Last year will be long remembered as a time of upheaval and uncertainty as the United States grappled with the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice, political protest, and a divisive presidential election. During these challenging times, the creation and sharing of images have raised awareness, communicated information, spread hope, and strengthened connections.
We asked our local community to share photographs that captured the many meanings of “essential work” in 2020. We received over 200 images that celebrated healthcare workers, depicted the challenges and triumphs of remote learning, and documented the work of citizens protesting racial inequities. A committee of local arts and culture leaders selected 25 finalists who provided creative and thought-provoking responses to the exhibition’s theme and presented a diversity of vision. From this group, photo editors at The Philadelphia Inquirer chose their top three picks. Additional noteworthy submissions are featured in a digital slideshow. Together, these images capture poignant moments of hardship, strength, resilience, human connection, and even joy during an unprecedented year.
Selection Committee:
Ruben Christie, former Vice President, African American Museum of Bucks County
Laura Turner Igoe, Ph.D., Curator of American Art, James A. Michener Art Museum
Marlene Pray, M.Ed., Community Organizer, Director/Founder, Planned Parenthood’s The Rainbow Room
Community Photographers:
Illia Barger & Michael Kubel, Hannah Bohrer, Jonathan Bullock, Zimra Chorney, Kylie Cooper, Taylor Ecker, Michael Freeman, Max Friedenberg, Linda, Gaye Harley, Riley Joslin, Bob Kelly, Rev. Catherine D. Kerr, Christina Kimmel, Anna Kurtz, Lisa J. Levin, Lisa McGovern, Charles Mintzer, Kristin Moore, Gerard O’Malley, Lisa Lacroce Patterson, Shawn Reid, Heidi Roux, Henry Rowan, and Pili X
Essential Work 2020: A Community Portrait is generously supported by Jim and Valerie McKinney.
View a recording of the public program Essential Work 2020: Jurors’ Reflections on a Community Portrait.