Charles Parson to Give Sneak Peek of Major Exhibition at Community College of Aurora

Bandito Cone is "subtle" but "enthralling ... and made me contemplate things," which Parson maintained is a key component of the artistic experience.

Some of the works that emanated from his own introspective look are very rendered, but the pieces also morph beyond the realistic and into abstraction, "because I think it carries more power."

Parson's visit is part of an ongoing series at the Donna Moravec Gallery at CCA that features local, regional and national artists annually.

Parson's work has been has been reviewed and featured in scores of publications, including American Artist, Art Week, The Los Angeles Times, New York Times and The Miami Herald. He's had major installations in cities such as Chicago, New York and Kansas City. He's been a contract muralist and illustrator since 1986 at the Denver Museum of Art and Science.

But at the core of his drawings, prints, sculptures, stage designs, performance art and other works is a desire to teach about his passion projects and the techniques behind them. He's been a fixture as an instructor at numerous Colorado institutions, including the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Metropolitan State College, University of Denver, Regis University and Community College of Denver.

Community College of Aurora's Art and Design Department thus was a perfect marriage for a Parson production. The college offers a rigorous foundation in the core areas of drawing, creativity, technology, and presentation, in addition to offering graphic design classes and web design classes. Among community colleges in Colorado, CCA stands out in its approach that encourages foundational excellence in faculty, staff, and students while allowing students to explore concept, communication, creative thinking, artistic disciplines, and technology.

Parson will present to CCA students a glimpse into his process, both by the works that will hang on the walls and his presentation.

"I start with a very traditional way of working, which is site observation, and then as I think and investigate and find out what makes it resonate with me personally, I little by little abstract it into what I consider a more universal language but with my own personal vocabulary," Parson said.

About CCA
Community College of Aurora has campuses at CentreTech and Lowry in the greater Denver area. Equipped with the latest technologies, CCA allows students to study new and traditional programs, while also offering learning through the Internet as an online community college. CCA's service community spans 325,000 people in a 350-square-mile area and CCA's student population reflects that diversity. The college provides lifelong educational opportunities, prepares the current and future workforce, and promotes excellence in teaching, learning and service.