Norman Rockwell Museum
Receives National Humanities Medal

Norman Rockwell Museum today received the National Humanities Medal, America’s highest recognition of work by individuals and institutions in the field of the humanities. It is one of nine recipients nationwide and the only museum among the winners.

The award was presented by President George W. Bush to Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO of Norman Rockwell Museum in a ceremony held today at the White House. In his citation, President Bush noted, “Norman Rockwell Museum is being recognized for studying and honoring the life, work, and ideals of an icon of American art. The museum has been the careful curator of the archives, illustrations, and benevolent spirit Norman Rockwell bequeathed to the nation.”

“I am delighted that the Norman Rockwell Museum has received the 2008 National Humanities Medal,” said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. “Norman Rockwell’s work is an essential part of American art and the 20th-century American experience, and the Museum’s work to preserve the legacy of this iconic American artist is truly deserving of this honor.”

“Norman Rockwell Museum is deeply honored to be the recipient of the National Humanities Medal,” said Ms. Norton Moffatt, who has served as director of the museum since 1986. “Norman Rockwell’s great gift was to capture on canvas our common humanity and crystallize universal feelings through his sensitive depictions of life’s fleeting moments. He was unsurpassed in illuminating the concerns and joys of everyday Americans. For 40 years, it has been the museum’s great pleasure to contribute to the field of American visual studies by exploring the art of Norman Rockwell and the illustrators who preceded and followed him.”

Fittingly, the medallion presented to Ms. Norton Moffatt at the White House was designed by illustrator and former medal winner David Macaulay—one of over 400 illustrators whose work has been presented by Norman Rockwell Museum.

National Humanities Medal

The National Humanities Medal, inaugurated in 1997, honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities, broadened Americans’ engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to important resources in the field. Up to 12 medals can be awarded each year.

Other recipients of the 2008 National Humanities Medal include: Gabor S. Boritt, scholar and Civil War historian; Richard Brookhiser, biographer and historian; Harold Holzer, scholar and Civil War historian; Myron Magnet, journalist and author; Albert Marrin, children’s book author; Milton J. Rosenberg, radio show host and scholar; Thomas A. Saunders III and Jordan Horner Saunders, philanthropists; Robert H. Smith, philanthropist; and the John Templeton Foundation.

Past recipients of the National Humanities Medal include: Cynthia Ozick, John Updike, Fouad Ajami, Toni Morrison, Jim Lehrer, John Rawls, Barbara Kingsolver, Garrison Keillor, Studs Terkel, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to education and art appreciation inspired by the enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest artists. The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art, and presents the works of contemporary and past masters of illustration. The Norman Rockwell archive contains more than 200,000 photographs, letters, and other rare mementos.

Norman Rockwell Museum 40th Anniversary

In 2009, Norman Rockwell Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since its founding in 1969, Norman Rockwell Museum has become the preeminent museum of American illustration art through research, publications, exhibitions and educational programming. During its anniversary, the Museum will be announcing initiatives central to the study and understanding of the art of illustration in American visual culture. In 2009, exhibitions curated by the Museum will be seen in 10 states across the nation, and the Museum’s Stockbridge campus will present its 100th exhibition and welcome its five millionth visitor.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/

http://www.neh.gov/news/archive/20081117a.html

Portrait Artist Everett Raymond
Kinstler To Speak at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will present an evening with renowned portrait artist Everett Raymond Kinstler on Saturday, November 22, starting at 5:30 p.m. Kinstler will talk about his illustrious career, which reflects an extraordinary personal journey through art. Among Kinstler's more than 1200 portraits are such well-known personalities as Tony Bennett, Katharine Hepburn, Paul Newman and John Wayne; authors Arthur Miller, Ayn Rand, Tennessee Williams, and Tom Wolfe; and U.S. Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. The family event is free with regular Museum admission.

Everett Raymond Kinstler began his art career at age 16, drawing comic books and hundreds of book and magazine illustrations, as well as covers for paper back books. His illustrations for magazines, including "The Shadow" and "Doc Savage," had a great influence on the pop art school. He studied at the Art Students League, where he later taught from 1969 to 1974. Kinstler ultimately made the transition to portraitist, and soon established himself as one of the nation's foremost portrait painters. He has painted more than 50 cabinet officers, more than any artist in the country's history. In 1999, Kinstler received the Copley Medal from the Smithsonian, National Portrait Gallery, its highest honor. Kinstler is currently painting the official mayoral portrait of former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. His work is featured in The National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Brooklyn Museum, among others.

