Sedona Public Library in the Village

Village of Oak Creek (May 13, 2011) – As part of the ongoing Sedona Public Library in the Village Rotating Artist Series, Bev Copen will be displaying her artwork at the new village location in Tequa Plaza beginning on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. A reception where you can meet the artist will be held on Wednesday, May 18 from 4 to 6:00pm. Some of Copen’s artwork will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to support village library services.

The theme of her exhibit is “Doors, Windows & People Around the World.” Copen states, “Photography is a unique way to capture precious places and times in life. What I see through my viewfinder is a micro reflection of how I view the world. For many years I have been fascinated photographing doors, windows and portraits of people. For me, it is a unique way to showcase and create awareness of other cultures – something I feel is even more important in our global world today.”

For most of her career Copen was active in the business world, primarily as an entrepreneur and author. Her work led to conducting seminars in many countries around the world. She became deeply interested in learning about foreign cultures. In 1991, she and her husband, Mel Copen, left their home base in Atlanta and moved to Japan for three years. “Living in Japan gave me the first opportunity to truly experience a culture very different from my own. I focused my camera on people – their lives, work and play”. Beverly and Mel Copen traveled extensively during those years, in Japan, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Rim, and in India and China. This led to the development of the Copen Life Series of books and gift books. She is also the author of three published books. Her photography has been featured in several fine art galleries, including Oak Creek Gallery, Hillside Sedona, Sedona Arts Center (main gallery), Manheim Gallery, and numerous times in the Canyon Moon Theatre Art Gallery. Currently several of her photography pieces are juried into the Herberger Theater Art Gallery, Phoenix. This exhibit is from January through June, 2011.

Beverly Copen has always believed in being involved in the community. In addition to her photography, art studies and writing, she continues her efforts here as well. Such initiatives include the Sedona Village Creative Initiative, Magical Journeys, as well as with KSB, with their new Internet photo contest. She hopes that library visitors and patrons will not only enjoy the global images, but remember that portions of all sales will benefit the Library.

The Sedona Public Library offers a myriad of programs for all ages and interests. For information about this or other programs as well as the wide variety of services the library offers, please contact Cheryl Yeatts, Village Site Manager at 928-284-1603 or check out the library website at Sedona library.org and click on About The Library for Village events.