Ron Tarver, once a dedicated photojournalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, has transitioned from capturing ephemeral moments to creating enduring art, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY.  

Tarver, who spent over three decades at the Inquirer, sought more than the transient life of his photographs in the daily news.  

This quest for permanence led him to embrace a new identity as an artist, challenging the temporary nature of photojournalism with works meant to last. 

Tarver’s pivotal shift came to fruition in 1997 when he joined the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA), an organization pivotal in providing artists with resources and exposure.  

Now, as the chair of the art department at Swarthmore College, Tarver’s transformation is celebrated in “CFEVA at 40: Four Decades of Supporting Contemporary Art” at the Michener Museum.  

The exhibit showcases the transformative impact of CFEVA on artists like Tarver, highlighting the organization’s critical role in nurturing the careers of over 300 Philadelphia area artists since its inception in 1983.  

Read more about CFEVA’s exhibit at the Michener Museum in WHYY.  

Artists Conversations: Photographer Ron Tarver