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Image for event: Working America

Working America

2025-09-05 00:00:00 2025-09-05 23:59:00 America/New_York Working America From Sept. 5 to Oct. 20, the exhibition will feature the photography of artist Sam Comen, who sought to capture and celebrate working Americans as icons of the American Dream. Chelsea District Library - McKune Room

Friday, September 05
All day

Add to Calendar 2025-09-05 00:00:00 2025-09-05 23:59:00 America/New_York Working America From Sept. 5 to Oct. 20, the exhibition will feature the photography of artist Sam Comen, who sought to capture and celebrate working Americans as icons of the American Dream. Chelsea District Library - McKune Room

From Sept. 5 to Oct. 20, the exhibition will feature the photography of artist Sam Comen, who sought to capture and celebrate working Americans as icons of the American Dream.

Los Angeles-based photographer, Sam Comen (b.1980) has long focused on themes of American identity, community-building, immigration, labor, and social justice in his photography. In his series Working America, which began in 2017, Comen considers immigrant-Americans and first-generation Americans through the lens of the small and skilled trades, re-engaging with the historical portrait approach that masters of photography such as Eugène Atget (French, 1857–1927), August Sander (German, 1876–1964), Dorothea Lange (American, 1895–1965), and Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009) used to investigate identity, vocation, and status of their generations.


Through these reverential portraits and accompanying quotes drawn from conversations with his subjects, Comen both celebrates and questions the ubiquitous American “bootstrap” narrative that self-motivation and hard work leads to economic independence, inclusion, and happiness.

"Walking and driving every day in my native Los Angeles, I look around and see an economically thriving microcosm of a multiracial, immigrant America. The Armenian American shoemaker, the Korean American tailor, the Mexican American machine operator working the late shift in the last zipper factory left in the country. As the great-grandson of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, I can’t help but think of this as a contemporary analog to my forebears’ late nineteenth century experience in Chicago and Boston."
–Sam Comen


...as the nation entered into a second year of pandemic isolation, Comen shifted his focus. He began to document workers that had been deemed “essential”—still, many of them immigrant Americans and first-generation Americans—who were thrust to the front lines and asked to keep on the job while the rest of society sheltered at home. This series, separately titled The Longest Shift, honors workers’ contributions and resilience in a time of crisis, and examines the economic and social forces that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Collectively, these two bodies of work offer a meditation on American belonging and American becoming. The artist invites viewers to reflect upon their own families’ origin stories, to appreciate the values of work and service, and to consider how they might aid their fellow countrymen with the numerous challenges they face in light of racism and xenophobia.

About the artist
As a native Californian, Sam Comen has used his home state as a muse throughout his career and often looks to the places that define us for inspiration. He has long focused on themes of American identity, community-building, immigration, democracy, and social justice in his photographic work. His portrait Jesus Sera, Dishwasher (2019) from the Working America series was awarded Second Prize in the prestigious triennial The Outwin: American Portraiture Today at the National Portrait Gallery in 2019, and his work was on view in there in the 2017–18 exhibition, The Sweat of Their Face: Portraying American Workers. His photographs are collected by the Library of Congress, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and private collectors, and he is regularly commissioned by brands and publications internationally.

The above description is from The Programming Guide for Working America ©2022 ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance

Photo: Sam Comen, Chris Capizzi and Jenny Yang, Booksellers from the series Working America, 2019; Digital photograph, 36 x 24 inches;Courtesy of the artist.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Music, Arts, & History |

TAGS: | |

Chelsea District Library

Phone: 734-475-8732

Hours
Mon, Aug 04 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 05 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 06 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 07 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 08 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 09 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Sun, Aug 10 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

The Chelsea District Library is a single branch library serving the City of Chelsea and surrounding townships. The library has 4 small study rooms, one medium meeting room, and the McKune room, our main programming room.

Upcoming events

Cancelled
Wed, Aug 06, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Wed, Aug 06, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
Join Librarian Amelia for a fun afternoon of crafts and exploration! This program is for kids ages 5-18.

Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Valiant Bar and Grill
Reading Glasses meets the first Wednesday of each month. Join us for good books and good brews! (CDL does not provide beverages).
Registration is now closed

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 07, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Thu, Aug 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
We provide the tech... teens provide the take-apart.

Cancelled
Fri, Aug 08, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Sat, Aug 09, 9:00am - 11:00am
Chelsea District Library - Katie's Korner on the Library Lawn,Library Lawn
Join Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and the Library for the 3rd annual community picnic, this time for breakfast! Chat with old friends and meet new neighbors while enjoying tasty food.

Sat, Aug 09, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Library Basement
Stop by the Library for a used book sale provided by the Friends of the Chelsea District Library.

Mon, Aug 11, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Dancey House
Mobee, CDL's bookmobile, is on the road! Come see us at any of our monthly stops to sign up for library cards, borrow books, and more!

