Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA), an auxiliary group of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events beginning Saturday, Sept. 15, and culminating with its signature annual fundraiser, Bal Africain, on June 15, 2013.
On Saturday, Sept. 15, FAAAA hosts “The Summer of ’62,” a tribute to the year FAAAA was established as The African Art Gallery Committee. The event is on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at the DIA. There will be a strolling supper and dancing, and guests are encouraged to dress in 1962 “cocktail glamour.” Tickets are $150 each, with Patron tickets at $500 for two people. Tickets can be purchased by calling 313-833-4005 or at tickets.dia.org. Proceeds support FAAAA’s efforts on behalf of the DIA.
Sponsors of “The Summer of ‘62” are General Motors, DTE Energy Foundation, St. John Providence Health System, Health Alliance Plan and Blue Care Network. Media sponsor is WJBK FOX2.
Included during the yearlong anniversary celebration will be lectures on African American art, African art and art of the African Diaspora. Among the events planned, but not yet finalized, are tours of collectors’ homes and an art auction. Check the DIA’s website in the coming months for additional information: www.dia.org.
About Friends of African and African American Art
Originally named the African Art Gallery Committee, FAAAA was founded in 1962 as an auxiliary of the Founders Society of the DIA, and is today one of the museum’s oldest and most highly regarded organizations of its kind. FAAAA’s mission is to raise funds to purchase significant works of art created by African, African American and other artists of the Diaspora. Additionally, FAAAA plays a vital role in introducing young people to art and educating them through the many programs, tours, lectures and special exhibitions offered throughout the year.
Hours and Admission
Museum hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for ages 6-17, and free for DIA members and residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. For membership information call 313-833-7971.
