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Arvian Heidir, Allyson Ely, Nadine Levin, and Phil Lewenthal Participate in CPA Fundraiser

Ellen Gilkerson | Published on 9/7/2026

Arvian Heidir, Allyson Ely, Nadine Levin, and Phil Lewenthal are among the approximately 150 artists whose prints will be included in CPA’s 8 x 10 Fundraising Auction and Exhibition. The online auction raises funds in support of the innovative and thought-provoking programming, exhibitions, lectures, and classes that the photographic community has enjoyed and relied on for over fifty years. This special show features contemporary works from rising stars in the photography world and local legends and international favorites as well. All prints are framed 8”x10” or close to that – and bidding (on all but one photo) starts at $80…because 8x10=80. The auction starts on September 17 at 10 AM ET and ends on October 8 at 11 AM ET. You can find out more about the auction at https://www.igavelauctions.com/auctions/center-for-photographic-art-fundraising-auction-7 and see all images included in the auction at https://bid.igavelauctions.com/category/photographs/2867?f=&cid=2867&cn=photographs&status=4&type=-1&bo=-1&fhp=-1&fsf=0&mthd=1&page=1 - filteranchor.

In addition, the framed prints will fill the gallery at CPA, and the opening reception will take place on Friday, September 18 from 4 to 6 PM. Get out your checkbooks!

Here are the images by PACC members, along with their comments:

Arvian Heidir: Jenn in the Garden was photographed in Big Sur in 2025 using an original uncoated 1930s soft-focus portraiture lens. The result is a soft, dreamy look with a beautiful glow from deliberately undercorrected spherical aberration. Jenn's expression and gesture are perfect. Felt, not posed.

Arvian Heidir: Jenn in the Garden

Allyson Ely: Flight was photographed from a window on the second tier at Fort Point. I was struck by the thick fog hugging the pier, the shaft of light that illuminated one windsurfer, and the wonderful moment when all three surfers were upright and aligned.

Allyson Ely: Flight

Nadine Levin: The Old Glass Remembers the Fallen Moon is a multiple exposure image made through a turn-of-the-20th-century window glass, which explains the wavy/seeded feel in the image. The orange disk was shot from another piece of art and placed in the image in-camera.

Nadine Levin: The Old Glass Remembers the Fallen Moon

Phil Lewenthal: Company was taken at Salt Point state park in April 2025. I was delighted to see these seals relaxing while giant waves crashed against the rocks behind them. The contrast was irresistible. We can all use a break!

Phil Lewenthal: Company

The Center for Photographic Art (CPA), located at the Sunset Center in Carmel, was founded in 1988 to carry on the traditions of the Friends of Photography, established in 1967 by Ansel Adams, Cole and Brett Weston, Wynn Bullock, Nancy and Beaumont Newhall. Its mission is to increase understanding of and respect for photography and its important role in contemporary culture. The Marjorie Evans Gallery is a key part of Sunset Center's education and outreach initiatives. The gallery expands access to the arts and helps preserve the rich cultural fabric of the region. Sunset Center was formed in 2003; and its historic campus was built as a grade school in the 1920s with a school auditorium added in the 1930s. Sunset Center’s mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain through quality, diverse cultural offerings.

Details:

Center for Photographic Art:

https://photography.org/

The Sunset Center

San Carlos and 9th Avenue

P.O. Box 1100

Carmel, CA 93921

831-625-5181

cpa-info@photography.org

Center for Photographic Art Fundraising Auction:

https://www.photography.org/events/cpas-810-fundraising-exhibition-1?mc_cid=841d9b8f33&mc_eid=791f1d7a3a

September 17, 10 AM ET – October 8, 11 AM ET