Community Gala is a diversity initiative presented in conjunction with the exhibition openings of Vanessa German: Miracles and Glory Abound and Engaging African Art: Works from the Dr. Horn Collection, and the celebration of Black History Month. Presenting a topical lecture followed by gallery opening, strolling dinner, live entertainment with elegant décor.

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

Gold
The Hamo Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Copper
Silver
Prasad & Jayashree Kommareddi		Mr. Mark & Becky Miller
Bronze
AAA Michigan - Renee Sanders	Advanced Physical Therapy Center	Archaea Rajan, DDS & Symantec Ram
James & Kathryn C. Boles	Mrs. Edmund B. Brownell	Communities First, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Cox	Dr. Tolutopu Oyasiji	Edward Jones - Eric Gasper
Eric S. Peterson & Associates Mortage Lenders, LLC	Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church	Hurley Medical Center
Chene Koppitz	Plante Moran	Mr. Milton & Dr. Brenda Rogers-Grays
Ann & Khalil Saab	Mr. & Mrs. Woodrow Stanley	The Flint Area (MI) Chapter of the Links Incorporated
The Friends of Berston Field House	The Greater Flint Chapter of the Pierians, Inc.	The Rutherford Group
University of Michigan - Flint	Valley Area Agency on Aging	Dr. Wrex & Karen Weaver
Friends
Maria Gonzalez & Glen Adams	Mr. Leon & Mrs. Pat Adams	Henry & Mary Allen
Alpha Kappa Alpha Zeta Beta Omega	Floyd & Brenda Clack	Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
	Alpha Kappa Alpha Zeta Beta Omega	Dr. Raymond F. Gist, D.D.S.
Bobbie J. Greer	Louis Hawkins	Dr. & Mrs. John Hebert
Gary & Carol Hurand	Lynne Hurand	Mr. & Mrs. Tyrone Jordan
Jamile T. Lawand	Leo's Coney Island	Sean & Eureka McCormick
Mr. & Mrs. John McKenney	Thomas J. Mitchell	Kathryn Moeller
Mr. Roland & Mrs. Cynthia Morsee	Drs. Bobby & Nita Mukkamala	Dr. & Mrs. Kienan F. Murphy
NAACP - Flint Branch	Olmsted Associates, Inc.	Lori Thomas, DDS
Patrick and Gloria Tyus	Prestige Promotions powered by Proforma	Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Reynolds
Mr. & Mrs. Dwight & Lisa Rogers	Michael and Virginia Rucks	Daniel J. & Mary C. Ryan
James & Patt Spangler	Shelley Spivack & Linda Pylypiw	Alvern & Theresa A. (Stephens) Lock
Ernelle Taylor	The Williams Firm	Timothy & Melinda Johnson
Totem Book Store	Terry Turner	Dr. & Mrs. Jay Werschky
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Wiseley	Chuck & Kathryn Sharbaugh	Dr. Robert & Mayor Susan Soderstrom
Town Center Family Dental	Todd & Lisa Wiseley
In-Kind