Romare Bearden, one of the most renowned African-American artists of the 20th century, was born in Charlotte 100 years ago today. Now, Charlotte is about to celebrate his life and works as never before.Here are some of the key events being held as part of the city's "Bearden 100" celebration:
Before Bearden: In-school artist residencies in conjunction with Bearden 100 Celebration, at several CMS middle schools. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art looks at artists in the collection that influenced Bearden. Through Dec. 31. 704-353-9200.
"Back Porch Serenade": The collage being given to the Mint Museum Uptown by the Romare Bearden Society will be unveiled as part of the Mint's First Fridays event to open its exhibition, 6:30 p.m. today. At 8 p.m., a premiere screening of WTVI's "Charlotte's Bearden 100," presented by Steve Crump. Members from the Bearden Foundation and Nannette Bearden's family plan to attend. 704-337-2000.
Conversations at Gantt Public Lecture: Bearden's Role in the Canon of American Art, with Pamela Ford, 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Gantt Center. RSVP required; 704-547-3700.
Romare Bearden's Jazz Compositions in Performance: 3 p.m. Sunday. Mint Museum Uptown.
Romare Bearden: A Centennial Exhibition: An Artist Remembers His Birthplace, Jerald Melberg Gallery, Sept. 9-Nov. 12. 704-365-3000.
Color Struck: Evidence and Essence (Decoding and Living the Legacy of Romare Bearden), discussion with Hasaan Kirkland, associate professor of fine art, Johnson C. Smith University, 11 a.m. Sept. 10:, Mint Museum Uptown.
Point/Counterpoint Dialogue: Bearden's Charlotte Recollections, Dr. Glenda Gilmore, historian, Yale University, and Dr. Richard Powell, art historian, Duke University, 3 p.m. Sept. 11, Mint Museum Uptown.
"Li'l Dan, The Drummer Boy": An interactive family exhibition on a book written and illustrated by Bearden, ImaginOn, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 704-973-2780.
Romare Bearden's Charlotte, 1911: Public debut of the interactive site Bearden1911.org with historian Tom Hanchett at the Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road, 3 p.m. Sept 18. Part of the ongoing series Explore History! sponsored by Levine Museum of the New South and the Duke Mansion. Free, reservations required: email pmartin@tlwf.org or 704-714-4448.
Curator's Tours with Carla Hanzal: Exploring Romare Bearden, 2 p.m. Sept. 21, Oct. 16 and Nov. 9. Mint Museum Uptown.
Conversation on the Art of Romare Bearden: With Ruth Fine, curator of special projects in modern art, National Gallery of Art, and Herb Jackson, painter and professor emeritus, Davidson College, 7 p.m. Oct. 14, Mint Museum Uptown.
Sunday Fun Day: Drop-in family friendly activities, Mint Museum Uptown, Oct. 16.
Lecture: Kyle Coleman, Columbia Museum of Art, on parallels between Africobra and the Spiral Groups, 7 p.m. Oct. 18, Mint Museum Uptown.
Bearden 100: Celebrating the Man Through Music, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Jacomo Rafael Bairos, conducting, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Knight Theater, 704-972-2000.
Carolina Jazz of Coltrane, Monk and Gillespie: UNCC student ensemble, 3 p.m. Oct. 30, Mint Museum Uptown.
Bearden's Gospel Train: With Charlotte vocalists and musicians, 6 p.m. Nov. 15, Mint Museum Uptown.
Dramatic Vision of Romare Bearden and August Wilson: Celebrating Art, Drama and Jazz, 3 p.m. Nov. 20, Mint Museum Uptown.
Carolina Shout: UNC Charlotte Jazz Ensemble celebrates Bearden, 8 p.m. Dec. 1, Anne R. Belk Theater at UNCC; 704-687-2599.
Virginia Paper Co. Building, Third Ward: 22 computer-generated panels inspired by Bearden, through December 2012.
Read more >>>>>>
