Michelle Obama was a fashion icon during her years as First Lady.
With her long, often bare, arms, she turned heads and made headlines in the fashion trades and on the national news.
And when it was time to choose a frock for her famous portrait — now on view at the MFA Boston with the equally famous one of her husband, President Barack Obama — she turned to fashion designer Michelle Smith to come up with the perfect dress.
On Monday, Oct. 24, the MFA hosts “A Tale of Two Michelles,” a “behind-the-seams” look at the gown Obama selected to wear in her official portrait by renowned painter Amy Sherald.
Smith, the designer whose clothing is worn by the likes of Beyonce and Lady Gaga, will be there for the program, moderated by Boston-based style writer Todd Plummer. After their conversation, theo tyson, MFA curator of fashion arts, will moderate a Q&A.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event starts at 6 p.m. After the event, “The Obama Portraits Tour” will be open until 8:30 p.m. for a private viewing for attendees. Tickets $15; free for members, at mfa.org/event/lecture/a-tale-of-two-michelles?event=89006&utm_source=press&utm_medium=press-materials&utm_campaign=lectures.
The MFA also launches “Frank Bowling’s Americas,” the first major American survey of this boundary-crossing artist’s work in four decades. On view at the MFA Oct. 22-April 9, 2023, it then travels to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art May 13-Sept. 10, 2023.
The exhibition delves for the first time into the pivotal early chapter of Bowling’s career, his profound artistic discovery and self-determination. Born in 1934 in British Guiana, Bowling lived there until 1953, when he moved to London. Then in 1966, he ventured to New York City, driven by the desire to expand the possibilities of his painting.
The exhibition features over 30 of Bowling’s powerful paintings, all made in America. The include monumental, color-soaked canvases and rarely seen works on loan from private collections.
For info on the exhibit and other programs, visit www.mfa.org.
Gallery notes
HALLOWEEN HILARITY: Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, downtown Lowell gets into the spirit of the season with a “Hell Raising Fundraiser,” 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29. It’s a celebration of the gallery’s ninth birthday and includes a silent auction, food and music. Tix are $50 at https://checkout.square.site/buy/NKTZ3WPIQTSG2YDITQFNGHLV.
AT GREENWALD GALLERY: Head to the Greenwald Gallery in the Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market St., for a reception for the latest show “Koetsch: Amorphophallus.” It takes place 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, and the exhibit is up through October 30. Gallery hours are noon-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Call 978-221-5018 or visit www.artsleagueoflowell.org/gallery/greenwaldgallery/.
A FLORAL CONNECTION: Boston Children’s Museum recently opened the Victory Bouquets art installation in the Japanese House Gallery. The exhibit tells stories of joy, victory, and growth, as expressed by young Japanese artists who were inspired by the floral arrangements awarded to winners of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. They celebrate both ordinary and extraordinary moments that form our world. Young visitors will be prompted to reflect on their own lives by responding to the question – “If you have a flower bouquet, who would you want to give it to, to show gratitude, friendship, and to celebrate?” This is the final collaboration in the annual project between Tohoku University of Art & Design in Japan and the Boston Children’s Museum. The installation is open through next spring. Visit bostonchildrensmuseum.org/.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is nancyedt@verizon.net.
