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Library of Michigan Photo Exhibit Showcases Unique Images of Mid-Century Detroit

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Shown above is one of the photos in "The Searching Eye: Images of Mid-Century Detroit" photo exhibit at the Library of Michigan.

LANSING – Michiganders can come explore a different view of Detroit through “The Searching Eye: Images of Mid-Century Detroit” photo exhibit at the Library of Michigan. Opening Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Library of Michigan’s Lake Erie Room, the free exhibit highlights the work of industrial photographer Mr. Norman Zadoorian, father of award-winning Michigan author Mr. Michael Zadoorian.

Over the course of his career, Norman Zadoorian photographed nuclear power plants, supermarkets, strikes, local politicos, and workers from all walks of life. The photographs in “The Searching Eye” are unique glimpses of mid-century Detroit from mid-1940s to mid-1960s.

“The Library of Michigan provides the public with a glimpse of our state’s history,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “Through this exhibit, library visitors will be able to picture what it was like to be in Michigan’s biggest city during the mid-1900s.”

The Library of Michigan is within the Michigan Department of Education.

“The Searching Eye” is divided into four themes: Night and the City, Detroit as Muse, City of Work, and A Life Behind the Camera. Visitors can see images that illustrate Detroit from all perspectives of life of the 1950s. To complement the photograph collection, the artist’s son Michael has provided essays and commentary to go along with many photos.

“One of the amazing aspects of this exhibit is that it’s an intergenerational collaboration between both Norman and Michael,” said State Librarian Mr. Randy Riley. “Norman’s lens and Michael’s composition work together in articulating a unique era in the city of Detroit.”

The exhibit is available to view during the Library of Michigan’s open hours. The library, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday – except on certain state holidays – and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

Questions should be directed to Librarian@Michigan.gov or 517-335-1477.

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The Library of Michigan is an agency within the Michigan Department of Education and is dedicated to providing the people of this state and their government one perpetual institution to collect, preserve and provide access to the story of the state, and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors. To learn more, visit www.Michigan.gov/LibraryofMichigan.

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