The Flint Institute of Arts celebrates the opening of Vanessa German: Miracles and Glory Abound and Engaging African Art: Works from the Dr. Horn Collection with the 12th Annual Community Gala. The Gala will feature a performance by Vanessa German followed by the exhibition openings and a reception with live music, strolling dinner, and a cash bar.
Saturday, January 26, 2019 • 6p–9:30p
Cocktail attire. Doors open at 5:45p, lecture begins promptly at 6:00p.
| Reservations | In Advance | At the Door |
|---|---|---|
| FIA Members | $40 | $55 |
| Non-members | $60 | $75 |
Proceeds benefit FIA programs and exhibitions.
Vanessa German is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is founder of Love Front Porch and ARThouse, a community arts initiative for the children of Homewood, the historic African American neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Drawing on her experience living in Homewood, German sees herself as a citizen artist and activist and creates her work in response to the ricochet of systemic, institutionalized racism, violence, and brutality facing her community. Incorporated into the exhibition will be what she terms “power figures,” which are rooted in spirituality and ritual, most notably the central African tradition of nkisi nkondi or minkisi figures, characterized by protrusions of nails, signifying awakening and healing. In creating her art, she is actively involved with the community, using found objects that are brought to her or involving youth and adults in actually making parts of her sculptures.
Dr. Robert Horn began collecting African art more than 50 years ago and has works from over 60 African cultures, primarily from the countries in Western and Central Africa. This collection includes masks and small to medium-sized figures made of wood, bone, metals, clay, and beads, representing various spiritual, social, and ceremonial messages. From ritual to status-related objects, Engaging African Art will demonstrate the rich diversity of African visual expressions and cultures.
Lega Peoples, Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Lega Four Face Figure, 19th–mid 20th century. Wood, patina. 11 3/4 inches. Collection of Dr. Robert Horn.
Sponsors
| Copper | ||
 |  | |
| Silver | ||
 |  | The Serra Foundation |
| Bronze | ||
| Eleanor Brownell | James & Kathryn C. Boles | Communities First, Inc. |
| Mr. Milton & Dr. Brenda Rogers-Grays | Hurley Medical Center | AAA |
| The Rutherford Group | Ann & Khalil Saab | |
| Friends | ||
| Chuck & Kathryn Sharbaugh | Dr. & Mrs. Kienan F. Murphy | Thomas J. Mitchell |
| Olmstead Associates, Inc. | Henry & Mary Allen | Alvern & Theresa A. Stephens-Lock |
