Comic Arts Festival To Be Held
Saturday, May 3, at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will present a special comic arts festival on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum invites visitors to an exciting day of workshops, lectures, book signings, and conversation with noted comic artists and historians in celebration of the exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel." Artists Howard Cruse, Marc Hempel, Jack Purcell, Lauren Weinstein, and Mark Wheatley will be on hand to discuss their work, lead drawing demonstrations, and inspire the creation of comics of your own. Comic art collector Scott Eder, graphic novel historian Robin Brenner, and author/art critic David A. Berona will offer insights into the evolution of the field and the current comics marketplace; the day will also feature wet ink sessions and a mini comic exchange. Refreshments will be served, and lunches will be available for purchase. The comic arts festival is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents "Magic, Reading, and Comics"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Magic, Reading, and Comics," an afternoon of family activities, on Saturday, April 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. Starting at 1 p.m., take a tour of "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel," which celebrates the magic of books. At 1:30 p.m., join magician Ed the Wizard for a performance that will take visitors to faraway places. Finally, at 2:30 p.m., create your own wizard adventure in comic strip form. "Magic, Reading, and Comics" is free with regular Museum admission.

School Vacation Week Graphic Novel
Workshop To Be Held at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Make Your Graphic Novel Pop!," a workshop teaching students how to create their own graphic novel, from Monday, April 21, through Friday April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. Educator and graphic novelist Tim Callahan, creator of "Teenagers from the Future," will guide young cartoonists through the process of following an idea from the first frame to a finished comic book, blending the art of writing, drawing, and storyboarding in the creation of their own work. The week-long workshop is for ages 13 and up, and costs $6 for individual classes, $5 for Museum members; all five classes costs $25, $20 for Museum members. To register, please contact the Museum at 413.298.4100, ext.260.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"Roots! A Lively History of Pictorial Communication"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Roots! A Lively History of Pictorial Communication," on Friday, April 11, at 12 p.m. Discover the roots of American illustration with this lively talk presented by Curator Charles Sable. The origins of pictorial communication from prehistory to the twentieth century will be explored, offering insights into the intersecting roles of the artist, economics, and culture. The examination of nineteenth- and twentieth-century visual culture will culminate in the legendary career of illustrator Norman Rockwell.
Participants should bring lunch, with beverages and dessert provided. Admission to "Roots!" costs $6, free for Museum members.

Norman Rockwell Models To Share
Memories at High Tea Celebrating The Life of The Artist

Norman Rockwell's models will share their memories of working for the late artist at a special high tea to be held at Pittsfield's Crowne Plaza Hotel, on Thursday, April 3, starting at 4 p.m. Celebrating the life and career of Norman Rockwell, the event will include appearances by Wray Gunn, who posed as one of the young boys in Rockwell's classic civil rights era painting "New Kids in the Neighborhood" (1967); Julie Martino, who modeled for a series of advertisements the illustrator created for the Florida Gas Company in the 1970s; and Betsy Manning, a neighbor of the late artist, who modeled for advertising illustrations for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance and the memorable Saturday Evening Post cover "Girl Missing Tooth" (1957). Norman Rockwell Museum curators will also be on hand to present an illustrated talk on Rockwell, a preview of upcoming Museum events, and a special screening of the Museum-produced documentary "Drawing Inspiration: Norman Rockwell in Stockbridge." The Norman Rockwell High Tea costs $18 per person, and includes tea, light fare, service, and parking. To register or for more information, please contact 413.298.4100, ext. 239.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents Graphic Novel Writing Workshop

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "99 Ways to Tell a Story! How to Write a Graphic Novel" on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join illustrator Matt Madden, the author and illustrator of "99 Ways to Tell a Story: Exercises in Style" and "A Fine Mess," for a workshop designed to inspire the graphic novelist in you through engaging exercises in literary and artistic styles. Point of view, personal narration, and the interplay of pictures and words will be explored. Art materials will be provided. Please bring lunch; beverages and snacks will be provided. The workshop costs $15, $10 for Museum members. To register, please contact the Museum at 413.298.4100, ext.260.

