Grand Vision

An installation of work by Olayami Dabls
Sep 22 – Oct 28, 2026
Hours: M–F 8am–6pm
Institute for the Humanities Atrium, 202 S. Thayer

Born in 1948 in Canton, Mississippi, Olayami Dabls is a storyteller, artist, curator, educator, and mentor. He is the founder of the MBAD African Bead Museum and outdoor public art installation in Detroit, the city where he has lived for over 60 years.

Grand Vision presents the Dabls’ paintings along with African trade beads, carved N’kisi figures from Dabls’ collections, and personal ephemera chronicling the artist’s own storied career. With a unique combination of wisdom and mysticism, symbols and signs, colors and patterns, and a multiplicity of mirrors, Dabls tells an infinite tale of regeneration.

As part of the project, Dabls’ iconic outdoor sculpture Iron Teaching Rocks Table Manners will be exhibited on the U-M campus grounds at the corner of State Street and South University, near UMMA and in close proximity to landmark U-M public sculptures. learn more

RELATED EVENTS

Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series:
"The Culture Keeper"
Olayami Dabls in conversation with Detroit writer Nichole Christian
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
5:30 - 6:30pm
Rackham Auditorium, 915 E Washington

Opening Reception with Olayami Dabls
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
6:30 - 8:00pm
Institute for the Humanities, 202 S. Thayer

Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit
Screening of How to Rust (2016) by Julia Yezbick and N'Kisi Concorde (2014) by Brittin Richter followed by conversation with filmmakers, moderated by Ann Arbor Film Festival Director Leslie Raymond and IH Arts Curator Amanda Krugliak.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
6:00 - 8:00pm
State Theatre, 233 S. State

Dabls in Detroit: A Cultural Arts Tour with Olayami Dabls
A charter bus will leave the Institute for the Humanities at 9:00am and return at 1:00pm. Register here.
Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00am - 1:00pm
Institute for the Humanities, 202 S. Thayer

Olayami Dabls in the Gallery
Stop by the gallery for stories and conversation with the artist. 
October 9, 12, & 23, 2026
11:00am - 3:00pm
Institute for the Humanities, 202 S. Thayer

String of Stories: Bead Workshop and Storytelling
Register here.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
5:00 - 7:00pm
Institute for the Humanities Osterman Common Room, 202 S. Thayer