“MARSH”: This work by Chelsey Luster is featured in “CFEVA at 40: Four Decades of Supporting Contemporary Art,” on view through May 26 at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa.

The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., presents “CFEVA at 40: Four Decades of Supporting Contemporary Art” through May 26. With this exhibition, the museum celebrates the Center for Emerging Visual Artists’ (CFEVA’s) milestone year with a show that symbolically includes the work of 40 contemporary artists affiliated with the center who represent the region’s artistic excellence.

According to the museum, CFEVA felt that a partnership with the Michener Museum was particularly significant as the goal of celebrating regional artists remains at the heart of both organizations’ missions. CFEVA Board Chair and Co-Curator Maida R. Milone said, “The Center for Emerging Visual Artists’ 40th anniversary is a significant milestone for our organization. It’s no mean feat to sustain a regional arts organization dedicated to supporting the careers of visual artists, especially those in the early stages of their careers. When we took stock of the artists who have been affiliated with CFEVA over these four decades, we were so heartened to see that many of them are now in the collection of this important arts institution.”

Ranging from established members of the avant-garde to rising stars, the exhibition features over 70 works that will be new to regular Michener Art Museum visitors. Gerry and Maguerite Lenfest Chief Curator Laura Turner Igoe said, “I think what is most exciting about the “CFEVA at 40” exhibition is that several of these important contemporary artists have never shown their work at the museum before.”

Those selected to represent the over 300 fellows whom CFEVA has mentored over four decades include Vincent Desiderio, Katie Baldwin, Rita Bernstein, Ziui Chen, Ada Trillo, and Tim Portlock. Also represented are established artists who have given their time and talent as advisers, including the late Ray K. Metzker, Will Barnet, Sidney Goodman, and current adviser Donald Camp.

The exhibition is curated by Maida R. Milone and Genevieve Coutroubis.

CFEVA was founded in 1983 as a support system for the visual artists of the greater Philadelphia region. Since its inception, the organization has dedicated itself to making art careers viable for those who choose them. To this end, CFEVA strives to help visual artists reach their audiences and grow the interest and understanding of visual art among community members.

The Michener Art Museum will host a number of  events connected to the exhibition. Details can be found at michenerartmuseum.org.