NEWPORT, R.I. – The McKillop Library recently introduced "Hidden Talents," a series of exhibits highlighting the varied abilities of Salve Regina's faculty and staff. The first exhibit in the series, showcasing macro-photographs of carnivorous and exotic plants taken by supervisor of mail services Sue Letourneau, is currently on display in the library's foyer.

The McKillop Library routinely mounts displays and exhibits of visual and scholarly materials throughout the library to highlight subjects of current or historical interest, as well as university activities and events. Of all the display areas in the library, the cases in the main entrance are the most prominent.

In the exhibit, Letourneau is featuring photographs of plants from her own greenhouse as well as the New York Botanical Gardens. Although she has been a gardener all her life, Letourneau became interested in unusual plants about six years ago after attending a carnivorous plant show. Her collection of cultivars has grown gradually since then. Most of Letourneau's plants were only five or six inches tall when she bought them, but many are now as much as three feet wide and/or tall and require a greenhouse.

Letourneau took a photography class in high school, then entered a local contest and won first prize for a cityscape. Later, she had a photograph featured in a calendar. Photography has become a vehicle for Letourneau to capture the things she loves – in particular her gardens and her beloved cat – more than as a pursuit in itself.

Writing about her interest in these unusual plants, Letourneau says:

"I have always enjoyed gardening. Throughout the years, I have discovered unusual plants and my interest and passion in gardening has grown. About six years ago, I attended a carnivorous plant show and spent several hours talking with enthusiasts. I bought two plants that year, and each year after I have added cultivars to my collection. I also grow tropical species indoors in terrariums. Several carnivorous plants can be grown outdoors in our climate and wintered in a cold greenhouse.

"My favorite carnivorous plant is the sarracenia. I have several in various sizes, shapes and colors. They have long, hollow tubular leaves that secrete nectar to attract insects. Downward facing hairs inside the tube prevent insects from climbing out and are digested by the plant. Some insects, such as bees and hornets, will actually chew through the pitcher to avoid falling prey to these plants. The sarracenia blooms in early spring and produces some of the most unusual flowers I have ever seen."

Letourneau's photographs will be on display in the library through September. For more information on the "Hidden Talents" series, contact Lisa Underhill, library technical services specialist, at Ext. 2290.