The Studio Museum in Harlem announces The Bearden Project and concurrent Fall/Winter 2011–12 exhibitions.
September 2, 2011, marked the centennial of the birth of Romare Bearden, and the beginning of a year of international celebration of this significant and singular artist. In tribute to Bearden, who was deeply involved with the founding of The Studio Museum in Harlem, and whose work remains at the core of our collection, the Studio Museum is inviting one hundred artists to create new works of art inspired, influenced, or informed by the life, work, and legacy of one of the most important artists of the twentieth Century. The Museum will share these works with the public through The Bearden Project, a dynamic exhibition initiative that will grow and change throughout the centennial year.
The Bearden Project will open to the public on November 10, 2011, but will evolve over the subsequent year as new work arrives at the Museum and works are rearranged in dialogue with Bearden’s work, each other, and concur- rent exhibitions. In addition to the exhibition, the Museum will offer multiple ways for the public to engage with the art and artists participating in The Bearden Project. Building on its history of robust public programs, the Museum will celebrate The Bearden Project with the launch of a new and even more comprehensive event calendar featur- ing rare opportunities to experience performances, tours, artists’ talks and beyond with leading contemporary artists, noted scholars, and Museum curators Thelma Golden, Lauren Haynes, Naima Keith and Thomas J. Lax. Visit studiomuseum.org throughout the exhibition for details.
Additionally, in partnership with e, the Museum will launch thebeardenproject.studiomuseum.org on November 9. Created in partnership with with emerging New York design firm OCD, this ever-changing, interactive microsite will spotlight a rotating roster of participating artists and feature information about and a map of tri-state area museums displaying Bearden works in celebration of the centennial. The Studio Museum and OCD will also create a compre- hensive publication reproducing each work in the project along with personal and intimate reflections from partici- pants, a new essay by exhibition organizer and Studio Museum Assistant Curator Lauren Haynes and a foreword by director Thelma Golden. The Bearden Project both salutes an icon of American art in this centennial year and serves as an enduring tribute to his life, legacy, and influence.
About The Studio Museum in Harlem
Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem is a contemporary art museum that focuses on the work of artists of African descent locally, nationally and globally, as well as work that has been inspired and influenced by African- American culture. The Museum is committed to serving as a unique resource in the local community, and in national and international arenas, by making artworks and exhibitions concrete and personal for each viewer.
Hours and Admission
The Studio Museum is open Thursday and Friday, noon-9pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, noon-6pm. The museum is closed to the public but available for school and group tours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Museum admission is by suggested donation: $7 for adults, $3 for students (with valid id) and seniors. Free for children 12 and under. Sundays are free at the Studio Museum, thanks to generous support from Target. For more information visit studiomuseum.org