In an effort to draw attention to some of America's most pristine waters, two artists with a penchant for preservation have made their way to the Louisiana marsh.
With thirty photographs by C.C. Lockwood and thirty paintings by Rhea Gary, Marsh Mission was inspired by the hope that art will stir concern for Louisiana's vanishing wetlands. For an entire year, Lockwood immersed himself in the wetlands, living in a houseboat. Sometimes joined by Gary, Lockwood covered 5,000 miles capturing the quiet, hidden activity of the wetlands with breathtaking detail. The book inspired the LSU Museum of Art traveling exhibition Vanishing Wetlands (on display at the Louisiana State Museum - Patterson, May 5 - July 29, 2006).

"The people of Louisiana are more aware now than ever of the importance of preserving the wetlands. C.C. Lockwood brings it to another level, showing us all that the wetlands are not just important from an ecological standpoint, but are also beautiful and magical places worth saving,"

said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, who oversees the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the parent agency of the Louisiana State Museum.

Presently, C.C. Lockwood is working on a book entitled Atchafalaya Basin Revisited and covering hurricane damage to the Louisiana Coast. However, throughout his career, Lockwood has established himself as the premier chronicler of the natural wonders of Louisiana and the Gulf

Region. Lockwood has published ten books such as Discovering America, Around the Bend and A Mississippi River Adventure, among others. His work can be seen in the National Geographic and the Smithsonian as well as thousands of other magazines, books, and advertisements. Lockwood is

the recipient of the Louisiana Literary Award's Book of the Year, the Sierra Club's Ansel Adams Award, Louisiana Public Broadcasting's Louisiana Legend, and inducted into the LSU Alumni Association's Hall of Distinction.