The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has made only its second artwork purchase since opening in Charlotte in 2010, acquiring a painting that honors Black history and commemorates Juneteenth.
"Drum Call," created by African American artist David McGee, depicts a stoic Black Civil War soldier standing beside a drum and a birdcage. Katia Zavistovski is the museum’s curator, and said the Bechtler purchased the painting because of what it represents.
“The soldier's pants reference an all-Black volunteer regiment from North Carolina, whose members wore red pants during the war,” said Zavistovski. “We also liked that connection to where we are and our location.”
The acquisition marks a significant addition to the museum's collection, which was originally built around artwork assembled by the Bechtler family. Until recently, the museum did not have a dedicated fund to purchase new works.
“We have not ever had a dedicated acquisition fund, but the museum recently formed a new donor group called the 'Patrons Circle, and a portion of those donors’ dues go toward an acquisition fund,” Zavistovski said.
The Patrons Circle was established as part of an effort to support the museum's goals and has helped fund the purchase of "Drum Call."
“It’s really thanks to the generosity of those donors that we’re able to have a pool of money dedicated to acquiring works for the collection,” she said.
The museum said the painting serves as both a reflection on Black history and a tribute to Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
