Historical Collection At Palm Beach Photographic Centre Captures "Beauty and Honesty" in Photos of America's Past March 6, 2009

There is nothing like an old photograph to captivate the mind and capture the imagination of the viewer, who can’t help but wonder what life was like back then.

To that end, the Palm Beach Photographic Centre is presenting A Step Back In Time, a photographic exhibition of history through the eyes and cameras of America's early photographers and photojournalists.

"In today’s era where photographs are often manipulated, retouched or 'photo-shopped' it is refreshing and comforting to view a collection of such raw beauty and honesty," said Photo Centre Executive Director Fatima NeJame.

On display from March 6 through April 25, the exhibit features more than 50 images from the U.S. Library of Congress. The show kicks off on March 6 with an opening reception at the Centre, from 6 to 8 p.m., which is free and open to the public.

The collection has been compiled and edited by former Time magazine photographer Shelly Katz and meticulously restored and reproduced on museum-quality, archival, fine art paper. The exhibit presents photographs of the Civil War Period (1860-1870), featuring the photography of George N. Barnard; Mathew B. Brady; Sam A. Cooley; Alexander Gardner; James F. Gibson; Timothy H. O’Sullivan and Julian Vannerson.

Also on display are visions of the American West (1880-1915), represented by the photography of William J. Carpenter; Case & Draper; H. H. Clark; Edward S. Curtis; Charles F. Lummis; Karl E. Moon and Frank A. Rinehart.

As part of the capital campaign supporting Centre’s move to the new City Center in downtown West Palm Beach, some prints on display will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Centre.

About the Palm Beach Photographic Centre:
The Palm Beach Photographic Centre is a non-profit visual arts organization founded 20 years ago by Art and Fatima NeJame. The Centre is dedicated to the enrichment of life through exhibitions, community programs, workshops and educational activities that promote the arts of photography and digital imaging. The Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Admission to the galleries is $3. Admission fee varies for different events, and pre-registration is required for seminars, FOTOshoots and computer labs. Contact the Centre, 55 NE Second Ave., at (561) 276-9797 or visit www.fotofusion.org.