Art Bridges grant supports “Impressions: Black Spirit in America” exhibition and community programs

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Support from the Art Bridges Foundation is helping bring new artworks and community programming to Mizzou's Museum of Art and Archaeology through the exhibition Impressions: Black Spirit in America.

The exhibition, on view in the museum’s galleries through May 2026, explores how art, poetry and other forms of creative expression reflect the shared experiences of communities across the African diaspora and their influence on the broader American story. The project features works from the museum’s permanent collection alongside artworks on loan through Art Bridges, a national nonprofit that partners with museums to expand access to American art. 

"Art Bridges makes it possible for us to introduce local and university audiences to internationally recognized artists like Rashid Johnson and Sharif Bey,” said Rima M. Girnius, PhD, the museum’s Curator of European and American Art.

 Art Bridges’ support has also enabled the museum to connect the exhibition with community programming designed to encourage dialogue and creativity.

One of those programs includes a First Friday event at Orr Street Studios on April 3, where museum staff will introduce the exhibition and offer interactive activities inspired by artworks on loan, including pieces by artists Rashid Johnson and Sharif Bey. Participants will also learn about the themes behind the exhibition and upcoming related programs. 

The programming continues with a Blackout Poetry Workshop on April 12 at Orr Street Studios. The workshop invites participants to transform text from the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision into poetry and visual art. The event will be co-hosted by writer and guest curator Donald Quist and museum curator Rima Girnius, with artist Askia Bilal discussing the connections between blackout poetry and his artistic practice. 

“This dialogue between art, identity, and community,” said Girnius, “is at the heart of this exhibition and what we do as a university museum."

Impressions: Black Spirit in America opened in October 2025 and runs through May 2026. Click here to learn more.