(Flint, MI) The Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School and Communities First, Inc. are proud to partner once again in presenting the 18th Annual Community Gala, Saturday, February 1 at the FIA. A celebration of Black history and African American art and artists, this year’s event showcases the exhibition openings of Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary and We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now by Detroit-based collage artist Judy Bowman.
The evening begins with a lecture by Co-Director of the Romare Bearden Foundation, Diedra Harris-Kelley at 6 p.m. in the FIA Theater. A lively reception will follow from 7 – 9 p.m., featuring: exhibition openings in the Hodge and Temporary Galleries; live musical entertainment from Feimstro with vocalist Jasmine Turman in Isabel Hall; heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Chef Antwain Trimble of Robella Haynie’s LLC; desserts catered by A Taste of Heaven and a cash bar. All galleries will be open throughout the event for guest enjoyment.
Tickets will be available at the door for members and nonmembers. Gala tickets are available now online at flintarts.org. Proceeds support FIA exhibitions and expansion of the museum’s collection of African American art.
Semi formal dress attire is kindly requested for this event. Theater seating is first come, first served. The presentation begins promptly at 6 p.m.
“It is an absolute honor for the Flint Institute of Arts to host our 18th annual Community Gala in fulfilment of our mission to bring diverse communities together through the visual arts,” says Tracee Glab, FIA executive director. “To again partner with our friends at Communities First, Inc., and to celebrate exhibitions featuring works from such artists as Romare Bearden and Michigan’s own Judy Bowman makes this year’s Gala all the more special!”
Communities First, Inc. returns for their third Signature Sponsorship of the Community Gala.
“We are honored to continue our support for the Flint Institute of Arts,” says Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc.
Wilson continued: “The FIA’s commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity within the community resonates deeply with our mission to build healthy, vibrant communities. By supporting the growth of their diverse collections, we are partnering in the cultural vitality and education of the entire region.”
Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary will be on view in the FIA’s Hodge Gallery through April 19. The museum’s Temporary Exhibition Gallery will house We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now, also through April 19th.
Artist Judy Bowman will be in attendance at the Gala, and will also host a Figurative Collage Workshop on Sunday, February 2 from 12 -3 p.m. in the FIA Art School Studio 14. Participants will join Ms. Bowman to create their own collage, taking inspiration from greats like Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and Pablo Picasso. Supplies are included. Ages 15 and up may register now.
Additional sponsors of the Community Gala include Idealease of Flint, Inc. (Platinum Sponsor); Huntington Bank (Valet Sponsor); Friends of Berston Field House, ELGA Credit Union, Genesee Health System, Mott Community College, Plante Moran, Alvern Lock & Theresa Stephens-Lock and Mr. & Mrs. Mark Miller (Silver Sponsors).
Sponsorships & ticket purchases are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
