The Texas Seabees exhibit at the Louis J. Blume Library Gallery in St Mary’s University, features the photographic images of photographer/writer L.A. Shively. The images in the exhibit were selected from a book she published as her M.A. project; a book she designed and wrote as well.

About her exhibit and her book, L.A. Shively says: Navy Seabees do the dirty work of creating the foundation for a better life for Americans as well as others around the world. They are proud of their accomplishments, yet humble to the point of nonexistence, as they would rather work than talk to journalists or be photographed. Case in point: have you ever heard of a Seabee? If so, that means you have one in your family or as part of a close circle of friends. They are the builders, the plumbers, the steelworkers. They dig the ditches that no one else will. It was an honor to spend several years working with our own Texas Seabees, and now to share their stories and images.

L.A. Shively, featured artist in the Texas Seabees exhibit at St. Mary’s University.

Brian St. John, Art Program Coordinator for St. Mary’s University.

Palmer Hall, Louis J. Blume Library Director.

Partial view of L.A. Shively’s Texas Seabees exhibit.

Another view of the exhibit from the rear of the gallery.

Partial view of the Texas Seabees exhibit.

Detail view of the exhibit.

Palmer Hall presenting L.A. Shively’s Texas Seabees book project.

L.A. Shively acknowledging the hard work and efforts of the Navy Seabees in Iraq.

Newspaper photo op.

Elda Silva (Express-News) and L.A. Shively leafing through the Texas Seabees book.

Brian St. John discussing the exhibit with a reporter from St. Mary’s University’s newspaper.

Partial view of the Texas Seabees exhibit opening reception.