By
Melanie Winderlich
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Open house allows UA community to enjoy creative
The Center for Creative Photography kicks off its 25th anniversary today with an open house and a new exhibit entitled "Our Quarter Century: The U of A CCP Turns 25."
Beginning with a photo taken by Richard Avadon in 1975 - the year of the Center's founding - 25 more images are exhibited to create a visual timeline that chronicles CCP's history.
Jeanne Courtemanche, director of communications for the CCP, said the event is directly intended for the university community.
"This is an opportunity for the campus community to reacquaint, or meet the Center for the first time," she said.
"We want the community to learn more about the Center so they can use it," Courtemanche added. "There are educational and research opportunities (at the Center)."
Festivities will include campus speakers, refreshments, discounts on membership and a variety of other events. Invitations to the CCP 's open house is extended to all UA students, staff, faculty and their families.
The campus speakers - including UA President Peter Likins - will address how the CCP has and will continue to impact the UA and Tucson communities, Courtemanche said.
UA art history professor Sarah Moore, who will also speak at the open house, said that UA's School of Art - specifically the CCP - maintains an active and challenging program that draws students of all ages.
She added that the CCP maintains international status and importance in the amount of artists and scholars it attracts annually.
"CCP is a cultural institution second to none in our community," Moore said.
Moore also said that the CCP and the UA School of Art are vital parts of enhancing the cultural expression at the university.
"The CCP as a cultural institution is unique in that its programs and facilities resonate with the interests of students and faculty in all divisions of the School of Art," she said.
Courtemanche said the CCP's commitment to excellence extends beyond the student body, and it wanted to thank the community with fun activities and imaginative photography.
Guests will participate in a behind-the-scenes tour as well as a viewing of the new show. They will also have the opportunity to enter free raffles, with prizes including CCP tote bags, books and membership.
The open house takes place today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Center for Creative Photography in the fine arts complex. Admission is free.
