About Us

The Colorado Photographic Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. CPAC is dedicated to fostering the understanding and appreciation of photography in all aspects and genres through promotion, exhibition, and education.

We aspire to be the premier destination for the photographic arts and to benefit the Western Region’s photographic community by nurturing new talent, expanding concepts, generating skills, piquing interest, and contributing to a sustainable market for collectors and artists.

History: Today’s CPAC is the result of a merger in August 2011 between the “old” CPAC, founded in 1963, and Working With Artists, founded in 2001. This union of Denver’s two most established non-profit photographic organizations was completed in August 2011, and leverages the strengths and vision of the two groups to create a vibrant space for photographic exhibitions and educational programs.

Location and Program: CPAC will move to central Denver at the end of June 2013. The organization currently serves the greater Denver region from a 3,000 sq. ft. facility in Lakewood, CO, less than 15 minute’s drive from downtown Denver. The multi-purpose center houses exhibitions of contemporary photography, lectures and special events, and a comprehensive educational program taught by some of the region’s most talented professional artists. The facility features two gallery spaces, a classroom, offices, and a rental studio space that also houses the Center’s Print Collection. A rental darkroom is situated in downtown Denver’s Zang Mansion.

See our Giving First Profile.

Funding: CPAC’s funding is provided by income from educational programming, membership dues, donations, and grants. CPAC receives major funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Tier III.

Staff and Board (As of April 2013). Rupert Jenkins, Executive Director; Stephanie Lindsey, Program Director; Sherea Spalding, Operations Manager. Board of Directors: Edie Winograde  (Chair), Donna Altieri, Monique Crine, Carol Keller; Conor King; Andy Lillie; Micah Messenheimer; Valerie Santerli.

Exhibitions Committee: Conor King (Chair), Marlow Hoffman, Natascha Seideneck; Carol Keller, Laura Shill, Micah Messenheimer.

Winter/Spring 2013 Interns: Francesca Bridges, Leah Swenson, Kari Varner.