Friday, February 17, 2012

Random Recap: Macy's Black History Month Celebration Honoring Romare Bearden

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Macy's Black History Month reception honoring the legendary Romare Bearden. Co-sponsored by The Romare Bearden Foundation, the event at the Macy's Metro Center location in downtown DC celebrated the life and legacy of Bearden's work and marked what would have been the artist's 100th birthday.

Romare Bearden
Hundreds of people attended the reception, which featured a satellite exhibit of Bearden's most celebrated works, cocktails, hor d'oeuvres and a live band! Macy's has been holding similar events in 12 markets across the country, and last night it was DC's turn to show love for a man considered by many to be one of the 20th century's most creative and original visual artists. Check out the highlights. **Apologies for my photog skills. Annie Leibovitz, I am not**
The Lamp
Falling Star
Jazz

Circe Turns a Companion of Odysseus into a Swine
In addition to Bearden's works, guests were also treated to live music courtesy of Chelsey and the Green Project. In addition to singing her heart out, Chelsea thoroughly entertained the crowd with her violin skills. Yeah, you read that right. If Miri Ben-Ari is the hip-hop violinist, Chelsea is the R&B version ;)

Also, what reception would be complete without remarks from the event sponsors.
Macy's VP and Store Manager Robert Booker

Irie Harris and Ernest Dow from The Romare Bearden Foundation



As you can imagine, the event also brought out art lovers and owners, including arts enthusiast Juliette Bethea who is the proud owner of several Bearden pieces.
I'm an art exhibit type of gal, so events like these are always a treat. If you don't know about Romare Bearden, get into him and thank me later. You can start with the Macy's satellite exhibit, which is on display until Feb. 19. After that, visit a museum, Google him, buy a coffe table book or just do something to familiarize yourself with his brilliant body of work.  You won't be sorry and if you are, you're just weird.

S/O to Xina Eiland for the invite :)

1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this event. Everywhere loves Macy's events and try to get as many bloggers to come out and support them as possible. We hope that we get to work with you again soon!

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