Featured photo: Tamar Swain, president of Flint Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, adores the work of Mario Moore at the 17th-annual FIA Community Arts Gala. Photo by L.M. Land
Written by Tanya Terry
This year’s Community Gala, held at the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA), was much more to many attendees than a social affair or simply a good time. Instead, it opened eyes, hearts and minds to see events that occurred in Black history more vividly.
Over $68,000 was raised through the 17th-annual FIA Community Gala – a record for the gala! Funds raised through the gala go towards enhancing the African American collection or African diaspora artists at the FIA.
There are currently 37 works on view by Mario Moore, who was also the featured artist for the gala.
The theme for the exhibition that opened on Jan. 20 was Revolutionary Times. The exhibition will remain on view from through April 14 at FIA’s Hodge and Temporary Exhibition Galleries.
The exhibition features Moore’s most recent series focusing on the fur trade. It also features his previous two bodies of work. One of which was all about the Underground Railroad in the Detroit-Canadian area. The other one was about the context of the Civil War in the 2020 election. Moore said the work could also apply to the election we are about to face.
Moore said he and his dad watched a lot of old war movies together, and his dad was also always interested in history. As Moore got interested in art history, that led him to be more interested in history itself.
Moore told the Courier he enjoyed “the people” most at the gala.
“This felt very much like home,” he added.
Moore said as an artist he is always interested in what people bring to the work.
“The work is not finished until people see it,” said Moore. “What gets me excited – whatever they take – is that they feel something. It’s up to them what that is.”
Sarah Kohn, director and curator of collections and exhibitions, described Moore’s paintings as “gorgeous” and the messages behind them as “powerful.”
Kohn pointed out the FIA had acquired one of Moore’s works of art prior to him doing a show at the museum. The piece is one of three silverpoints in the show that feature key figures from the Underground Railroad. A silverpoint drawing is made by dragging a silver rod or wire across a surface.
Marissa Pierce, director of development and external relations for the FIA, told the Courier she felt the fact that Moore was a Detroit artist allowed Flint residents to connect. She pointed out both cities have large African American populations.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said at the event: “I came to recognize the institution – FIA – itself, first and foremost, and to see this amazing artist, Brother Moore, representing here, another Michigan-based artist.”
“His art had the theory and theme of revolution,” added Gilchrist. “I think it’s really important and inspirational. So, I wanted to come and let him and let all the community who has supported it for 17 iterations know how important it is to the state of Michigan, and how important art is to the state of Michigan. It’s a form of truth-telling that many people can understand. We want to support artists – and those who support artists here in the state of Michigan. It helps our communities thrive. It helps our culture advance. It helps make Michigan a better place.”
Gilchrist pointed out Michigan has a rich history of Black and impactful artists who are creating art that is not only changing our communities and state, but has changed the world.
Tamar Swain, president of Flint Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one of the sponsors of the event, told the Courier the sorority and chapter knows the importance of Black history. She pointed out it’s American history, first and foremost.
Swain said although FIA is internationally known, she doesn’t feel people who live here don’t take advantage of the depth of the culture experience they can have right in the city of Flint.
Flint Resident Tera Clemons, who is 22, said told the Courier her mom used to bring her to the gala when she was younger. Now that she is a young adult, she said she is appreciating everything Flint has to offer as far as its art and its culture even more. Clemons said she greatly enjoyed seeing so many people her age interacting with the art, the culture and with their elders.
Clemons said she appreciates the FIA’s willingness to keep pushing back against the narrative.
She stated: “It was a very beautiful gala.”
“That to me just feels good,” said Moore of the painting. Photo of painting taken by Tanya Terry.
