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As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. If this is the case, then Center for Fine Art Photography is a novel, told though its three new exhibitions, which were showcased at a “First Friday Celebration” Friday evening.

The event was a reception for three new collections being exhibited at the center: the Landscapes Exhibition, “Househead Chronicles” by Melanie Walker and C4FAP’s latest Portfolio Showcase. It was a chance for lovers of fine art photography to hear both artists and jurors speak, as well as enjoy food and each other’s company.

The first of the exhibitions is the Landscapes Exhibition, a collection of photos chosen by Juror Chantel Paul. These photos share a common theme, and fill the main hall of the center.

“I like how the landscapes push the boundaries of typical landscape photography,” said Missy Brown, Colorado State University senior visual arts major. Brown is a frequent visitor of the center, and always enjoys the art that is shown.

The Portfolio Showcase is the eighth of its type, and includes photos by 15 artists selected by Juror Gordon Settinius. Both this collection and the Landscapes Exhibition include artists from around the country and around the world. Many of these artist traveled to Fort Collins for the reception, including Clark James Mishler, who traveled all the way from Anchorage, Alaska.

“I think there’s a balance between local artists and international ones,” said Hamidah Glasgow, the executive director at C4FAP. “It helps show what’s going on in the world around us.”

The final exhibition is “Househead Chronicles,” a series of photos featuring people with houses for heads, as well as an interactive puppet. The ideas for the captivating art came to the artist and University of Colorado photography professor Melanie Walker, in a dream. Both high school and college students who attended the reception said Walker’s installation was a favorite.

This event is the first of many set to occur this summer, and employees at the center said they are excited for future exhibitions, as well as events for the community. They are also looking for companies to offer their buildings to use as canvases for paste art, where large photos are canvased on buildings.

“We’ve got great classes and workshops for both children and adults,” said Glasgow. “It’s an opportunity to get involved with the art, right here in Fort Collins.”

Collegian Reporter Chapman Croskell can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com and on Twitter @Nescwick.