Romare Bearden

Romare Bearden. , Romare Howard Bearden was born on September 2, 1911, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and died in New York City on March 12, 1988. His life and art are marked by exceptional talent encompassing a broad range of intellectual and scholarly interests including music, performing arts, history, literature and world art. Bearden was also a celebrated humanist, as demonstrated by his lifelong support of young, emerging artists. He was part of the dynamic, activist community of African American artists finding their voice during dramatic social change. Bearden's works were exhibited during his lifetime throuahout the United States and Europe including numerous solo shows. His collages, watercolors, oils, photomontages and prints are imbued with visual metaphors from his past in North Carolina's Mecklenburg County; Pittsburgh. Pennsvlvania; and Harlem, New York and from variety of historical, literary and musical sources., Recognized as one of the most creative and original visual artists of the 20th century, Romare Bearden had a prolific and distinguished career culminating with the presentation of the National Medal of Arts bv President Ronald Reagan in 1987., He is best known for his richly textured collages. An innovative artist with diverse interests Bearden also designed costumes and sets for the Alvin Alley American Dance Theater, and programs and sets for Nanette Bearden's Contemporary Dance Theatre. , excerpted from Romare Bearden Foundation, Web Site Biography, 2013 ,

"I think the artist has to be something like a whale, swimming with his mouth wide open, absorbing everything until he has what he really needs. When he finds that, he can start to make limitations. And then he really begins to grow." Romare Bearden

, Romare Bearden Park is inspired by his childhood in Mecklenburg County, his 1950 visit to Paris, and specific collages such as "Maudell Sleet's Magic Garden" and "Madeline Jones Wonderful Garden". Just as his artwork evocatively references places, people and memories, this park translates his art and experiences into a series of distinct spaces Maudell's Garden, Paris Memory, Childhood Muse, and Madeline's Garden., This park commemorates Romare Howard Bearden, a native son. It is a testament to the many groups that contributed their support, energy and expertise to create this cultural treasure for the citizens of Mecklenbura County and beyond., (caption) , Romare Bearden working in his studio with a photograph of his great grandparents hanging the wall beside him Frank Stewart, c.1980 , This project was completed in coordination with the Romare Bearden Foundation Visit www.beardenfoundation.org for additional information