Genesee County, MI — The Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School proudly presents two engaging new exhibitions featuring works from celebrated visual artist Romare Bearden, along with Michigan’s own, collage artist Judy Bowman. Both shows open Sunday, February 2 and will be on view through Saturday, April 19 in the FIA’s Hodge and Temporary Exhibition galleries.

Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist & Visionary explores a body of work by one of the most prolific American artists of his time, Romare Bearden (1911–1988). His artwork was inspired by everyday life in both rural and urban America, themes from literature and religion, and the lived experiences of African Americans in the 20th century. With a diverse collection of original works, prints, and archival materials, including magazine covers and editorial cartoons, this exhibition highlights how the artist challenged racial stereotypes and pushed for social change through his artwork. 

Organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation, New York, NY. Exhibition tour management by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA. Funded by a grant from The McCombs Family Flint Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now focuses on artist Judy Bowman’s experience growing up in the Eastside Detroit neighborhood known as “Black Bottom” – a vibrant neighborhood thriving with jazz, entertainment, businesses, and community, where men and women stepped out “dressed to the 9’s” with heads held high. According to Bowman, “There was a self-assured rhythm and undeniable coolness that’s powerful. I didn’t know it then, but I was witnessing what we identify today as ‘swag.’”

This exhibition reflects the flair, dignity, and pride Black men and women expressed through style and serves as a tribute to the Black community where Bowman grew up. Featuring new works and collages, the artist adds to a rich archive that illuminated narratives of Black experience conveying love, resilience, style, and community.

“The FIA is excited to have artworks by both Romare Bearden and Judy Bowman on view this winter and spring.” says Rachael Holstege, FIA Associate Curator. “Bearden is one of the most well-known artists of his generation and his work in collage brought it into the realm of fine art. His medium and focus on the Black experience has influenced artists for generations, including Judy Bowman. To see the artist’s works side by side, and see how Bowman has expanded on the medium and created works that reflect her personal experience growing up in Detroit is a special treat.”

Within the galleries, the FIA will unveil its newly transformed educational and interactive space, the Exploration Annex. Designed to enrich engagement with these extraordinary exhibitions, the Exploration Annex will offer visitors immersive, hands-on experiences that celebrate the transformative power of collage. Made possible by a generous grant from the Anna Paulina Foundation, visitors are invited to collaborate on a vibrant, large-scale homage to Flint, inspired by Bearden’s iconic cityscapes. Guests will also be able to create their own characters and personalities using open-ended figures inspired by Judy Bowman’s work.

Per Matthew Osmon, FIA Director of Education, “This reimagined space serves as the perfect complement to the works of Romare Bearden and Judy Bowman. The Exploration Annex is more than a creative space—it’s a hub for dialogue, reflection, and connection where our FIA patrons can better understand the world of collage and the profound ways Bearden and Bowman use their art to express the beauty, complexity, and resilience of community life.”

Additionally, Ms. Bowman will make an in-person appearance at the FIA on Saturday, March 29 for a special Meet the Artist session from 1p-2p in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery. FIA patrons will have the chance to meet and chat with the artist in her own exhibition. This event is FREE and open to the public.

The Flint Institute of Arts is open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10a – 5p, Friday from 10a – 8p, and Sunday from 1p – 5p. Admission is free every day for Genesee County residents through the Genesee County Arts, Education, and Cultural Enrichment Millage. Admission is also free on Saturdays for everyone, thanks to Huntington Bank. Learn more at flintarts.org.