‘In Their Own Backyard’ exhibit at FIA highlights memories of Michigan people and places

FLINT, Michigan — Buildings can symbolize many things: economic development, changing times, or even fond memories of yesteryear. Michigan has plenty of beauty in its natural resources and Great Lakes, but also plenty of beautiful cityscapes and local landmark buildings.

Some of these innovative structures and architecture are highlighted in artwork from local and statewide artists in the upcoming FIA exhibit, ‘In Their Own Backyard: Michigan Artists and Architecture’ from Jan. 31 through May 18. 

Sarah Kohn is the Director and Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the FIA Museum + Art School, and says this exhibit is special in the way it came about. 

“In 2024, we received a curatorial grant from the IFPDA Foundation and we were able to hire an intern to study Michigan artists in our print collection (which includes nearly 2,400 objects),” she says. “During her research, she discovered several artworks depicting architecture and proposed an exhibition on the topic. She worked on a checklist, description, and layouts during her time at the FIA and the curatorial team has been able to bring the exhibition to life.”

Courtesy photo | FIAKarl Matsuda. American, 1911 - 1981. Hardys - Lansing, 1955. Watercolor on paper 19 × 24 in. (48.3 × 61 cm). Courtesy of the Isabel Foundation, Inlander. Collection L2003.88.
The exhibition showcases artists who lived or worked in the state, and depicts their views of architectural scenes across the state. Many of these scenes include buildings that are still standing, and others provide a glimpse into what used to be.

They depict the ingenuity and innovation of different facets of Michigan life including industries like manufacturing and agriculture. These physical landscapes and photographs of buildings help shape our collective landscapes of our own memories.

These pictures can help act as a visual record for future generations to examine everyday life throughout the generations. 

“There are several works in the show that depict buildings in Flint, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and even Mackinac Island,” Kohn says. “Some of the structures are still standing but others remain only in the memories of Michiganders and artwork like you’ll see in the show.”

Edward Ferguson. American, 1914 - 2000. Flint River, 1938. Lithograph on paper 11 × 14 1/8 in. (27.9 × 35.9 cm). Image: 8 7/8 × 11 1/8 in. (22.5 × 28.3 cm). Gift of Mr. Jack B. Pierson in memory of Mr. Robert Martin. Purcell 1979.279.Artwork mediums include silkscreen, etching and lithography printmaking, and paintings from artists Basil Hawkins, Edward Ferguson, Stefan Davidek, Lucienne Bloc and William (Bill) Stolpin. 

Kohn says the majority of the artwork has never been shown publicly before, and expects folks to walk away from the exhibit with very personal experiences.

“Everyone occupies architecture every day of their life, but to see it on paper can provide many feelings,” she says. “Some will find wonder in buildings they are seeing for the first time while others may find some nostalgia seeing the buildings that now exist in their memories. I think the ideal takeaway for this exhibition is to recognize the talented Michigan artists and architects that bring this beautiful state to life.”

The Flint Institute of Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free for FIA members and Genesee County residents, $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, $8 for students with ID and for seniors. Admission is free for everyone on Saturday, courtesy of Huntington Bank.