Exhibitions

​Wonderfully Made: The Artis Collection of African American Art

January 18, 2020 - April 12, 2020

Graphics Gallery

Flint natives Anthony J. and Davida J. Artis have been collecting African American art since 2009. They have a passion to share their collection and have done so locally, but this exhibition will be its first museum showing. Their collection now totals more than 70 works, mostly prints, but also watercolors and drawings. According to the couple, they have collected art with the themes of faith, family, and faces and “want people to be moved and inspired.” They are attracted to art that tells a story, especially as a means to educate, encourage, and engage the community. The exhibition features works by Henry Ossawa Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, Mary Lee Bendolph, and Winfred Rembert.

Sponsored by

From the Exhibition

• Margaret Burroughs, American, 1915–2010. Mahalia Jackson: Queen of Gospel, 1990’s. Linocut/woodcut. 23 x 17 1/2 inches. The Anthony and Davida Artis Collection of African American Fine Art

• Henry Ossawa Tanner, American, 1859–1937. The Disciples See Christ Walking on the Water, 1904. Etching. 7 1/4 x 9 5/8 inches. The Anthony and Davida Arts Collection of African American Fine Art

• Michael B. Platt, American, 1948–2019. Two Sisters, 2018. Lithograph. 33 1/2 x 14 inches. The Anthony and Davida Artis Collection of African American Fine Art

• Ed Watkins, American, born 1950. The Seat of Power, 2009. Lithograph. 17 1/8 x 23 1/4 inches. The Anthony and Davida Artis Collection of African American Fine Art