Berkshire Sampler To
Be Held at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will present Berkshire Sampler, an afternoon celebrating the diversity of the Berkshires' cultural offerings, on Sunday, November 16, from 12 to 4 p.m. Organizations from across the county will join forces at Norman Rockwell Museum to offer a family-friendly cultural sampler of hands-on activities, performances, and demonstrations. The event is part of the Museum's ongoing family programming, and reflects the spirit of collaboration among area cultural institutions.

The day's activities begin with a performance from Berkshire Theatre Festival at noon, followed by a reading of local civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Dubois by the Upper Housatonic Valley African American Heritage Trail at 12:30 p.m. At 1 p.m., join the Stockbridge Library Historical Museum and Archives for a discussion on local living history, and enjoy a performance from Barrington Stage Company's Playwright Mentoring Program at 1:30 p.m. Sounds from the 18th and 19th century will fill the halls of the Museum with a performance by musical group Ampersand at 2 p.m., and the story of the Samuel Harrison House will unfold with a presentation by the Samuel Harrison Society at 3 p.m. Norman Rockwell Museum will offer in-gallery art activities throughout the day. Berkshire Sampler concludes with a reading of Edith Wharton courtesy of The Mount, the site of the late author's estate and gardens, at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free, with complimentary admission to the Museum for the afternoon.

Participating organizations for Berkshire Sampler include: Ampersand, Arrowhead/Berkshire Historical Society, Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Botanical Garden, Berkshire Carousel, Berkshire Creative, Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Berkshire Theatre Fetival, Bidwell House, Chester Train Station, The Friends of the National Archives (Northeast Region- Pittsfield, MA), Hancock Shaker Village, IS183, Jacob¹s Pillow, MCLA Special Events, The Mount, Samuel Harrison House, Sheffield Historical Society, Stockbridge Library Historical Museum and Archives, Upper Housatonic Valley African American Heritage Trail, and Word Street.

Norman Rockwell Museum
To Offer Free Tuesday Admission

Looking for a little uplift in tough economic times? Visit Norman Rockwell Museum to see compelling paintings of family, community, and democracy. Best of all, admission is now free on Tuesdays from November through April.

“We extend a warm welcome to all of our friends in the Berkshires and beyond,” says Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO of Norman Rockwell Museum. “Going into 2009, the Museum’s 40th anniversary year, we have an exciting line-up of programs and exhibitions that offers something for everyone, new and returning visitors alike. We want everyone to be able to enjoy these offerings.”

Norman Rockwell Museum’s Free Tuesdays program kicks off on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, during the opening week of the new exhibition Over the Top: American Posters from World War I. Also that week, the Museum is launching Tuesday Afternoon Gallery Talks, a monthly series of free talks by curators, artists, and guest speakers inspired by the changing exhibition on view. On November 11 at 1:30 p.m., Rob Doane, historian and assistant registrar at Norman Rockwell Museum, speaks on Norman Rockwell and the American Homefront, 1917–1919.

Free Tuesdays complements the Museum’s year-round Kids Free Every Day program, offering free admission to youth 18 and under, courtesy of Country Curtains, Blantyre, and the Red Lion Inn. Museum members enjoy free admission year-round, plus special invitations, offers, and Museum Store discounts.

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Illustration as Call to Action
At the Norman Rockwell Museum
"Over the Top: American Posters from World War I"
On View November 8, 2008 through January 25, 2009

Joan of Arc raises her sword. "Joan of Arc Saved France. Women of America, Save Your Country," reads the poster that bears her image. A stern-faced Statue of Liberty clutches the flame of freedom and points her finger: "You Buy a Liberty Bond Lest I Perish." Another poster bears a drawing of a helmeted soldier charging forward, head back, mouth open, gripping an American flag. "Over the Top for You," the poster reads.

