BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//hacksw/handcal//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6a6a860338687 DTSTAMP:20260729T230019Z DESCRIPTION:Join us for a public reception Thursday\, September 3rd from 5-7pm for \;Making America Again: So Strong\, So Brave\, So True. The exhibition \;includes artwork by a representative cohort of Ford/Philip Morris Foundation Fellow for Artists of Color (1985-1999)\, whose careers have had a decided impact in the global art world. The exhibition is on view in MICA's Sheila &\; Richard Riggs Gallery\, located in the Lazarus Center on North Avenue\, from August 28 through September 29th. The Ford/Philip Morris initiative was the only program of its kind in the nation. Spearheaded by MICA and funded by the Ford and Philip Morris Foundations\, the program facilitated 200 artists of color to obtain an MFA degree. Through philosophical and practical support\, it ensured that artists of color received the education and training necessary to become active participants within and beyond the mainstream of American art and culture. This exhibition affirms MICA&rsquo\;s commitment to\, and leadership in the national dialogue\, on expanding the art canon through affirmative initiatives to diversify the roster of artists in the overall discourse and provide equitable access to opportunity and support. The core of this exhibition is work by a select group of Ford/Philip Morris fellows: \; Candida Alvarez\, Dawoud Bey\, Sanford Biggers\, Nick Cave\, Sonya Clark\, Stephanie Dinkins\, Espy Frazier\, Bill Gaskins\, Lyle Ashton Harris\, Cynthia Hawkins\, Napoleon Jones- Henderson\, Joe Lewis\, Tom Miller\, Joyce Wellman. The installation also includes artists such as Joyce J. Scott\, Oletha Devane and Lola Flash who proceeded this cohort\, as well as artists who came to MICA in the wake of the program such as Jerrell Gibbs\, Monica Ikegwu\, Jeffrey Kent\, Amy Sherald\, Shinique Smith\, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum and René\; Treviñ\;o. The title of the exhibition is inspired by a 1935 poem\, by Langston Hughes\, that indicates the fact how these artists are predecessors and current forces in the art world today. Over the last decade has been a literal explosion of a global interest in the work of artists of color. Guest Curators: Dr. Leslie King Hammond\, consultant: Graduate Dean Emerita\, \;Founder of Center for Race and Culture\, Maryland Institute College of Art\; Former Senior Fellow\, Robert W. Deutsch Foundation\, Baltimore Dr. Lowery \; \;Stokes Sims\, consultant: Curator Emerita\, Museum of \;Arts and Design\; 2021-22 Kress Beinecke Professor\, The \;Center\, NGA\; independent curator and art historian Gallery Hours: \;Monday - Sunday\, 10AM - 5PM Campus galleries are open to the public. Outside visitors can enter galleries after signing in at the front desk of the respective building. Please note\, on weekends outside visitors will need to be accompanied by a MICA community member with a MICA ID in order to swipe and gain access into respective buildings. SUMMARY:Making America Again: So Strong\, So Brave\, So True Exhibition Reception DTSTART:20260903T210000Z DTEND:20260903T230000Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR