, sometimes I have also been fortunate enough to have my camera along at just the right moment.” Being at the right place and right time is particularly apparent in the Senator’s favorite image from the collection: a Tibetan man who literally risked imprisonment by publicly showing him a photo of the Dalai Llama.

“The Eye of Senator Leahy” is a rare opportunity for ECHO visitors to
witness history unfolding from an insider’s perspective.

VERMONT & NEW YORK DISCOUNT
$2 OFF FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR PARTY*
*Offer not applicable with other discounts, and ends May 2, 2010. One valid VT or NY ID required per party.

©2012 LCBSC - ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain - One College St. - Burlington VT 05401
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