Arvian Heidir: Volunteer of the Month at CPA
Ellen Gilkerson | Published on 7/28/2026
Arvian Heidir is Volunteer of the Month for August at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel. Her triptych, Soft Armor, will be displayed in the Volunteer of the Month wall, beginning this Saturday, August 1.
Soft Armor: Dead Branches, Old Sneakers, Joy continues Arvian’s exploration of how identity and belonging take shape through expression, gesture, and posture. Gender expression can be a kind of armor, soft on the outside and resilient underneath. The triptych brings together masculinity and femininity, playfulness and resolve, inviting viewers to consider how identity is both performed and protected.
Arvian Heidir:
Soft Armor: Dead Branches, Old Sneakers, Joy
Arvian says: The Center for Photographic Art has been central to my artistic development since I joined in early 2025. Its artist talks, exhibitions, workshops, and portfolio reviews introduced me to a generous community that continues to challenge and expand my practice. I began volunteering with CPA in 2026 as a way to give back to a community that has been meaningful to my growth.
The Center for Photographic Art (CPA) is the second oldest members’ photography gallery in the U.S. Its gallery was originally occupied by the Friends of Photography, established in 1967 by Ansel Adams, Cole Weston, and Wynn Bullock. CPA’s mission is to increase understanding and respect of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture.
Details:
Center for Photographic Art:
https://photography.org/
Sunset Center @ San Carlos Street & 9th Avenue
P.O. Box 1100
Carmel, CA 93921
831-625-5181
cpa-info@photography.org
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: Noon to 4 pm