These and dozens of other stunning images are on display at Norman Rockwell Museum in a new exhibition of illustrated posters from the First World War. Over the Top: American Posters from World War I opens on November 8, 2008, and runs through January 25, 2009. This timely exhibition explores the role of illustrated images in rallying Americans to the cause, and shaping public perceptions of the war.

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Norman Rockwell Museum Director/CEO
Presents Paper at NEH Conference

Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO of Norman Rockwell Museum, presented a paper today at a Washington, D.C. conference sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the largest funder of humanities programs in the United States, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) of the United Kingdom. The conference, called “Picturing the Nation,” brought together U.S. and U.K. scholars around the topic of national art and identity. Norton Moffatt was the sole speaker representing a U.S. museum.

In a talk titled “Chronicling America: The Art of Norman Rockwell,” Norton Moffatt argued that illustration art and, in particular, the work of Norman Rockwell, has played a crucial role in forging American identity. “Norman Rockwell’s art profoundly shaped American culture by creating common identity through images of what it meant to be American during seven decades during the 20th century,” Norton Moffatt noted in her talk. “His work helped to create a sense of national identity and shared heritage among widely disparate groups of individuals of differing backgrounds and immigrant cultures. Before the advent of television in American households, millions of viewers were exposed to Rockwell’s images through the Saturday Evening Post and other journals. The power of the visual image to create identity—to brand and market iconography—was pervasive.”

Today’s conference complements both cultural agencies’ special arts initiatives currently in progress. NEH’s “Picturing America” initiative brings great American art to schools and public libraries to help citizens learn about the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our nation’s history. Freedom of Speech, from Rockwell’s iconic Four Freedoms series in the collection of Norman Rockwell Museum, was one of 40 images chosen for “Picturing America.”

The joint NEH-AHRC conference ended with a memorandum of understanding for scholarly research and collaboration between the two nations.

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More news on Norman Rockwell Museum and the NEH.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents Tuesday Afternoon Gallery Talks

Norman Rockwell Museum will present a series of gallery talks on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 1:30 p.m. Join curators, artists, and guest speakers for an insightful series of lectures, which will discuss artwork from the Museum's permanent collections and changing exhibitions. The informal talks last approximately 45 minutes, and are free with regular Museum admission.

October 14- "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner" with Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, deputy director and chief curator, Norman Rockwell Museum.

November 11- "Norman Rockwell and the American Homefront, 1917-1919" with Rob Doane, assistant registrar, Norman Rockwell Museum.

December 9- "Illustration of 1910-1920" with Murray Tinkelman, professional illustrator.

January 13, 2009- "Over Here: Winning World War I at Home" with William Cohn, visiting professor of American Studies, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut.

Don't Miss: "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner" On view through October 26, 2008

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Norman Rockwell Museum Revisits Illustration in the 1950s

Artist Murray Tinkelman will present "Illustration in the 1950s," a special lecture to be held at Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday, October 18, starting at 1 p.m. Join Mr. Tinkelman as he takes you for a quick ride through the 1950s, a decade of transition from traditional post-World War II ideas to the social unrest of the 1960s. From the Beat Generation to the proliferation of television sets in American homes- Tinkelman will explore the cultural shifts of 1950s America through a diverse set of images, created by illustrators working throughout the decade. The talk is free with regular Museum admission.

Murray Tinkelman is an award-winning artist whose illustrations have appeared in such publications as "Atlantic Monthly," "The New York Times," and "The Washington Post." Tinkelman has been commissioned by The National Park Service to do drawings and paintings of National Parks and Monuments and by The U.S. Air Force to be an artist-reporter on specific missions. His work is represented in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Delaware Art Museum, the International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum, and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Mr. Tinkelman is now the Director of the Limited Residency MFA program at the Hartford Art School, a program completely dedicated to the field of illustration.

http://www.tinkelmanstudio.com

Norman Rockwell Museum
Celebrates The 50th Anniversary of "The Runaway"

On September 20, 1958, "The Saturday Evening Post" treated its readers to a cover illustration, which became an instant classic. The scene, illustrated by artist Norman Rockwell, features the lunch counter of a modest diner, where a kindly state trooper is seated next to a young boy, whose knapsack reveals an attempt to run away from home; behind the counter, an older, world weary man looks on with a sympathetic smile. This positive image perfectly represented the spirit of Norman Rockwell's work, showcasing the best of small-town values in familiar, everyday settings. Fifty years on, "The Runaway" continues to be relevant, and can be found on the walls of countless diners and police stations, and recreated for TV's "Good Morning America," during a recent broadcast from the Berkshires, where Rockwell lived and worked. The men who modeled for Norman Rockwell's painting have had an interesting story of their own to tell through the years, and will be honored at a brief ceremony at the State Police General Headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts, on Friday, September 19.

