On March 31, the Central Library will host its annual exhibition, lecture, and fundraiser for the Print and Picture Collection (named to honor its distinguished Curator Emeritus, Robert Looney), entitled Continuum: Photography in Philadelphia: Past, Present, and Future. The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with a panel discussion featuring curators from local museums and galleries who will show slides and discuss the past, present, and future of photography in Philadelphia. Following the panel discussion, a ticketed fundraising reception provides patrons with an opportunity to meet the artists and take part in a silent auction.

Representing the past, present, and future of Philadelphia photography, Continuum features the work of a number of Philadelphia photographers working in the 1960s through 1980s who were selected from the Print and Picture Collection to represent the past. Five established photographers teaching at local institutions represent the present and each of them nominated a former student to represent the future.

Robert Looney, a champion of local artists, built the Library’s Print and Picture Collection into a major repository of fine art prints and photographs. Sponsored by the Friends of the Print and Picture Collection, the events and exhibition are designed to raise awareness of the Library’s place in the Philadelphia art scene, and to raise funds to continue purchasing, preserving, and promoting local art at the Free Library. The exhibition and lecture are free and open to the public. The fundraiser has tiered donation levels from $10. Full information on the events can be obtained on the Library’s special website for the Looney event: http://www.friendsofpix.org or by calling the Library’s Print and Picture Collection at 215-686-5405.