When Louis Hawkins met revered art collector Arthur Primas at the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) in February, he heard something he’ll never forget.
“He said, ‘I’m not really an expert in art.’ But that he was drawn to pieces and would go home and research the artist and that time period and that’s how it all started for him,” said Hawkins, 56, of Flint.
Primas, a Texas resident and the well-known manager of entertainer Tyler Perry, often shows his collection. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most prominent displays of African-American art. Now, “Promises of Freedom: Selections from the Arthur Primas Collection” is heading into its final week on display at the FIA.
Sixty pieces are on display, each embedded with historical, cultural and social messages, from artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Hughey Lee-Smith, Romare Bearden and Bob Thompson. For Hawkins, who has worked with the FIA more than 14 years, it’s the stories and lessons behind the exhibit that make it stand out for him.
“There are so many works that speak to you, and I just love the title; that the artists themselves have the opportunity to have their work shown. This is freedom for them, when their work is on display, no longer imprisoned, hidden or isolated,” he said.
“I went and looked up great African-American artists and pieces online and the same names I found searching on the Internet are the same ones that are right here in the ‘Promises’ collection. This is definitely a collection worth going to see while it’s right here in our own backyards.”
Primas’ encouragement was simple enough for this longtime FIA board member — and it’s a challenge everyone can get in on.
“Just check it out and go with that curiosity to learn more,” Hawkins said.
He believes that the selections from Primas’ collection are a way for locals to dive into something new, whether it’s an artist, a piece of art, or a historical reference from one of the works.
“No matter what the race, religion, ethnic background or culture is, I encourage everyone to go there to just check out the work of the artists are being represented,” he said. “It’s an institute that everyone should be welcome to take a part of, and I hope no one will let this exhibit get away without checking it out.”
“Promises of Freedom: Selections from the Arthur Primas Collection” runs through April 17 at the FIA, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint.
Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and on Friday; noon to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and college students with ID; free for FIA members and children younger than 12. Everyone is granted free admission with the FIA’s Target Free Saturdays each week.
For information, call 810-234-1695 or visit flintarts.org.