NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
This February, a unique American master returns to the spotlight as
Macy’s (NYSE:M) celebrates Black History Month with special events and
exhibits dedicated to famed artist Romare Bearden. In conjunction with
the Romare Bearden Foundation, Macy’s honors the rich history and legacy
of the incomparable artist, writer and musician in celebration of this
year’s 100^th anniversary of his birth.

Macy’s celebrates the Romare Bearden Centennial for Black History Month Image courtesy of the Romare Bearden Foundation (Photo: Business Wire)

Romare Howard Bearden’s life was marked by the pursuit of art in all of
its forms. A prolific creator, Bearden’s work encompassed art, music,
design, history and literature. During his lifetime (1911-1988), Bearden
experimented with many different mediums and artistic styles, but is
best known for his richly textured collages. However his diverse
interests included costume and set design for the Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater and Nanette Bearden’s Contemporary Dance Theatre, music
composition and literary work such as his famed children’s book, “Li’l
Dan, The Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story.”

“Macy’s is thrilled to partner with the Romare Bearden Foundation in
celebration of the life and work of one of America’s preeminent
artists,” said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice-president of Diversity
Strategies. “Every year, as we honor the contributions of
African-Americans with our Black History Month events, we hope to
empower a new generation through a look back at some of our nation’s
most important leaders. Throughout his life, Romare Bearden brought his
exceptional talents to a wide range of interests, cementing his unique
place in history and blazing a trail for those who followed.”

“The Romare Bearden Foundation is pleased to partner with Macy’s on the
occasion of the centennial celebration. This is a wonderful opportunity
to promote to a wider audience the accomplishments of Bearden and his
gifts to society,” said Co-Directors Johanne Bryant Reid and Diedra
Harris Kelley. “Through our traveling shows, archives and publications
we aim to make Bearden’s artistic legacy accessible to all.”

To celebrate the artist’s centennial, Macy’s will spotlight Mr.
Bearden’s work through special exhibitions featuring watercolors,
prints, oil on paper and dramatic black and white photostats that date
from 1964 to 1984, when Romare Bearden was at the peak of his artistic
power. These satellite exhibits will showcase some rarely displayed
works loaned by private collectors, in addition to works on loan from
local galleries. Taking place at 11 Macy’s locations nationwide
including 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 artists
influenced and inspired by Bearden. Opening receptions will further
highlight Bearden’s artistic endeavors including music, highlighted by
performances from a new generation of jazz musicians playing his
compositions, which have been previously recorded by masters including
Branford Marsalis, Tito Puente and Billy Eckstine.

Additional in-store celebrations will include children’s collage-making
events, special readings of Bearden’s children’s book, “Li’l Dan, The
Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story,” as well as cooking demonstrations from
local chefs featuring Bearden’s favorite recipes and Caribbean dishes
from the out-of-print cookbook, “Ma Chance’s French Caribbean Creole
Cooking,” which he illustrated.

At the opening receptions, customers will have the opportunity to
receive a 15 percent off community shopping pass, and a $10 Macy’s gift
card. Additionally, with a purchase of $50 or more, while supplies last,
customers can receive a printed scarf featuring Romare Bearden’s most
revered work, “The Lamp.” From Feb. 2-23, Macy’s will also offer the
opportunity 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 the
project, “Paris Blues Revisited.” Courtesy of American Airlines,
the prize includes round-trip coach air travel, hotel and a $500 Macy’s
shopping spree. American Airlines is a proud partner of Macy’s Black
History Month celebration. (Please visit www.macys.com/celebrate
for complete entry rules or visit the event store for more information)

Below are the stores and event information for Macy’s – Romare Bearden’s
Centennial celebrations:

Macy’s Lakeside, New Orleans, LA – Thurs. 2/2 at 6 p.m. – Exhibit runs
2/2 – 2/9
Macy’s Herald Square, NYC, NY – Thurs. 2/9 at 6 p.m. –
Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/12
Macy’s Downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
– Thurs. 2/9 at 5 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/12
Macy’s State
Street, Chicago, IL – Thurs. 2/9 at 5:30 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/12
Macy’s
Lenox Square, Atlanta, GA – Thurs. 2/9 at 6 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/9 –
2/12
Macy’s Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, CA – Thurs. 2/9 at 6:30
p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/19
Macy’s Center City, Philadelphia, PA
– Wed. 2/15 at 6 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/15 – 2/19
Macy’s Houston
Galleria, Houston, TX – Thurs. 2/16 at 6:30 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/16 –
2/26
Macy’s Union Square, San Francisco, CA – Thurs. 2/16 at 6 p.m.
– Exhibit runs 2/16 – 2/19
Macy’s Metro Center, Washington, D.C. –
Thurs. 2/16 at 5:30 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/16 – 2/19
Macy’s
Aventura, Miami, FL – Thurs. 2/16 at 6:30 p.m. – Exhibit runs 2/16 – 2/19

For a complete listing of Macy’s Black History Month events, please
visit www.macys.com/celebrate.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and
affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy’s stores and
macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired
family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is
known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks^®
and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as
spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity
appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen
communities by supporting local and national charities that make a
difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online
pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

About the Romare Bearden Foundation

The Romare Bearden Foundation was established in 1990 as a non-profit
organization by the estate of Romare Bearden (1911-1988) to preserve and
perpetuate the legacy of this preeminent American artist.

The Foundation realizes its mission by preserving a collection of
Bearden’s artworks and extensive archives of books, articles, letters,
photographs and other materials; hosting, supporting and presenting
scholarly and public programs, including symposia, panel presentations
and school-based programs featuring Bearden’s art and life; providing
support for and encouragement of museum exhibitions and new scholarly
research on Bearden and his contributions to twentieth-century art.

The Romare Bearden Foundation is one of the oldest foundations
established by an African American visual artist. For more information www.beardenfoundation.org

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50149399&lang=en