Black Bottom Saints playing cards to celebrate Detroit s Black culture, history
New York Times best-selling author Alice Randall announced that the images of icons with Detroit ties will be featured in a set of playing cards called “Black Bottom Saints,” named after her latest book.
Randall joined Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and the city’s Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship Director Rochelle Riley for a virtual presentation Saturday afternoon.
The cards will be produced in Detroit, distributed from Detroit and a significant portion of the proceeds is going to be gifted directly back to the city of Detroit,” Randall said.
Randall said Jimmy James Green, who apprenticed under Detroit and Michigan artist Jon Onye Lockard, is designing the back of the cards.
“Sophie/Elsie” by artist Mary Sibande in the Irving Stenn Jr Family Gallery at UMMA.
As visitors pass by the University of Michigan Museum of Art, they’ll notice a stunning new installation on view through the front windows of the Stenn Gallery.
Facing the walkway between the museum and Tisch Hall is a Black mannequin wearing a blue maid’s uniform that transforms into the dress of a Victorian queen. The look is complete with billowing cape and dramatic train that blankets the floor of the gallery.
The newly acquired work, titled “Sophie/Elsie,” is by contemporary South African artist Mary Sibande, who is known for her exploring themes of race, gender and labor through the use of photography and sculptures that are often animated by elaborate costumes and flowing fabrics. ts purchase was made possible by a generous donation from long-time UMMA donors Joseph (BBA ‘63) and Annette Allen.