Norman Rockwell Extends
Garden Gate Exhibition Through October 19

Due to popular demand, Norman Rockwell Museum will extend its outdoor sculpture exhibition "In Full Bloom: Artists Design Garden Gates" through October 19, 2008. The exhibition, which features three-dimensional outdoor gates designed by various artists and craftspeople, has been displayed on the Museum's scenic grounds throughout the summer, providing symbolic entry into a world of aesthetic beauty.

Artists whose work is featured in the exhibition include: Peter S. Barrett (whose "Plate Gate" won "Best in Show"), Jay Burnett, Olwen Dowling, Susan Edwards, John R. Elling, Engels Design Team, Michael Filmus, Israel Fitch, Ann Getsinger, John Graney, Marian Ives, Wendy G. Jensen, Steven A. Klema, Susan Manspeizer, Peter Murkett, Jon Riedeman, Cindy Sheeler, Angelo Sinisi, Maureen and Jack Sprano, Cathy L. Talarico, John Garret Thew, Susan Carty Treat, Faith Weldon, and Matthew Zappala.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents "The Lincoln-Douglas Debate"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "The Lincoln-Douglas Debate" on Thursday, August 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. In anticipation of our upcoming presidential election, step back in time during this special performance to hear Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debate the issues of their day from The Freeport Debate, considered one of their most pivotal exchanges. The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 were a series of exchanges between the two noted politicians for an Illinois seat in the United States Senate. The debates pre-dated Lincoln's 1860 presidential campaign and are remembered for the eloquence of both politicians, who discussed the matter of slavery in all seven debates. The event is being held in conjunction with "Open Season," a series of pre-election programs held at Norman Rockwell Museum this summer, and is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"Gender and Politics in Editorial Cartoons"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Drawing Conclusions: Gender and Politics in Editorial Cartoons" on Thursday, August 21, starting at 5:30 p.m. Join us for a look at the motivations and approaches of noted editorial cartoonists and their ongoing impact on public perception. Elaine K. Miller, Ph.D., will discuss the issue of gender in visual satire and focus on the representation of such high-profile, female politicians as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro, among others. The event is being held in conjunction with "Open Season," a series of pre-election programs held at Norman Rockwell Museum this summer, and is free with regular Museum admission.

Elaine K. Miller is Professor Emeritus of Women's Studies at the State University of New York, College at Brockport. She is the author of such books and videos as "Framing Hillary: Gender Identity in Editorial Cartoons" and "Trailblazer: The Editorial Cartoons of Etta Hulme."

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents "Pop Music for the Young at Heart"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Pop Music for the Young at Heart," a lively afternoon of music and art-making, on Saturday, August 16, starting at 1 p.m. The afternoon begins with an all-ages family tour of Norman Rockwell's enduring images. At 1:30 p.m., Terry a la Berry and friends will perform pop music from the 1960s through today in a special musical performance. At 2:30 p.m., cut paste, glue, and color your own pictures inspired by the music you have experienced. The event is free for children, free for adults with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
An A Cappella Evening with Quintessential

