MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Memorial tribute to William Gerald “Gerry” Riggs who directed the Gallery of Contemporary Art at UCCS from 1991 to 2006 and also served as assistant professor attendant in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. He died Jan. 3 in Pagosa Springs.
WHEN: 5 p.m., Jan. 23, 2009
WHERE: Gallery of Contemporary Art, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The gallery is located in the Science Building on the UCCS campus. A map is available at www.uccs.edu/map. Parking will be free of charge for this event.
WHY: Riggs was a leading figure in the Colorado Springs and his native Oklahoma’s art scenes, known for staging events of regional and national scope. His work to build the Gallery of Contemporary Art at UCCS into the area’s only gallery dedicated to contemporary exhibitions will be remembered.
HOW: A reception will begin at 5 p.m. with remarks beginning at 5:30 p.m. by Tom Christensen, dean, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; Pam Shockley-Zalabak, chancellor; Suzanne MacAulay, chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts; Sean O’Meallie, a Colorado Springs sculptor; Holly Parker, a Colorado Springs artist, and Sherry Fairchild, a longtime friend of Riggs. An open microphone is planned as is a video display of Riggs’ work. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Gerry Riggs Memorial Scholarship Fund to support students in the UCCS Gallery Management Program. Contact Margie Teals-Davis, dean’s office, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, (719) 255-4552 for details.