One day Pamela Anderson stood in the centre turn lane of a highway, clad only in a Canadian flag...picturing it? Welcome to the lead photo for the "Best of Canada" edition of SNAP!. Now in its seventh year, SNAP! combines a juried competition for established and emerging photographers with a gala fundraiser on March 2 at the National Ballet School. Organizers predict that the works offered in live and silent auctions will raise $140,000 for the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

New this year is SNAP!Stars, a competition for third- and fourth-year students from five Canadian institutions, including Ryerson and OCAD. Organizers felt that this component would provide emerging talent an opportunity to display their works (such as Ryerson student Claire Yow's "Strollers" shown above) in a setting alongside established photographers. Out of 120 submissions, one winner was chosen from each school, each receiving $1,500 and a place in the live auction. Jurists felt the entries were so strong that three honourable mentions were added to the auction.

A free public preview of the works is on display at the Edward Day Gallery (952 Queen Street West) Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gala is at the National Ballet School (400 Jarvis Street) on Sunday, March 2, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 to $95 and are available online.