18th Annual Community GalaFlint Institute of Arts | 2.1.2025

In partnership with Communities First, Inc., the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School presented another well-attended celebration of Black history and African American art and artists. This year’s event showcased 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 began with an informative lecture in the FIA theater offered by co-director of the Romare Bearden Foundation, Diedra Harris-Kelley. Attendees then gathered for an elegant and lively reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, exhibition openings in the Hodge and Temporary Galleries, and live musical entertainment in Isabel Hall by Feimstro with vocalist, Jasmine Turman. All galleries were open throughout the evening for guest enjoyment.

Proceeds from this event benefit exhibitions and expansion of the FIA’s African American art collection.