FLINT, Michigan — Buckham Fine Arts Project will celebrate a major literary and artistic milestone this Saturday, April 26, with the official release of a new publication by writer Xzavier V. Simon. The event, which begins at 2 p.m. at Buckham Gallery, marks the culmination of the gallery’s first-ever
Guest Writer initiative.
As part of the afternoon's program, Buckham Executive Director Michele Leclaire will offer opening remarks, followed by a reading and Q&A session with Simon. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author, enjoy light refreshments, and purchase signed copies of the book.
Simon, a 2023–2024 Guest Writer at Buckham, crafted a series of essays in response to solo exhibitions by artists Kiara Aileen Machado, Ariana Vaeth, and Gerardo Castro. His writing offers a reflective Black Queer-eye perspective, providing intimate and thought-provoking engagement with the artists' work.
The Guest Writer publication coincides with Buckham’s 40th anniversary, a celebration of its legacy as an artist-led nonprofit gallery dedicated to diverse voices in contemporary art. The book represents a collaborative effort supported by community donations and grants from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Greater Flint Arts Council’s Share Art Genesee program, funded by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage.
“This project honors the power of words and visual art working in tandem,” said Leclaire. “We’re excited to share this meaningful work with the public and highlight the role of writing in deepening artistic dialogue.”
The event is free and open to the public. Buckham Gallery is located in downtown Flint at 121 W. Second Street.
To learn more about Buckham Gallery, visit: buckhamgallery.org
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