James O. Milmoe by From the Hip Photo

Remembering James O. Milmoe

A Renowned Photographer, Educator, and Founding Member of the Colorado Photographic Arts Center

We are deeply saddened by the loss of James Oliver Milmoe (1927-2022), a renowned photographer, educator, and founding member of the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. James and other founders knew the importance of creating a place that would elevate photography as an art form and the region’s profile. Together, they brought top notch work from well-known photographers like as Ansel Adams, Philipe Halsman, and Judy Dater, to name a few.

James’ own photographic career spanned more than fifty years. He was well recognized in Colorado as a photographer, educator, lecturer, and curator. He was a professor, and visiting professor, at the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University, University of California at Berkley, University of Denver, Colorado College, as well as taught many photo-related workshops throughout the country.

His work was exhibited nationally and internationally: comprised of 78 solo exhibitions, including at the Arvada Center and the Denver Art Museum, 37 juried group exhibitions, and 85 invitational group exhibitions.

His work is also in over 200 permanent collections, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, Denver Art Museum, Chicago Art Institute, the Museum of Modern Art New York, Kirkland Museum, Center for Creative Photography Tucson, among others.

He has been honored with several awards including the Colorado Governor’s Award and the Hal Gould Vision in Photography Award for his many contributions to raising the awareness, value, and appreciation of the photographic arts in the Rocky Mountain West region.

His celebrated career culminated in 2022 with the publication of The Art of Grave Markers, and an exhibit at the Cactus Club in Denver. CPAC was incredibly honored to be the publisher of this important volume of James’ work.

“As I reflect on CPAC’s 60^th Anniversary this year, our upcoming move to a new space, and the loss of CPAC’s last living founding member, I’m inspired by James’ passion for creating images and sharing the art form with so many others,” said Samantha Johnston, CPAC Executive Director & Curator. “I am deeply grateful for James’ lifelong commitment to photography, and all the work he did to help start an organization that continues to grow and support artists in our community.”

A memorial service for James will be held at 11:30am on Monday, February 27th at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery (12801 W 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge). Later that day a celebration of life will happen at the Arvada Center from 3:30 – 6:30pm. James’ family will hang some of his photographs and will have copies of his The Art of Grave Markers book for sale.