There’s been a renewed interest lately in the life and art of Romare Bearden (1911-1988), one of the most important African-American artists of the 20th century. A biography on the artist was released last year, and saxophonist Branford Marsalis recently released a CD titled Romare Bearden Revealed. For nearly a year, a traveling exhibit of his work has been making its way across the country, and the Dallas Museum of Art is lucky enough to be one of its five stops along the way. What makes Bearden’s art so interesting? Partly, the variety of media he used in creating. His formats included paintings, photomontages, collages, sculpture and even songwriting and composing. In his collages, for which he’s best known, he frequently combined paper cut-outs with ink, paint, graphite and other materials. The result is a diverse collection of colors and textures, effectively representing the images of his time, including the challenges of the civil rights movement, Admission, which includes an audit tour and admission to the permanent collection, is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children ages 12-17

Arts & Entertainment

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse August 6: Terri Hendrix with Joe & Tree Brunelle ($15/$18); August 13: Eliza Gilkyson ($12/$15); August 20: Austin Lounge Lizards with Emilie Aronson ($15/$18); August 27: Bill Ward with Michael Veitch ($12). A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. All shows start at 8 p.m. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central. For information, call 214-363-0044 or visit www.unclecalvins.org.

20th Century Texas and Spanish Prints Through Sunday, August 8. This exhibition includes more than 100 prints by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and prominent artists of the southwest, including Otis Dozier, David Bates and Charles T. Bowling. Admission is free. At the Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop. Call 214-768-2516 for more information.

Library Exhibit Throughout August. College shot glasses by Shirley Miller. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Community

Neighborhood Nights Monday, Aug. 23, 6-9 p.m. The Dallas Theater Center hosts this annual community celebration, featuring live music, backstage tours and a sneak preview of Dallas Theater Center’s upcoming season of plays. The free event includes food, beverages and door prizes. Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Call 214-522-8499 or visit www.dtcinfor.org for more information.

Champions of Literacy Luncheon Thursday, Sept. 23, noon-1:30 p.m. This fund-raising luncheon for LIFT, Literacy Instruction for Texas, features bestselling author Sandra Brown as its keynote speaker and a silent auction. At the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, downtown. For information, call Jerome Mosman at 214-824-2000, ext. 222.

Photography Club Thursdays, 1 p.m. This class is for anyone who’s ever taken photographs and wondered what they could do to get better results. Some classes include outings to local sites for picture taking. All you need is a camera, film and enthusiasm, Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact scane@jccdallas.com.

Health & Fitness

Jazzercise Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Dance and get fit at the same time. $10 for JCC members and $15 for non-members per session. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact jcohn@jccdallas.com.

Stretching and Exercise Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Stretching and low-impact group exercises with instructor Dorothy Gross. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact info@jccdallas.com.

Literary

Preston Royal Book Discussion Group Wednesday, Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a lively and fun discussion of Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Readers’ Theatre Mondays, 1 p.m. Sharon Cane leads weekly sessions reading various plays, with one or more performances planned throughout the year. No memorization required. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact info@jccdallas.com.

Seniors

Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This friendly group is open to men and women ages 60+, offering a wide variety of classes and activities. Bring lunch; coffee is provided. Newcomers welcome. Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood. For more information, call executive secretary Anabel at 214-350-0465.

Exercise For Older Adults Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. A stretching and low-impact group exercise class for seniors, led by instructor Dorothy Glass. For more information contact aangorina@jccdallas.org.