“Faces of the Fire” reception rescheduled

Update: The Office of University Advancement will reschedule the Dec. 4 “Faces of the Fire” reception to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in Dwire Hall 204. RSVP here. The change is a result of inclement weather forecast for Wednesday night.

A reception for families featured in the “Faces of the Fire” exhibit with comments from its creators is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 in Dwire Hall 204.

Martin Wood, vice chancellor, University Advancement, will provide a welcome to the event and introduce Liz Cobb and Wendy Pearce Nelson, the creative team behind “Faces of the Fire.”

“Faces of the Fire” chronicles the June 2012 Waldo Canyon fire and the destruction of about 350 homes in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs. Through photographs and multi-media, the stories of about 35 families who evacuated and returned to ash are told. The exhibit was originally on display at the Gold Hill Mesa Community center. It moved to the second floor of Dwire Hall in September.

The Wood family lost their home as did many of their neighbors. Those who shared their stories with Cobb and Nelson will be invited to the event. Others interested in the stories of the victims or in learning details of the exhibit, are also invited to attend. The event is free. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information, please contact Michelle Porter, executive assistant, University Advancement, at [email protected] or 719-255-3176.

For more information about the exhibit, visit http://www.facesofthefire.com.

About the artists

Wendy Pearce Nelson has been looking at faces for 25 years. Her skill is in getting to know her subjects and making them feel comfortable in just minutes. She’s been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, but the most powerful compliment she hears is when a client says, “I’ve never looked this good in a photograph!”

Wendy’s life’s work is behind the lens, but she is deeply involved in the local community, as well, volunteering regularly for non-profits and worthy causes. The “Faces of the Fire” project is a natural extension of her talents and interests, and she is honored to be involved with this particular community remembrance.

Liz Cobb is a journalist and fourth-generation native of Colorado Springs. She has written for a variety of newspapers, magazines and other publications throughout her career, which spans nearly 30 years.

Liz is passionate about the Colorado Springs community and committed to volunteer work and leadership roles to improve our quality of life. She says documenting this historical Colorado event is one of the most important projects of which she has ever been a part.

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— Photo by Jeff Foster