June 29- July 31, 2024
Meet the artists on Saturday, July 27 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM (new date).
- Always Free to Attend. Always Inspiring!
- Light refreshments provided.
Sarah will also have copies of her books for sale.
- Nanou’s Promise is a three-book series, self-published by Sarah Drake. The books are about her volunteerism in Burkina Faso with herARTS in Action for access to clean water, sanitation and education. Learn more online at www.herartsinaction.org.
About the Exhibition
A chance encounter in 2022 at a Harlem Cafe led to this exhibition being possible. Sarah Drake was researching where to see Romare Bearden’s artwork when she heard a woman say she worked at the Romare Bearden Foundation. After multiple conversations and meetings, The Conversation: Inspired teaching, connections, and community, came to fruition.
Romare Bearden has been Sarah Drake’s artistic muse for as long as she can remember. She grew up in a town without a stoplight and before the internet, so she doesn’t know how she learned about this Harlem Renaissance collage artist, but she just always knows that she knew his work. Drake uses Bearden’s artwork when she teaches as it appeals to people of all backgrounds, however, Black people get to see themselves and their stories and history respectfully reflected to them and by a man who shared their journey.
The Conversation, is also the name of a Bearden collage. People not wanting to have conversations about hard topics is why Sarah started using Bearden’s work in her teaching and artmaking. The conversation that happens as a result of being at this exhibit can be between students and teachers, the artwork and the artist, the artwork and the viewer, and amongst the viewers. We are living in a time where education, books, and history are being banned. This exhibit goes beyond identity and representation, as it’s dangerous for our community members if we aren’t having difficult conversations.
The Collection
Ten pieces of art created by the late Romare Bearden between 1972-1986, will be on exhibit alongside Sarah’s work in the gallery. In addition, Drake has invited students to also share art created during their class, with the community.
Participating Student Artists: A Drew Hammond, Demar Ballard, Shafay Williams, Jamya Jackson, Tabara Barry, and Remyi Bonslater.
Special Exhibition Sponsors
Thank you! This special exhibition brings internationally recognized art to our region.
It was made possible because of the generous support from the following sponsors:
- Greg & Cindi Konsor
- DJ Bitzan
- St Cloud Morning Optimist Club
- Yenko
- herARTS in Action
- Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures
- Nanette Bearden Estate
- Romare Bearden Foundation
Download a free copy of the art catalog to see the entire collection, currently on exhibit at the Paramount (PDF Copy)!
GALLERY LOCATION
Gallery Saint Germain, Main Level
Monday – Friday 10am-5pm,
Saturday 10am-2pm
Like what you see?
Consider adding a piece to your collection and supporting a Minnesota artist. All the artwork noted
in this catalog that is on exhibit at the Paramount is for sale, unless otherwise noted.
Purchasing the Work
• Bring this catalog to the Gallery Gift Shop located at the Paramount (right side of the
building facing St. Germain Street). Let the cashier know what item you would like to buy.
• If not today, you can also contact the Paramount at 320-259-5463 and purchase it by
providing a credit card over the phone while it is still on exhibit.
Purchase Location: Gallery Gift Shop (Main Level)
HOURS*
Monday – Friday: 10AM – 5PM, and Saturday: 10AM – 2PM
*Open one hour before most performances
Our Organizational Sponsors
