Salute to Volunteers

In celebration of National Volunteer Week the FIA would like to thank the many generous and energetic volunteers that we could not live without. Board members, Committee members, Docents, Founders Society, Friends of Modern Art (FOMA), Film Society, and special event volunteers comprise a small army of individuals willing to share their time and experience to help make FIA programs and events alive and interesting.

Taking special note of its absence this year, the FIA would like to pay tribute to the many volunteers that make the Flint Art Fair possible. Since 1969, the Flint Art Fair has been presented by the FOMA on the grounds of the FIA during the second weekend in June. This June, will be the first in more than fifty years that will not see the lawn of the FIA flooded with hundreds of artists’ booths, food trucks, musicians, volunteers, and fair-goers by the thousands. An event of its magnitude requires months of preparation; from contracting with vendors, jurying artists and musicians, to layout and advertising. The FOMA Board and Art Fair Committee begin the next year’s event planning at the conclusion of the fair each year. And, each year hundreds of volunteers spend their weekend working this iconic event by assisting artists, taking admission at the gates, or working in the Silent Auction.

The hard work and commitment of these volunteers makes a significant contribution to not only the vibrancy of the FIA, but has a substantial economic impact on the city of Flint by providing an important venue for hundreds of artists, musicians, and food vendors each year. Over the years, the individual volunteers and members of the FOMA Board and Committee may have changed, but the passion for the event itself and the dedication to the support of the FIA have never wavered. The FIA is very grateful and looks forward to the return of the 54th Annual Flint Art Fair in 2021.