Description

Rob Sabatini, DDS, MS., applies the same pursuit of knowledge, attention to detail and excellence in technique to his profession of periodontics as he does to his avocation, wildlife photography. A boyhood love of the outdoors and an early interest in amateur photography have grown for him into a passion in his adulthood. In 2009, he learned of a rookery of great blue herons on the James River in downtown Richmond, so he hit the river with his first digital camera and an old 100-300mm lens and discovered a creative outlet that has taken him from the plains of East Africa and the river banks of the Amazon Basin to U.S. national parks and his own backyard in search of images of glorious wildlife.

The images in this exhibit were chosen to highlight some of Sabatini's favorites over the past three years, with selections that represent subjects from both travel expeditions and more local venues. This exhibit is his first.

The exhibit is free and open to all during normal library hours. Parking is available for a fee in the 8th Street parking deck. If special accommodations are needed, please contact Thelma Mack, research and education coordinator, at (804) 828-0017.

About the Artist

Rob Sabatini, DDS, MS., joined the VCU Department of Periodontics in 2005 after retiring from 24 years' practice and teaching in the USAF Dental Service. He earned his B.A. in biology from Queens College of the City University of New York and his D.D.S from VCU. He completed his residency in periodontics at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX, and earned his Master's of Science degree in periodontics from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. He is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology. He currently serves as president of the Virginia Society of Periodontists.

Opening reception

An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Special Collections and Archives reading room at Tompkins-McCaw Library. Refreshments will be served, and there will be music by the Vertical Dimension. There will be brief remarks at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

Image: Leopard, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, February 13, 2012/wood duck, Dutch Gap Conservation Area along the James River, Chester, VA, May 2, 2014, by Rob Sabatini