Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier

The faces, stories and experiences of people drawn to one of America’s most iconic destinations will come together in “Afterglow: Portraits by Sam Comen,” a new photography exhibition opening inside the historic Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round building with a special reception on Thursday, September 17, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. during the Santa Monica Pier’s Locals’ Night.

In July, acclaimed photographer Sam Comen transformed a corner of the Santa Monica Pier into a simple outdoor portrait studio and, over three days, conducted brief sittings with 274 people. Photographing in California’s renowned summertime light, Comen captured a cross-section of the people who found their way to the Santa Monica Pier—locals, travelers and international visitors representing different ages, backgrounds and moments in life.

Alongside the portrait sessions, Comen invited participants into brief conversations about what brought them to the Santa Monica Pier and how they see America at this moment. Together, the photographs and conversations offer a distinctive glimpse of America in its 250th year through the people who happened to meet at the edge of the continent as three summer days turned toward evening.

The location is an integral part of the exhibition's story. The Santa Monica Pier sits where Los Angeles meets the Pacific Ocean and marks the western end of historic Route 66—a place where generations of journeys have concluded and new ones have begun. Through Comen's lens, it also becomes a distinctly American gathering place where ideas of possibility, identity and America's place in the wider world come into view.

“Afterglow: Portraits by Sam Comen” will be presented inside the Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round building through September 30. The free exhibition brings the portraits back to the place where they were created, allowing Pier visitors to encounter the people and stories that collectively reflect the extraordinary range of individuals who share this landmark every day.

Comen specializes in photographing human stories connected to American political and social issues. During his 20-year career, he has collaborated with civic institutions, labor unions, foundations and community organizations to document the people and policies shaping American society. His photographs are held in the collections of the Library of Congress, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs' Art Bank. His touring documentary exhibitions “The Newest Americans” and “Working America” have reached more than 50,000 viewers at 26 venues nationwide since 2018, and his work has twice been exhibited at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. To see more of Comen's work, visit samcomen.com.

“I chose the Santa Monica Pier because it’s a place where so many different people and journeys come together,” said photographer Sam Comen. “Over three days, I had the opportunity to sit face-to-face with 274 people—locals, travelers and visitors from around the world—and hear a little about what brought each of them here and how they see America today. Taken together, these portraits reveal an America that is incredibly diverse, deeply personal and always changing. There’s something especially meaningful about capturing that at the edge of the continent, during the country’s 250th year.”

Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen

Opening Reception:
Thursday, September 17, 2026
3:30–7 p.m.
During Santa Monica Pier Locals’ Night

Location:
Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round Building
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Free Exhibition and Hours:
September 10–30, 2026

Monday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

“Afterglow” is a collaboration with the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and was made possible by Art of Recovery, an initiative of the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs. Art of Recovery is a post-COVID initiative created to harness the power of the arts in revitalizing community life.

While many enjoy the magic of “Locals’ Night” and other free events at the Pier, few realize that it’s made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.

Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for every visitor. Through impactful, location-specific programming offered year-round, SMPC ensures that the Pier remains a vibrant, world-class destination that is accessible to all. For more information on happenings at the Pier, please visit santamonicapier.org, or follow us onFacebook, Instagram,X, orThreads.