Co-sponsored by Dort Financial Credit Union and General Motors with 50 others lending support, the 9th annual family-friendly event was themed “Shake, Rattle & Roll” a tribute to the 1950s. The three-day event showcased a collection of 122 classic and custom vehicles – sports cars, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and a handful of custom motorcycles filling the two arenas, hallways and mezzanine of the Dort Financial Center. In the lobby, a variety of vintage cars, gas pumps and neon were displayed, with a collection of GTOs taking center stage on the ice.

Presented by the Flint Institute of Arts and Communities First, Inc. this event gathered patrons of the arts to celebrate the exhibition opening for Revolutionary Times. Following an informative talk by the artist – Detroit native Mario Moore – attendees enjoyed viewing the exhibit during a cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvre and live entertainment. Revolutionary Times draws from three bodies of work by Moore; paintings, silverpoint drawings and works on paper that focus on American history and current connections to the past. There are currently 37 works on view through April 14 in the FIA Hodge & Henry Galleries.

For the past 25 years, this event has been vital in raising funds for the Flint School of Performing Arts tuition assistance program, ensuring that students can study music, dance and theater regardless of their ability to pay. Last year alone, the Seeing Stars! tuition assistance program awarded $230,000 to local FSPA performing arts students and their families. Sixty percent of the FSPA’s enrolled families receive support.