Wednesday, July 30, 1997
Benjamin photographer honored by Texas Legislature
By KEN ELLSWORTH / Abilene Reporter-News
BENJAMIN - Wyman Meinzer, internationally known wildlife photographer
who lives with his wife Sarah and two sons in Benjamin's old sandstone
jail, has had another feather or two added to his shooting hat.
First, Meinzer, 46, was officially named Texas State Photographer
of 1997 by the Texas Legislature.
Second, he has been named recipient of the National Literary
Award conferred by the National Recreation and Parks Association,
based in Arlington, Va. The award is in recognition of Meinzer's
efforts on his book, Texas Lost, Vanishing Heritage.
"This was really a neat deal," Meinzer said Tuesday,
speaking of being named Texas Photographer of 1997. "Freelancing,
it gets pretty lonesome, so this was a real neat honor."
The legislation was written and sponsored in the Texas House
of Representatives by state Rep. David Counts of Knox City. Sen.
Robert L. Duncan of Lubbock sponsored the proclamation in the
Senate. It was signed by Gov. George W. Bush.
Meinzer attended the May 30 session of the Legislature to accept
the honor on the floor of the House. House Speaker Pete Laney's
wife, Nelda, hosted a reception in his honor.
"I was blown away," Meinzer said. "It was pretty
much a complete surprise."
The Legislature, in naming him State Photographer, said, "Wyman
Meinzer strives to create works of art that are not only beautiful
and moving but that serve as an excellent educational tool for
young and old alike; his commitment to his craft is commendable,
and his dedication to his native land is an inspiration to all
Texans."
Meinzer has recently completed efforts on a companion book
to Texas Lost called Texas Past, Enduring Legacy. The text is
by Andy Sanson, executive director of the Texas Department of
Parks and Wildlife.
Meinzer's new photographic essay on quail, with text by Ray
Sasser of Dallas, will also soon be on bookstore shelves. The
volume is called Texas Quail.
"It shows the essence of quail hunting in Texas,"
Meinzer said. He described the volume as a coffee table book.
Meinzer has also completed work on Texas Skies, another photo
essay. Publication is scheduled for 1998.
He is beginning work on another volume, Texas Deer Hunting.
In addition to producing photographic essay books, Meinzer
is a frequent contributor of photographs to state, national and
international wildlife magazines. More than 55 such magazines
have published his work. (Munday correspondent Cynthia White contributed
to this story.)
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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