DETROIT, MICH.- The Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of its long-standing auxiliary support groups, Friends of Prints and Drawings (FPDP), with this eclectic exhibition, on view Dec. 15, 2015-June 18, 2016. It is free with museum admission and free for residents of Wayne Oakland and Macomb counties.

Among the featured works are Berenice Abbott’s “New York at Night,” Robert Frank’s “Belle Isle Detroit,” Erich Heckel‘s “Die Brucke” poster, Edvard Munch’s “Lovers,” Charles Burchfield’s “In the Parlor,” Helen Frankenthaler’s “Tales of the Genji III,” James McNeill Whistler’s “Yellow House, Lannion,” Martin Lewis’ “Which Way?” and selections from Robert Rauschenberg’s “Bellini Series.”

Since its founding in 1965–66 as the Print and Drawing Club, (FPDP) has commissioned, purchased or given the DIA as gifts hundreds of works on paper. This exhibition acknowledges and honors past achievements of this dynamic group of museum devotees.

“This exhibition would not have been possible without the support of Friends of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “The generosity of its dedicated members has enabled us to add important works to the collection for our visitors to enjoy. This exhibition is a celebration of art and philanthropy.”

This is the final exhibition organized by Nancy Sojka, DIA curator of prints and drawings and department head of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs. Sojka will be retiring in January after 27 years with the DIA.

“Over the years Nancy has organized dozens of exhibitions drawn from the museum’s rich collections of prints and drawings,” said Salort-Pons. “While we will miss Nancy’s innovative thinking and expertise, we wish her the best in her retirement.”

FPDP is dedicated to supporting the work of the museum’s Prints, Drawings, and Photographs department. In conjunction with its mission to help develop the collection, the auxiliary organizes a variety of educational and social programs each year for the many exhibitions presented by the department. Openings, previews, lectures, specialized gallery tours, workshops, and visits to artists’ studios and private collections are among regular activities, as well as trips to great art destinations in the United States. FPDP membership currently stands at 223.