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "The Campaign Trail: An A Cappella Evening with Quintessential" on Thursday, August 14, starting at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a song selection inspired by the current presidential election, as chosen by Quintessential, a Berkshire-based ensemble of a cappella singers. Tenors Al Thorp, Jay Wise and Jim McMenamy, and bass/baritones John Miner and David Anderegg will perform with their typical blend of wit and whimsy in a concert to take place in the Museum's galleries. The event is being held in conjunction with "Open Season," a series of pre-election programs held at Norman Rockwell Museum this summer, and is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"Politics Unusual: An Evening with Alan Chartock"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Politics Unusual: An Evening with Alan Chartock" on Thursday, August 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Chartock will share his perspectives on the political playing field- both nationally and in the region- during this unpredictable election year. Alan Chartock is the President and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. A Professor Emeritus at the University at Albany, he is the executive publisher of "The Legislative Gazette," the newspaper of New York State government, and hosts "Capitol Connection," a weekly series heard on public radio. Dr. Chartock also appears regularly on such WAMC radio programs as "The Media Project" and "Midday Magazine," and writes syndicated columns about politics in our world. The event is being held in conjunction with "Open Season," a series of pre-election programs held at Norman Rockwell Museum this summer, and is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum
To Hold Needlepoint Workshop on August 6

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Painting with Thread: Needlepoint Basics and Beyond" on Wednesday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expert needlepoint artist Herbert Leiman will teach the techniques and nuances of needlepoint, a true meditative art form. The workshop will be held in the historic Linwood House building, located on the Museum's rustic property. A kit including materials for the class will be available in the Museum store at a discount, and a list of necessary supplies is also available upon request. Participants should bring lunch, with beverages and snacks provided by the Museum. Cost to attend the workshop is $15, $10 for Museum members. Please pre-register by calling 413.298.4100, ext. 260.

Acclaimed Illustrator Gregory Manchess
To Conduct Painting Workshop at Norman Rockwell Museum

Acclaimed illustrator Greg Manchess will conduct a workshop on the art of realist painting at Norman Rockwell Museum during the week of August 4 through 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mr. Manchess will share demonstrations, and guide the class in direct painting from a figure in both light and shadow. The workshop will provide an emphasis on process and technique, offering students the opportunity to hone their abilities and acquire new skills. A supply list will be provided following sign-up. Participants should bring lunch, with beverages and snacks available. Cost for the workshop is $225, $195 for Museum members. To register, please call 413.298.4100, ext. 260.

An artist who strives to communicate emotionally with viewers, Gregory Manchess began his freelance career in 1979. Since then, his illustrations have appeared on the cover of "Time," "The Atlantic Monthly," and two Major League Baseball World Series programs. "National Geographic," "Newsweek," The Walt Disney Company, and Federal Express are among his many clients.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents An Evening with Filmmaker Gail Levin

Norman Rockwell Museum will present an evening talk with filmmaker Gail Levin on Thursday, July 24, starting at 5:30 p.m. Levin, an Emmy Award-winning producer and director of television and film, will discuss her collaboration with political illustrator Steve Brodner on "The Naked Campaign" series for "The New Yorker." Ms. Levin's online films, which are currently on Youtube and the "New Yorker" Web site, bring Brodner's drawings and commentary to life for viewers world-wide. Gail Levin is also the producer and director of "Marilyn Monroe: Still Life" and "James Dean: Sense Memories," created for the "American Masters" series on PBS. The talk is part of "Open Season," the Museum's summer lecture and performance series, and is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Honored
by National Endowment for the Humanities

Norman Rockwell Museum's Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt announced today that the work of Norman Rockwell Museum has received institutional support from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Museum has been awarded a grant of $225,446 through the Endowment's "We the People" program in support of the Museum's comprehensive archival digitization project, ProjectNORMAN (New Media On-line Rockwell Management Art & Archives Network).

The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Honorable Bruce Cole, spoke at today's presentation at Norman Rockwell Museum in the gallery dedicated to Norman Rockwell's original "Four Freedoms" paintings, an iconic quartet of images created by Rockwell in 1943 that have inspired American ideals of democracy and freedom ever since.

Berkshire Choral Festival To Perform
Afternoon Concert Series at Norman Rockwell Museum

The Berkshire Choral Festival will be performing a series of concerts at Norman Rockwell Museum this July, on Wednesday afternoons starting at 2:30 p.m. Join us for a series of inspired short performances of American music by this talented vocal ensemble. The concerts are free with regular Museum admission.

Now Serving: The Norman Rockwell Museum Terrace Cafe

The Terrace Cafe is now open and ready to serve you during your visit to Norman Rockwell Museum. Set against the backdrop of the Museum's rustic outdoor landscape, this family-style cafe serves an a la carte lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week from May to October. Selected and managed by the Red Lion Inn, the menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastries and other desserts, along with both hot and cold beverages. A 10% discount is available on all Café items for both Museum members and patrons.

