The Center for Photography at Woodstock turns 30 this year and to celebrate, it has reshaped it's annual benefit auction. Perhaps the longest running photo auction in North America, this year the event was planned as an invitational, with a total of 62 select lots, mainly by well-known artists.

In addition to offering on-line bidding for the first time, CPW is taking the show on the road. All 62 images will be on view at a preview party hosted by Chelsea's Ricco Maresca Gallery for one night. Tomorrow, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, collectors can view work by 60 contemporary and 20^th century photographers, including Robert Mapplethorpe, Aaron Siskind, Elinor Carucci, Eikoh Hosoe, Mary Ellen Mark, and Larry Fink, to name just a few. The party is free and open to the public.

From the 2007 CPW auction catalog, left to right: One of four from The Simpsons/Futurama, 2002, by David Levinthal; Untitled (Tiger Lily), 1993 by Robert Mapplethorpe; Pablo Picasso, Vallauris, France, 1954, by Arnold Newman; Procession of Nuns, Rangoon, Burma, 1994, by Steve McCurry.

Roger Ricco, who is on the CPW Board of Directors, is very enthusiastic about the online auction. In a phone conversation today, he said, "This expands our ability to raise money for the Center, exponentially." The Center, which was founded in 1977 by art dealer Howard Greenberg, has provided a wealth of educational programs, exhibitions, and grants, including its summer residencies for artists of color. All proceeds from the auction will support the Center's programs.

The show then returns to Woodstock, where images can be viewed at the gallery through October 5. A second preview party, also free and open to the public, is scheduled at CPW this Sunday, September 30, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

The live auction on October 6 will be held at the Woodstock Community Center, with a pre-auction party to be held in the adjacent Pavilion from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Light refreshments and live music by the Beekman Trio will make for a festive start to the auction, which begins at 7:00 pm. Rick Wester of Phillips de Pury will be at the gavel. Admission to the live auction and party is through the purchase of the $35 catalog, which admits two.

The online auction continues until Saturday, October 6 at 5:00 pm. CPW will accept bids via mail and fax as well as through the online site. Their staff is available to answer questions, but collectors should note that requests for condition reports will be accepted only until Friday, October 5 at 4:00 pm. Please check the website for details.