Macy's honors artist's legacy during Black History Month
NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is celebrating Black History Month this February by honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Romare Bearden.
"Macy's is thrilled to partner with the Romare Bearden Foundation incelebration of the life and work of one of America's preeminentartists," said Dineen Garcia, Macy's VP diversitystrategies. "Every year, as we honor the contributions ofAfrican-Americans with our Black History Month events, we hope toempower a new generation through a look back at some of our nation'smost important leaders. Throughout his life, Romare Bearden brought hisexceptional talents to a wide range of interests, cementing his uniqueplace in history and blazing a trail for those who followed."
Romare Howard Bearden was a prolific artist whose work encompassed art, music,design, history and literature, Macy's noted in a press release. During his lifetime (1911-1988), Beardenexperimented with many different mediums and artistic styles, but isbest known for his richly textured collages. However his diverseinterests included costume and set design for the Alvin Ailey AmericanDance Theater and Nanette Bearden's Contemporary Dance Theatre, musiccomposition and literary work such as his famed children's book, "Li'lDan, The Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story."
To celebrate the artist's centennial, Macy's will spotlight Bearden's work through special exhibitions featuring watercolors,prints, oil on paper and dramatic black and white photostats that datefrom 1964 to 1984, when Romare Bearden was at the peak of his artisticpower. These satellite exhibits will showcase some rarely displayedworks loaned by private collectors, in addition to works on loan fromlocal galleries. Taking place at 11 Macy's locations nationwideincluding stores in New Orleans, New York City, Pittsburgh, Chicago,Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Washington,D.C., and Miami, the exhibits will be supplemented by works from artistsinfluenced and inspired by Bearden. Opening receptions will furtherhighlight Bearden's artistic endeavors including music, highlighted byperformances from a new generation of jazz musicians playing hiscompositions, which have been previously recorded by masters includingBranford Marsalis, Tito Puente and Billy Eckstine.
Additional in-store celebrations will include children's collage-makingevents, special readings of Bearden's children's book, "Li'l Dan, TheDrummer Boy: A Civil War Story," as well as cooking demonstrations fromlocal chefs featuring Bearden's favorite recipes and Caribbean dishesfrom the out-of-print cookbook, "Ma Chance's French Caribbean CreoleCooking," which he illustrated.
At the opening receptions, customers will have the opportunity toreceive a 15%off community shopping pass, and a $10 Macy's giftcard. Additionally, with a purchase of $50 or more, while supplies last,customers can receive a printed scarf featuring Romare Bearden's mostrevered work, "The Lamp." From Feb. 2 to 23, Macy's will also offer theopportunity to enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Paris,Romare Bearden's beloved city and the inspiration for his work on theproject, "Paris Blues Revisited." Courtesy of American Airlines,the prize includes round-trip coach air travel, hotel and a $500 Macy'sshopping spree.