A real eye-opener

Glendale Heights resident David Parisi's photography of animals, people and game parks in Kenya will be on display at the Glen Ellyn Public Library through Jan. 31 on the second floor.

David Parisi's photo of a Massi herder in Kenya will be showcased at Glen Ellyn's library throughout the month. His photos also were displayed at Bloomingdale's library and featured in National Geographic Explorer.

David Parisi of Glendale Heights first shared his Kenyan adventures with the world via National Geographic Explorer.

Next, eight of his photographs were on display at Bloomingdale Public Library about a year ago.

Now Parisi's collection will be on display at Glen Ellyn Public Library through Jan. 31.

The retired engineer, who now is a mathematics substitute teacher for Glenbard District 87 and also does wedding photography to support his habit, loves to exhibit photos he took in Kenya in April 2006. His collection features animals, people and Kenya game parks -- all of which he says blew him away.

"It was quite a trip," he said. "We had heard a lot about Kenya, and we wanted to see it. Quite frankly, it just kind of fit into our plan."

Parisi donated many of his photos to Glenbard West High School for teachers to use in geography lessons. The eight he's framed have managed to get around, library to library.

He said it's very gratifying to have his work on display.

"My main interest is education," he said. "(The photographs) show lifestyles of other people and other lands, and it's a broadening experience."

Parisi's gotten a good amount of compliments, too.

"People seem to like it," he said. "It shows them things that they haven't seen before."

Parisi said visiting Kenya was an eye-opening experience, and that the country was unlike the other roughly 40 countries he's toured.

During tours, there were wild animals just a few feet away from him.

"I could have reached out and touched them," he said.

And once, there were giant lions that lay in the road right in front of his car for a drink of water.

"They don't look like the ones in the zoo," Parisi said. "It was amazing, just amazing."

If you go

What: David Parisi's exhibit of photographs from Kenya

When: Through Jan. 31

Where: Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 469-0879