FLINT, MI — The Flint Institute of Arts museum and art school will open two engaging new exhibitions featuring works from celebrated visual artist Romare Bearden, along with Michigan collage artist Judy Bowman.

Both shows open Sunday, Feb. 2, and will be available to 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.

This exhibition highlights how the artist challenged racial stereotypes and pushed for social change through his artwork with a diverse collection of original works, prints and archival materials, including magazine covers and editorial cartoons.

Funded by a grant from The McCombs Family Flint Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, this exhibition is organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation based in New York City with exhibition tour management by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, based in Los Angeles.

“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 nines” with heads held high.

“There was a self-assured rhythm and undeniable coolness that’s powerful,” Bowman said. “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 Bowman adds to an archive illuminating 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,” said 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 exhibitions, the Exploration Annex aims to offer visitors immersive, hands-on experiences celebrating the transformative power of collage.

Made possible by a grant from the Anna Paulina Foundation, visitors are invited to collaborate on a 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.

“This reimagined space serves as the perfect complement to the works of Romare Bearden and Judy Bowman,” said Matthew Osmon, FIA director of education. “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, Bowman will make an in-person appearance from 1-2 p.m. March 29 at the FIA for a special “Meet the Artist” session in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery.

FIA patrons will have the chance to meet and chat with the artist in her own exhibition. The event is free and open to the public.

The FIA is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Admission to the FIA is free 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.

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