He lived in Charlotte for just a short while, but that doesn’t mean we in the Qcity can’t claim Romare Bearden as one of our own.

In fact, it seems, we’ve done just that.

As art lovers prepare to celebrate the 100th birthday of the man some have called America’s greatest collagist, various Charlotte groups are preparing to host dozens of events to honor the artist born 100 years ago near what is now Bank of America Stadium. (Bearden’s parents left Charlotte and moved to New York when he was just a toddler.)

More than 30 local organizations have come together under a single effort called “Charlotte Celebrates Bearden.”

Although a smattering of events have been going on all year -- an exhibition at Charlotte Country Day School, performances by North Carolina Dance Theatre, a lecture/music program at Beatties Ford Road Branch Library, and a currently running art show in the Ross Gallery I at Central Piedmont Community College – things really get cooking around Sept. 2, Bearden’s birthday. (He died in 1988.)

In addition to a slew of cultural event, the city is set to break ground for what will become the Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte.

We’ll keep you posted as new events are added. Meanwhile, visit CharlotteCultureGuide.com for the most comprehensive list so far.

Did You Know: Charlotte has a street named after the noted artist. Romere Bearden Drive intersects West Boulevard near the public library.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
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