Black American Gothic and Black American Gothic 2 by Brian Wilson

Alain LeRoy Locke, the American writer, philosopher and educator who is regarded as the “Father of the Harlem Renaissance,” promoted African-American artists, writers and musicians, encouraging them to look to African and African-American subjects as inspiration for their works. Through this expression, the Harlem Renaissance encouraged a new appreciation of folk roots and culture, instilling pride of self, bringing us all to discover our common humanity.

For our February exhibit at the Charlotte Art League, we ask artists to create art that relates to your past–whether it is recalled from your culture, ancestral home or personal history.

February Exhibit Calendar:
Entries Accepted: Friday, January 27, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 28, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 29, 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Opening Reception: Friday, February 3, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at First Friday Gallery Crawl
Last Day of Show: Friday, February 24
Artists Pick up Exhibited Work: Saturday, February 25-Sunday, February 26 (during gallery hours)

Portrait of Romare Bearden / photo by Carl Van Vechten (1944)

For further information on this show, click here for the February exhibit prospectus.

Left: As a toddler, Romare Bearden moved from North Carolina to New York, where his family’s household soon became a gathering place for luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance. His art was autobiographical, drawing on his personal history and his experiences in the community. (Learn more about the Charlotte native at the National Gallery of Art’s Bearden page.)