Romare Bearden (September 2, 1911 – March 12, 1988) was an African-American artist, author, and songwriter raised in New York, where his home was a meeting place for major figures in the Harlem Renaissance. Best known for his richly textured collages, Bearden’s artwork typically focuses on scenes of the American South, portraying unity and cooperation within the African-American community. Through his art, Bearden sought to express the humanity he felt the world lacked. In 1936, Bearden studied at the Art Students League in New York under George Grosz, having earned a degree in science and education from New York University the year before. In 1950, he studied art history and philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris. Throughout the 1930s – 1960s, he was employed as a social worker with the New York City Department of Social Services, working on art nights and weekends. Bearden was an active participant and founder in many arts organizations, most of which were created to support African-Americans. He was also friends with many artists, intellectuals, and musicians including James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Joan Miró. Bearden has received numerous awards including the National Medal of Arts in 1987. His artwork is held in collections such as the Art Institute of Chicago; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.