History and Mission
The Colorado Photographic Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Mission: CPAC is dedicated to fostering the understanding and appreciation of photography in all aspects and genres through promotion, exhibition, and education.
Our purpose is to be a premier destination for the photographic arts and to benefit our existing photographic culture 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 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 August 26, 2011, and leverages the strengths and vision of the two groups to create a vibrant space for photographic exhibitions and educational programs.
The New CPAC serves the greater Denver region from the former-WWA’s Belmar facility in Lakewood, CO, less than 15 minute’s drive from downtown Denver. The 3,ooo sq. ft. multi-purpose center houses exhibitions of contemporary photography, lectures and special events, and a comprehensive program of classes and workshops taught by some of the region’s most talented professional artists. The facility features two gallery spaces, a classroom, offices, and a studio space for shooting, teaching, and conservation of the Center’s Print Collection.
History of the two original organizations: The Colorado Photographic Arts Center was founded in Denver in 1963 by Eugene Lang (Founder/Chair/First President), Jim Milmoe (Vice President), Glen Thrush (Secretary) and 12 others including Hal Gould, who would go on to become one of the region’s most influential figures in photography. CPAC’s initial gallery space at 1503 E. Colfax Ave was the first venue in the region dedicated to fostering the art of photography. From 1968-1972 it operated as a center-without-walls, something that was to recur several times on the organization’s history. Early Presidents include Dick Nosbisch (1978-1982), Glenn Cuerdon (Nov. 82-Oct. 86), and R. Skip Kohloff (Nov. 86 to April 2006). In 1998, Skip’s partner, Lisbeth Neergaard Kohloff, became Gallery Coordinator. Under their joint direction CPAC opened a gallery in Denver’s NW district, sharing space with the Carol Keller Gallery at Boulder & 15th St. from 1998 until the end of 2005. There, the Center organized numerous exhibits and lectures, seminars, and artists’ talks by notable photographers including Richard Misrach, Emmett Gowin, Patrick Nagatani, and Betty Hahn. Following Skip and Lisbeth’s retirement from CPAC in 2005, the organization continued as a center-without-walls until August 2011, when it merged with Working With Artists and found a new home in Lakewood’s Belmar district. In November 2011, Rupert Jenkins (President 2009-2011) stepped down as Chair to assume the position of Executive Director.
Working With Artists was founded in June 2001 by Marsea Wynne and Ursula Holloway. Originally located in Denver, it was created as a place for artists and workshop participants to gather, share ideas, and foster a photographer’s development as an artist through workshops, classes, and photographing retreats. Then and now, courses included technical and career development classes in traditional and digital media. The organization was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2002. It moved to Lakewood’s Belmar district in 2004, and operated there until it merged with CPAC in August 2011. Like CPAC, WWA exhibited the work of hundreds of artists during its history; it is distinguished, however, by its extensive program of classes, workshops, and outreach programs. The New CPAC continues that program in the same spaces along Belmar’s Block 7, but with a greater emphasis on contemporary photographic practice. As a committed founder and volunteer director, Marsea Wynne was the driving force of WWA and eventually drew her first Director’s salary in 2005-06. In 2006 she resigned for personal reasons and to pursue other projects. At her request, Greg Cradick was named Director and Valerie Photogoddess Assistant Director (Valerie was also director of WWA’s Flash Gallery). In addition to her WWA activities, Marsea also served on the board of CPAC for three years. Cradick continued as Exec. Dir. through November 2010 and continues to be a valued member of the CPAC/WWA faculty. In November 2010 Linda Sheridan became WWA Executive Director. She guided WWA through its August 2011 merger with CPAC and continued to direct the New CPAC until her resignation in November 2011. Valerie left the organization just prior to the merger in July 2011 after serving WWA with distinction in a number of capacities.
CPAC’s funding is provided by income from classes and workshops, annual membership dues, donations, and grants. CPAC receives major funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Tier III. Limited edition prints are available to members joining at the $200 Collector level and above. As of December 2011, CPAC’s activities are led by Rupert Jenkins (Ex. Dir.) and Sherea Spalding (Assoc. Dir.), aided by a crew of dedicated interns and volunteers. Evan Anderman was elected Chair of CPAC in March 2012.
Old CPAC Board of Directors, April 2011. L-R: Micah Messenheimer, Lincoln Phillips, Natalie Beck, Rupert Jenkins, Kate Donaldson, Christopher Perez, Monique Crine, Brad Knepper, John Davenport, Katy Taft (guest), Edie Winograde.
