Charlotte Celebrates the Birth of Religious Art Master Romare Bearden

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
By Mary C. Curtis

"The Baptism" by Romare Bearden

NORTH CAROLINA - Romare Bearden left his Mecklenburg County home when he just a toddler. But the memories he took with him and later brought to vivid life – in writings, music and, especially, his collages – solidified his place as an iconic American artist, an African American who transcended the categories and limitations that others would place on him. To mark the 100th anniversary of Bearden’s birth on Sept. 2, 1911, Charlotte is honoring him with a months-long celebration, featuring work that reflects his Southern heritage. Charlotte attorney T. Michael Todd is loaning two Beardens from his collection to the Mint show, including his favorite, “Mother and Child.” [link]