Black artists spotlighted in annual art show at Ypsi’s Riverside Art Center

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

Riverside Arts Center (RAC), 76 N Huron St. in Ypsilanti, is currently hosting its fourth annual Black Artist Exhibit in cooperation with the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM). Additional sponsors for the event are former politician Ronnie Peterson, his wife Gloria Peterson, and the Palm Leaf Club, Ypsilanti’s oldest African-American women’s charitable organization.

The exhibition kicked off with an opening reception Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 28. A closing reception from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 27 will include music and refreshments.

RAC Communications Manager Grey Grant says that though the collaboration between RAC and AACHM has remained consistent for years, its theme changes each time. The theme of this year’s exhibition is “Embracing Unity Through Art,” celebrating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and Black history.

Grant says that RAC puts out the call for artwork for the show and manages the intake process. AACHM’s staff and board help find and recruit artists and make the final call on which works are accepted for the annual event. 

Grant says visitors can expect to see more than 50 artworks in a variety of media.

“It’s always a really fun time, and a lovely community vibe,” Grant says of the opening and closing reception held for each year’s exhibit.

For more information about the exhibit, visit Riverside Arts Center’s website for current exhibits.