Joyce J. Scott, American, born 1948. Yeller Girls, 2020. Glass beads, thread, peyote stitch 16 x 10 1/4 x 1/8 in. Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH. 

Photo credit: Jordan Davis Robles

Joyce J. Scott: Messages

July 20, 2024 - December 1, 2024

Harris - Burger Gallery

For over 40,000 years artists across the world have used glass beads to create elaborate jewelry and sculpture; however, Baltimore-based artist Joyce J. Scott uses beads to communicate her activism and sense of social justice. She relates her work as an artist to her family's craft traditions and to her African American heritage. Drawing viewers in through vibrant color, humor, and satire she presents difficult themes such as racial inequity, violence against women, and politics, pushing the boundaries of the medium not only through her technique but through her narratives and messages. 

While many of these issues are prevalent in the United States, Scott emphasizes that her artwork refers to cultures around the globe, stating that, “if we are going to work things out, we have to work together.” While the world has changed in many ways since Scott began working with beads, the artwork in this exhibition reminds us that there is still a long way to go. Themes that she explored in the 1970s and 80s are still found in artwork from the last decade. Even though she often addresses stereotypes in an uncompromising way, her hope is that one of these intricate artworks will leave a mark on the viewer and encourage them to fight against systemic issues to make the world a more joyous place. 

This exhibition is organized by Mobilia Gallery.

View More


FYFF Logo

Winners from the Flint Youth Film Festival

August 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024

Security Credit Union Gallery

In conjunction with the Flint Youth Media Project, the FIA will exhibit the award winners of the 2024 Flint Youth Film Festival. The Flint Youth Media Project introduces the art of filmmaking to people ages 13–30 and college students regardless of age. In addition to a series of free filmmaking workshops, the program provides opportunities for participants to share their work with peers, professional filmmakers, screenwriters, and the public.

View More


Pick of the Litter: Cats & Dogs in Art

September 21, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Temporary Exhibition Gallery Hodge Gallery

More than 3 in 5 Americans have a pet. Our four-legged companions make a big impression on our lives and have throughout history. Across cultures and time periods, cats and dogs have been viewed and depicted as family members, hunters of prey, and as symbols of status – representing wealth, power, loyalty, compassion, and companionship. Pick of the Litter: Cats & Dogs in Art explores our devotion and enduring fascination with the world's most familiar pets, highlighting the unique bond between humans and their furry friends. This exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, and works on paper that depict cats and dogs from ancient Mexico and China to modern day America.

View More