Caravan Puppets To Headline
Family Day at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Getting Along with Others," a special family day featuring the Caravan Puppets troupe, on Saturday, July 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. Starting at 1 p.m., explore the optimistic outlook in Norman Rockwell's art in a family tour for all ages.

At 1:30 p.m., join puppeteer Jonathan Keezing and his Caravan Puppets troupe for a performance celebrating the act of problem-solving through cooperation and kindness. Following the performance, create your own stories and hand-puppets to take home in an art workshop which starts at 2:30 p.m. The afternoon events are free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
An Evening with Artist Steve Brodner

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "The Naked Campaign: An Evening with Steve Brodner" on Thursday, July 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. One of today's most prominent satirical illustrators, Mr. Brodner has created caricatures of noted popular and political figures for nearly every major American publication, and his work is currently on view in the Museum's exhibition "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner." The artist will speak about his intensive involvement in the 2008 Presidential process and offer wry, humorous observations on the candidates and their campaigns-from primary season to the political conventions. Steve Brodner's drawings and videos for "The Naked Campaign" appear weekly in "The New Yorker" and on the Internet. The event is free with regular Museum admission.

"Open Season: A Series of Pre-election Programs"
Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

Inspired by "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner," this lively series of lectures and performances reflects upon our changing times in politics.

July 24: "Filmmaker Gail Levin: Animating the Naked Campaign"
July 31: "Political Cartoons: A History of Visual Satire"
August 7: "Politics Unusual: An Evening with Alan Chartock"
August 14: "The Campaign Trail: An A Cappella Evening with Quintessential"
August 21: "Drawing Conclusions: Gender and Politics in Editorial Cartoons"
August 28: "The Lincoln-Douglas Debate"

"Point of View" Writing Workshop
To Be Held at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Point of View," a special writing workshop with author Vivian Dorsel, on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discover the impact that point-of-view can have on writing, in this workshop examining how characterization, setting, tone, style, and even the details of plot are affected by an important aspect of storytelling. Through the workshop, fiction and creative nonfiction writers will learn techniques that will lead to a greater understanding of the writing process. The workshop costs $15, $10 for Museum members. Participants should bring lunch, with beverages and snacks provided. Pre-registration is recommended, by calling 413.298.4100, ext.260.

Vivian Dorsel is the founder of Ledgetop Publishing and editor of the literary annual, "upstreet." She holds an MFA in Fiction Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has conducted classes for writers of all ages and skill levels.

Now Serving: The Norman Rockwell Museum Terrace Cafe

The Terrace Café is now open and ready to serve you during your visit to Norman Rockwell Museum. Set against the backdrop of the Museum's rustic outdoor landscape, this family-style café serves an à la carte lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week from May to October. Selected and managed by the Red Lion Inn, the menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastries and other desserts, along with both hot and cold beverages.
A 10% discount is available on all Café items for Museum members.

Red Sox Pitcher Bill Monbouquette Joins Baseball Celebration at Norman Rockwell Museum

Bill Monbouquette, former pitching ace for the Boston Red Sox, has been added to the line-up of an all-star baseball celebration to be held at Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday, July 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. Mr. Monbouquette is a 20-game winner and multi-year All Star who played for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the San Francisco Giants. He was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000, and will share stories from his baseball career, which included a no-hitter and spanned from 1958 to 1968.

At 1 p.m. meet Master of Ceremonies Carl Beane, the Voice of Fenway Park and the 2008 World Championship Boston Red Sox, who will share stories about the Red Sox past and present. Try a World Series ring on for size, and snap a picture to capture the moment. At 2 p.m., meet award-winning illustrator Graig Kreindler, whose paintings depict watershed moments in baseball history. A print signing will follow the artist's illustrated talk. At 3 p.m., hear about life in the Major Leagues from former Red Sox pitcher Bill Monbouquette, or design your own baseball card in an art class for all ages. Finally, see what baseball looked like in 1886, with a visit from the Pittsfield Elms Vintage Baseball Club at 3:30 p.m. The Elms will toss the ball and discuss the evolution of the game. Other highlights include a reading of "Casey at the Bat," and appearances throughout the day from representatives of the North Adams Steeple Cats and Pittsfield Dukes baseball teams. PJ Moynihan, director and producer of "Eye on the Dream," will also be on hand to screen his documentary celebrating the game of baseball in its purest form. The afternoon is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Enters the Summer Season with Garden Gates
"In Full Bloom: Artists Design Garden Gates"
On view July 4 through September 7, 2008

