Pat Sabatine's Eighth Birthday Party, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania 1977

Larry Fink made this black and white photograph, titled *Pat Sabatine's Eighth Birthday Party, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania*, sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. His work often documents social events, which allow him to explore class distinctions and human relationships. Fink's artistic approach involves immersing himself in the worlds of his subjects, capturing intimate moments with a flash. Here we see children with a table full of gifts. The birthday girl grins at the camera while another child stares off into the distance. Fink's photographs, while documentary in style, are also infused with a sense of empathy. He manages to find beauty and humanity in the everyday lives of the working class, offering a glimpse into a world often overlooked. The photograph feels both personal and universal, inviting us to reflect on our own experiences of childhood, family, and community.