SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- The Museum of the African Diaspora’s latest exhibition, a celebration of the work of Romare Bearden -- one of the most talented and original visual artists of the twentieth century -- drew nearly 400 guests to a jam-packed opening night reception Friday, May 6, where art lovers and celebrities enjoyed some of Bearden’s greatest work in a festive environment of wine, hors d’oeuvres and music provided by the Jazzschool in Berkeley.

The free opening-night event at MoAD introduced “From Process to Print: Graphic Works by Romare Bearden,” a traveling exhibition that is part of a national centennial celebration of Bearden, an American artist of African American heritage.

The evening buzzed with guests like U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), actor Delroy Lindo and artist Richard Mayhew. Baritone Lawrence Beamen, a 2009 finalist on "America's Got Talent" was also among the Bearden admirers.

The stunning exhibition, organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation, includes 84 lithographs, etchings, collagraphs, collagraph plates, screen prints, drypoints, monotypes, and engravings produced over three decades by Bearden. It will be on view through Sunday, July 3, 2011.

The exhibition is a rare opportunity to view Bearden’s work in the Bay Area, where it was last on display in 2004.