Norman Rockwell Museum will complement its bucolic landscape this summer with a unique plein-air exhibition of garden gates, the quintessential element of an ideal garden. "In Full Bloom: Artists Design Garden Gates" features three-dimensional, weather-resistant, outdoor gates designed by various artists and craftspeople, and will provide symbolic entry into a world of color and aesthetic beauty. The juried art exhibition, on view July 4 through September 7, will feature work by Peter S. Barrett, Jay Burnett, Olwen Dowling, Susan Edwards, John R. Elling, Engels Design Team, Michael Filmus, Israel Fitch, Ann Getsinger, John Graney, Marian Ives, Wendy G. Jensen, Steven A. Klema, Susan Manspeizer, Peter Murkett, Jon Riedeman, Cindy Sheeler, Angelo Sinisi, Maureen and Jack Sprano, Cathy L. Talarico, John Garret Thew, Susan Carty Treat, Faith Weldon, and Matthew Zappala.

An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., with the participating artists in attendance. At 3 p.m., join Stephanie Bergman, Director of Education for the Housatonic River Museum, for a tour of the Norman Rockwell Museum's pastoral Housatonic River frontage. At 4 p.m., an awards ceremony will be held for the juried garden gate exhibition, with prizes awarded for Best In Show, Most Inventive, Most Classic, Most Functional, and Viewer's Choice. The reception is free with regular Museum admission, and free for Museum members.

"Garden Gates Garden Party"
Thursday, July 10, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "The Garden Gates Garden Party" on Thursday, July 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., in celebration of its new outdoor sculpture exhibition "In Full Bloom: Artists Design Garden Gates." The garden party will offer an intimate occasion to gather with friends, enjoy summer cuisine and refreshments, music, and the Museum's scenic river views. Guests will also have the opportunity to view Norman Rockwell's original Stockbridge studio, and Linwood, the historic Berkshire "cottage" located on the Museum's grounds. Admission to the "Garden Gates Garden Party" costs $50 for Museum members, $60 for guests, $10 for children and teens ages 11 to 17, 10 years and under free. To register, please contact the Museum at 413.298.4100, ext. 221, or by e-mail at ltota@nrm.org, by June 30. The event is sponsored in part by Mionetto Prosecco, Cline Cellars, and Cartlidge & Browne Winery.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Unites Kennedy Portraits for the First Time

Norman Rockwell Museum has added an important set of portraits, honoring one of the most beloved couples in political history, to its current exhibition "Norman Rockwell: Illustrator in Chief." Portraits of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, created by Norman Rockwell in the 1960s, will be united in the Museum's galleries for the first time, reminding visitors of the splendor that was "Camelot."

Throughout his career, Norman Rockwell painted the portraits of a distinguished list of political figures. In 1960 he was commissioned by "The Saturday Evening Post" to paint John F. Kennedy, then in the middle of his presidential campaign. The resulting portrait was published on the October 29, 1960 cover of the "Post." Soon after Kennedy was elected president, his wife Jacqueline established the White House Historical Association, and famously devoted much of her time to the restoration of the historical appearance of the Executive Mansion. In light of her efforts, the "Post" commissioned Rockwell to paint the First Lady's portrait to illustrate "How Jackie Restyled the White House," an article published in the October 26, 1963 issue. Thanks to the generosity of lenders Mica and Richard Hadar, Norman Rockwell's "Portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy" will now be exhibited for the first time alongside Rockwell's 1960 "Portrait of John F. Kennedy," which is part of Norman Rockwell Museum's permanent collection.

