MYCRMS
Virtual TourAlumni Profile: Pascal Shirley ’99
Alumni Visiting Artist | Fall 2026
When Pascal Shirley ’99 returns to Colorado Rocky Mountain School this September as our Alumni Visiting Artist, he’ll be coming full circle. The artist, photographer, and master fine art printer credits CRMS with helping shape not only his creative path, but also the values that continue to guide his work today. From photography classes and glassblowing to backcountry ski traverses and afternoons climbing in Redstone, Pascal’s time at CRMS taught him to embrace adventure, take creative risks, and invest in community—lessons that continue to influence every aspect of his life and career.
One of Pascal’s favorite CRMS memories is an unforgettable spring backcountry ski trip with Peter Mueller from Sopris to Capitol Peak. “We built and slept in snow caves and rode lines all along the Elk Mountain traverse,” he recalls. He also remembers countless days spent climbing in Redstone and Glenwood Canyon, experiences that helped foster the curiosity and sense of exploration evident in his photography today.
After graduating from CRMS, Pascal attended Lewis & Clark College, the School of Visual Arts, and ultimately earned his degree from Prescott College in 2003. He later completed his MFA in Photography at California College of the Arts, where he studied under renowned photographers Larry Sultan, Jim Goldberg, and Todd Hido. His career took him from assisting lifestyle, fashion, celebrity, and food photographers in Los Angeles to developing his own photographic practice. In recent years, he has expanded his work by opening a fine art printing studio, helping photographers, artists, and families transform meaningful images into museum-quality prints designed to last for generations.
Pascal traces much of that journey back to CRMS.
“CRMS engaged me with the arts and how important they are as a creative outlet,” he says. “It taught me to take risks, overcome fears, be independent, solve problems, communicate well, and never stop learning.”
Those values inspired him to take the leap into opening his own print shop, where his work extends far beyond producing beautiful photographs. Every day, he helps preserve family histories, wedding memories, memorial portraits, and exhibition work, giving people tangible connections to the moments that matter most. “Seeing the smiles—and sometimes the tears—when someone holds a meaningful print for the first time is incredibly rewarding,” Pascal says. “Knowing those images will last 200 to 500 years for people to cherish is a great feeling.”
Giving back is another lesson Pascal learned at CRMS and one he continues to carry forward. Whether helping artists realize their vision, preserving family legacies through archival printing, or supporting his local community, he believes creativity is most meaningful when it’s shared. He also credits CRMS with showing him the importance of humility, generosity, stewardship, and lifelong learning.
When asked about the greatest highlight since graduating, Pascal doesn’t point to awards or exhibitions. Instead, he talks about the friendships he built at CRMS. “I stay in touch with so many fellow alumni,” he says. “Those relationships have been one of the greatest gifts.”
His advice to today’s students reflects the same spirit:
“Never forget the friendships you made at CRMS and stay in touch. Always strive to be a leader in your community. Be kind and generous to everyone. Life moves by so fast, so remember to take pictures—and print them along the way. Support local farmers, be a great steward of the environment, and never stop exploring.”
Visit Pascal’s Exhibition
Pascal Shirley’s exhibition will be on view in the Bar Fork Gallery from August 31 through November 29, 2026.
Pascal will return to campus as CRMS’s Alumni Visiting Artist from September 9–14, 2026, where he will spend time with students, present at the All School Meeting, and share insights from his artistic journey.
Community Lunch & Presentation
Friday, September 11
- Lunch with Pascal: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Artist Presentation: 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Pascal back to campus and celebrating an alumnus whose work beautifully reflects the creativity, courage, and commitment to community that define a CRMS education.
Learn more about Pascal and his work at www.pascalshirley.com.
