“I believe we are the creative imagination of our futures. I understand thought to be the poetic spark from which all things manifest. Thoughts are architectural, building words into language, constructing societies that define Earth’s social ecosystems.” Semaj Brown Poet. Educator. Playwright. Author. Performer. Thought Leader who thinks outside the lines. These are just a

When James Thigpen, Jr. creates a new piece of art, he takes his time. Using a multitude of photographs, he designs each piece exactly how he sees it inside himself. His unique style, evolved throughout the course of his life, portrays the African-American experience from a universal perspective. As an added special ingredient, each work

Suellen J. Parker, a well-known attorney in Genesee County’s legal community, may be a lawyer by profession, but making art is where her heart is. The talented artisan is the owner of Case Island Glass LLC, specializing in kiln-formed, midcentury modern glassware. All of the designs are handmade from Bullseye Glass, a manufacturer in Oregon

In 2019, Flint Public Art Project (FPAP) started phase one of their plan to paint 100 new murals in Greater Flint by the end of summer 2020. The project was successful beyond imagination, exceeding the goal and bringing Flint positive news coverage and notoriety. For the project, FPAP welcomed artists from all over the world

For artist Donald Cronkhite, every storm presents an opportunity. “In spring, I’m always looking for a good storm. They hold the best cloud formations, colors and contrasts,” he says. Cronkhite, the newest instructor at the Flint Institute of Arts, has a professional eye for the sky. He specializes in cloudscapes painted in such a way

Water Warrior Green. Ocean Blue. Secret Red. These are the latest eyeglass frame colors available at a growing local business, thanks to the Genusee Artist Collaboration. The company, Genusee Eyewear, produces the first circular economy eyewear brand that upcycles one-use plastic water bottles into eyeglass frames and sunglasses. Founded by Ali Rose VanOverbeke, the kick-starter

“Let him through! Let him through!” chanted the “America’s Got Talent” audience as comedy magician Nathan Kranzo, after performing a great trick, nervously awaited the votes of the celebrity judges. Howie Mandel was first to give him a “no.” Next came Heidi Klum with a “yes” vote and then, Mel B. weighed in with the

Since 2010, the Swartz Creek Area Art Guild has been a place of community, talent and learning. Founded by Nancy Olds and Karen Pinkston, the Guild is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to “Promoting interest in the visual arts through education and development of artistic activities.” The Guild is open to all fine arts and

Fresh out of trade school, a young Bryan McCree found himself at Doobies Irish Pub in Downtown Flint on open mic night. His friend, Tony Ennis, pushed him to get on stage and do a little stand-up. “Tony said, ‘You’re funny. Get up there,’” McCree remembers. “I did five minutes off the top and it

Starting June 8 and running through July 3, the Cool City Art Auction will take place at the GFAC Gallery! The gallery will host a silent auction of original works by Michigan artists. Show up at the GFAC Gallery and make a bid or, if you just can’t live without the piece, “buy it now.”

“The young filmmakers give it a shot and learn that they can do it bigger and better.” Justin Brown, Director The Flint Youth Film Festival (FYFF) introduces the art of filmmaking to aspiring filmmakers ages 13-25. “It’s a way of getting young people interested in filmmaking,” says Justin Brown, Festival Director. The program provides opportunities