Mon, Aug 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
Can your team complete a 500-piece puzzle in record time?
This event is full

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 12, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Tue, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
Learn how to play chess, or get tips on how to be a better player!

Tue, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Ingenuity Engine
Do you work a daytime job, or are you just not able to come to the Ingenuity Engine during daytime business hours? If so, Evenings in the Engine are for you!

Wed, Aug 13, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Wed, Aug 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Large Study Room
Books available at the Checkout Desk on July 10.

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Sylvan Crossing
Mobee, CDL's bookmobile, is on the road! Come see us at any of our monthly stops to sign up for library cards, borrow books, and more!

Thu, Aug 14, 10:30am - 11:15am
Chelsea District Library - Reading Garden
Super special storytimes, guests, and activities just right for little ones ages 2-6!

Thu, Aug 14, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Rescheduled
Fri, Aug 15, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
New date Friday, August 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Fri, Aug 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Chelsea District Library - Library Lawn
Join Yoga on the Lawn, a refreshing outdoor session for all levels. Breathe, stretch, and unwind, as you flow through mindful movements. Bring your mat and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and serenity!

Mon, Aug 18, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
Give the Gift of Life!

Mon, Aug 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
North Lake United Methodist Church
Mobee, CDL's bookmobile, is on the road! Come see us at any of our monthly stops to sign up for library cards, borrow books, and more!

Tue, Aug 19, 3:30am - 5:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
Learn how to play chess, or get tips on how to be a better player!

Tue, Aug 19, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Tue, Aug 19, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
Monthly library board meeting.

Cancelled
Wed, Aug 20, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Thu, Aug 21, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
The Chelsea Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan are hosting an educational session on planned giving for nonprofits. For additional info email kvideto@cfsem.org.

Rescheduled
Thu, Aug 21, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
New date Thursday, August 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Thu, Aug 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Fri, Aug 22, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Sat, Aug 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Downtown Chelsea
Watch the Parade and Wave to Mobee!

Mon, Aug 25, 11:00am - 11:45am
Silver Maples
Mobee, CDL's bookmobile, is on the road! Come see us at any of our monthly stops to sign up for library cards, borrow books, and more!

Tue, Aug 26, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Tue, Aug 26, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Kidspot
Learn how to play chess, or get tips on how to be a better player!

Tue, Aug 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Ingenuity Engine
Do you work a daytime job, or are you just not able to come to the Ingenuity Engine during daytime business hours? If so, Evenings in the Engine are for you!

Wed, Aug 27, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Thu, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Fri, Aug 29, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Sun, Aug 31, All day
Chelsea District Library
CDL is closed, but you have 24/7 access to our digital collections. Find ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more with apps like Hoopla, Kanopy & Libby. All you need is a library card!

Mon, Sep 01, All day
Chelsea District Library
CDL is closed, but you have 24/7 access to our digital collections. Find ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more with apps like Hoopla, Kanopy & Libby. All you need is a library card!

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:15am
Chelsea District Library - Kidspot
A circle time lap-sit for babies ages 0-24mos and their caregivers! Thirty minute program followed by fifteen minutes of open play.

Tue, Sep 02, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Tue, Sep 02, 2:15pm - 3:00pm
The Pines
Mobee, CDL's bookmobile, is on the road! Come see us to sign up for library cards, borrow books, and more!

Wed, Sep 03, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Valiant Bar and Grill
Reading Glasses meets the first Wednesday of each month. Join us for good books and good brews! (CDL does not provide beverages).
Registration opens Friday, August 15 2025 at 10:30am

Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Chelsea District Library - Kidspot
Our storytime program for toddlers ages 18-36 months.

Thu, Sep 04, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Thu, Sep 04, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Need help using your smartphone, tablet, or computer? Library staff can assist with basic questions like setting up email, navigating websites, using library apps, and more.

Fri, Sep 05, All day
Chelsea District Library - McKune Room
From Sept. 5 to Oct. 20, the exhibition will feature the photography of artist Sam Comen, who sought to capture and celebrate working Americans as icons of the American Dream.

Fri, Sep 05, 10:30am - 11:15am
Chelsea District Library - Kidspot
Storytime introduces the world of books to kids ages 3-5 years old!

Fri, Sep 05, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Chelsea District Library
Need help using your smartphone, tablet, or computer? Library staff can assist with basic questions like setting up email, navigating websites, using library apps, and more.

Fri, Sep 05, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Chelsea District Library - Study Room C
Emilee Fetters, the Community Social Worker for the City of Chelsea, holds open office hours at the Library on Tuesdays and Fridays. Stop by to find resources and support.

Fri, Sep 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Chelsea District Library - 2nd Floor Lobby
Come pet a therapy dog to relax and recharge before the weekend!

Fri, Sep 05, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Chelsea District Library - Ingenuity Engine
Play more games!