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Explore the Cosmos and Rodeo Culture with Two Unique Exhibits at Pima

Two extraordinary exhibitions not to miss!

Tucson, Arizona – Pima Community College is excited to announce two special art exhibitions, “Night Skies: Astrophotography by Michael Cox” and “Never Don’t Pay Attention: Louise Serpa – Rodeo Photography.” These exhibitions allow audiences to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos and the raw, untamed energy of rodeo culture through the lenses of two remarkable photographers.


Night Skies: Astrophotography by Michael Cox

January 13 – August 20, 2025 (Currently Open)
Reception: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 30

Discover the wonders of the universe through “Night Skies,” an awe-inspiring exhibition by Tucson-based photographer Michael Cox, an amateur astronomer and proud graduate of Pima’s Photography program.

Cox honed his craft under the mentorship of Ann Simmon-Myers during her tenure leading the photography department and was part of a vibrant student community that included such notable peers as Anh-Thuy Nguyen. He spent six-and-a-half years in the U.S. Air Force as an

Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician and has more than 25 years of experience, working in both chemical and digital-based photography. Today, he works for the Kitt Peak National Observatory, where he plays a vital role in meteor mapping and tracking meteors that could potentially fall to Earth.

Night Skies showcases Cox’s technical expertise and artistic vision, featuring breathtaking digital images of deep-space objects captured at the University of Arizona’s Mount Lemmon SkyCenter and rare chemical platinotypes crafted with platinum, palladium, and iridium.

Cox’s success is a testament to the strength of Pima’s programs and the opportunities available to students who remain in Tucson to pursue their passions. 

Where: Desert Vista Campus, 5901 S. Calle Santa Cruz
When: Jan. 13-Aug. 20; Reception, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 30
Admission: Free

Never Don’t Pay Attention: Louise Serpa – Rodeo Photography

February 10 – March 28, 2025
Reception: 1-3 p.m., Feb. 11

Opening February 10, “Never Don’t Pay Attention” honors the legacy of Louise Serpa, a pioneering American photographer whose nearly five-decade career transformed rodeo photography.

Serpa was born to an affluent family in New York City in 1925 and defied societal norms to become one of the first women allowed inside rodeo arenas. Her dynamic photographs capture the grit, power, and elegance of rodeo life, offering an intimate look into this iconic sport.

This exhibition features a curated selection of Serpa’s most compelling images, highlighting her daring action shots, vivid portraits, and influential coverage of rodeo events worldwide. Her remarkable journey from rebellious debutante to legendary photographer is a testament to her enduring passion and resilience.

Where: Visual Arts Gallery, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road
When: Feb. 10-March 28; Reception: 1-3 p.m., Feb. 11
Admission: Free

Don’t miss these two extraordinary exhibitions!

Galleries Information: The galleries and their programs are free and open to the public.


CONTACT:

Carina Garcia, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator
Arts Division - Pima Community College
clisalda@pima.edu, 520-206-3062

David Andres, Gallery Director
dandres@pima.edu, 520-206-6942

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