Not Just Politics as Usual at Norman Rockwell Museum
"Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner"
On View June 7 through October 26, 2008

A timely new exhibition at Norman Rockwell Museum, "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner," anticipates the upcoming U.S. presidential election with the provocative and influential art of political illustrator and art journalist Steve Brodner. On view from June 7 through October 26, 2008, the exhibition showcases Brodner's drawings, which reflect his unique blend of wit and acerbic, laser-like vision of American society, politics, and contemporary leaders.

This is the first major museum exhibition for Brodner, who wryly describes himself as an "equal opportunity offender" of all politicians, political parties, and creeds. "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner," mounted by Norman Rockwell Museum, examines the artist's vivid creative and technical processes and features more than 100 original artworks. The exhibition presents Brodner's insightful, often humorous interpretations and evaluations of American society and its leaders, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and John McCain. The exhibition includes a fascinating comparison of Brodner's contemporary depictions of our nation's leaders and Norman Rockwell's kinder, gentler portraits of politicians created during a very different era in U.S. political history.

The American Spirit: Norman
Rockwell's Artworks Continue National Tour

A rare exhibition from the collection of Norman Rockwell Museum, exploring Norman Rockwell's unparalleled role as an American icon-maker and storyteller, continues its national tour this year. "American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell" is currently scheduled to travel to eight venues nationwide. The exhibition is organized by Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

"American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell" has been generously supported by an American Masterpieces Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Curtis Publishing Company, the Norman Rockwell Estate Licensing Company, and the Stockman Family Foundation Trust.

The exhibition venues currently include the Akron Art Museum, Akron, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2007-Feb. 3, 2008; Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando, Florida, March 1 -May 26, 2008; Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, Nov. 8, 2008-Feb. 1, 2009; Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, Michigan, March 8-May 31, 2009; Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nov. 14, 2009-Feb. 7, 2010; Wichita Art Museum, Kansas, March 6-May 30, 2010; North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, North Carolina; Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, Washington, February 26, 2011-May 30, 2010; Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California, Nov. 10, 2012-Feb. 2, 2013.

Visit the American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell Interactive Exhibition

Norman Rockwell Treasure Comes Home:
Verizon Donates Iconic $2 Million
Painting 'The Lineman’ to Norman Rockwell Museum

The image of a telephone lineman -- strong, focused and dedicated to his craft -- has long been a symbol for communications workers and every person who works with his or her hands. Such a lineman was immortalized in a painting by Norman Rockwell in 1948.

That painting, called "The Lineman," was donated today by Verizon to the Norman Rockwell Museum here.

The oil-on-canvas painting -- 57 inches by 42 and one-eighth inches and recently appraised at more than $2 million, according to Verizon officials -- was officially presented to Museum Director and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Norton Moffatt today by Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

"This is a sentimental but proud day for us," Cupelo said at the donation ceremony at the museum. "We in the Verizon family loved this painting and enjoyed it for many, many years; it perfectly symbolizes our heritage and our commitment to our customers. At the same time, we recognize that its rightful place is with the museum so that it can be enjoyed by everyone."

Norman Rockwell Museum Director
Attends White House Celebration For New
Educational Initiative Featuring Norman Rockwell Artwork

Norman Rockwell Museum Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt attended a special event at the White House on February 26, hosted by President and Mrs. George Bush, to help celebrate the launch of "Picturing America," a new educational initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Norman Rockwell's 1943 painting "Freedom of Speech" was chosen as one of 40 iconic images to be included in the initiative, developed by the NEH in cooperation with the American Library Association, to enhance the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture by bringing some of the nation's greatest works of art into school classrooms and public libraries.

Norman Rockwell Museum Publishes First Collections Catalogue: "American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell"

Make some room on your coffee table for a new, must-have book about American icon Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), one of the most popular and significant twentieth-century American artists of the past century. Just in time for the holidays, the Norman Rockwell Museum has published a fully-illustrated volume about its art and archives- a notable and singular collection that forms the most comprehensive Rockwell holdings in the world. The lavishly illustrated 272-page catalogue was written by Rockwell scholar Linda Szekely Pero, the longtime curator of the Museum's Norman Rockwell Collections, and offers the reader an insightful and fascinating analysis of Rockwell's art, life, and legendary career that spanned nearly seven decades- a legacy that continues to have a major impact on society, visual culture, and modern-day illustrators.