Flint Institute of Arts prepares to host ‘the party’ of the year with annual fundraiser

FLINT, Michigan — The party of the year is slated to take place at the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) on Saturday, June 3 from 7 p.m. to midnight. This year’s theme is 'The PARTY: Art of Dreams Bash' featuring a journey into your subconscious. The nonprofit's annual fundraising event is sponsored by Shea Automotive Group and will raise money to support museum programming and outreach programs for PreK-12 grade students. Marissa Pierce, director of development at FIA, says the event is the biggest fundraiser of the year.

“One of the things that is important at the FIA is really engaging our community so we want to make sure that we provide programming that reaches every corner of Genesee County and beyond,” says Pierce. “We’re able to provide experiences for visitors – not just children, but also adults and seniors. We want them to experience the museum whether that’s through an exhibition, special programming like lectures, our late-night programming, or our free glass-blowing demonstrations on the weekend. There’s something for everyone. Through our fundraisers like 'The PARTY,' we’re able to provide those types of things to our visitors and patrons.”

Each year, the event features a different theme which Pierce says keeps the event fresh and fun. “This year is the 'Art of Dreams' and that ties in with a current exhibition that focuses on surrealism,” she says. 

The current exhibit, Beyond Dreams: Surrealism and Its Manifestations, is on display from May until August 2023 in the FIA's Hodge Gallery. Featuring artworks from Surrealist artists including Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Leonora Carrington, the exhibit showcases themes and techniques of Surrealism still around today. These paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and films represent artists tapping into alternative reality states, and liberating imaginations. 

A scene from last year's fundraiser at the Flint Institute of Arts.
“There will be imaginative entertainment, and there’s something going on in every area of the museum so everyone gets an opportunity to explore the FIA and have fun while contributing to a great cause,” Pierce says. “We have activities going on in the lobby, food, and entertainment in our courtyard, and things going on in Isabel Hall. It’s a great opportunity to experience the museum in a new way.”

The event, which has seen 300 attendees in past years, will feature food, a signature cocktail, and a raffle. There will be an auction for a glass sculpture by Jason Christian, valued at $5,000. Tickets are $50 for one raffle ticket or $100 for three tickets. Tickets for 'The PARTY' are $150 per person, available online, and $175 at the door. 

The FIA is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 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.