Matt Madden is a cartoonist and illustrator and teaches comic art and drawing at the School of Visual Arts in New York. His work is featured in the exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel," currently on view at Norman Rockwell Museum. Mr. Madden recently completed a comics textbook with his wife and fellow artist, Jessica Abel, called "Drawing Words and Writing Pictures."

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"A Comedy Revue Point of View"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "A Comedy Revue Point of View" on Saturday, March 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. Starting at 1 p.m., learn about point of view in a guided tour of "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel." At 1:30 p.m., meet "Stand-Up Chameleon" Jackson Gillman, songsmith, storyteller, and movement artist, whose interactive performance will take a humorous look at our daily rituals from a variety of perspectives. At 2:30 p.m., experiment with artistic viewpoints in a drop-in art class for all. The event is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents "JFK: In His Own Words"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "JFK: In His Own Words," an evening performance to be held at the Museum on Saturday, March 8, starting at 5:30 p.m. Join actor Mike Lowe, whose deft recreation brings to life the voice, presence, and vision of the late President John F. Kennedy. Performed in the Museum's galleries surrounded by Norman Rockwell's paintings of other former American presidents and candidates, this program invites those old enough to remember JFK, as well as those born after 1963, to experience his sense of hope, spirit, and duty. Admission to the event costs $8, $6 for Museum members.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"The Business of Art: Self-Publishing Your Comics"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "The Business of Art: Self-Publishing Your Comics" on Saturday, March 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. Join illustrator Alec Longstreth for this special focus on ways to succeed in cartooning and self-publishing. Learn inside information on production, distribution, promotion, and the importance of networking. Aspiring artists and those who are new to the genre are welcome. Participants are invited to bring a portfolio for review.

Alec Longstreth is an experienced self-publisher and the winner of the 2005 Ignatz Award for an Outstanding Mini-Comic. He is currently working on "Basewood," his first graphic novel, and his illustrations have been commissioned by such notable clients as Nickelodeon, National Geographic for Kids, Scholastic, and others.

Admission to "The Business of Art: Self-Publishing Your Comics" costs $10, $5 for Museum members. To pre-register, please contact the Museum at 413.298.4100, ext. 260.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"George Washington: Our Nation's First President"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "George Washington: Our Nation's First President," an evening performance to be held at the Museum on Saturday, February 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. Explore the roots of American government with George Washington, who swore to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution" as the first United States President on April 30, 1789. Portraying Washington, actor Carl Closs will celebrate the life, times, struggles, and triumphs of a historic national figure, while surrounded by Norman Rockwell's paintings of other former American presidents and candidates. Admission to the event costs $8, $6 for Museum members.

Norman Rockwell Museum Invites Artists
To Design Garden Gates For Upcoming Exhibition

Norman Rockwell Museum invites artists and craftspeople working in all media to submit proposals for "In Full Bloom: Artists Design Garden Gates," a unique outdoor exhibition to be held at the Museum during its busy summer season. Garden gates are the quintessential element of an ideal garden and provide symbolic entry into a world of color and aesthetic beauty; three-dimensional, weather-resistant, outdoor gates will be reviewed by a panel of prominent arts professionals, with final selections being exhibited on the Norman Rockwell Museum grounds from July 5 through September 7, 2008. Prizes will be awarded for: Best In Show, Most Inventive, Most Classic, Most Functional, and Viewer's Choice. Deadline for entries, including application form, sketches and concept statements, is March 25, 2008. Artists will be notified of acceptance by April 1, 2008. For further information on the exhibition and submission guidelines, please call 413-298-4100, ext. 207, or send an e-mail to csable@nrm.org.

Annual Berkshire County High School Art
Show Opens February 2nd at Norman Rockwell Museum

The Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show returns for its 22nd year at the Norman Rockwell Museum with a special exhibition opening reception to be held on Saturday, February 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon in celebration of the talented youth of Berkshire County high schools, whose art will be on view. At 2 p.m., commentary by graphic novelists Andy Fish and Veronica Hebard will offer insights into the worlds of two gifted artists who are professional illustrators.

The High School Art Show showcases the work of high school students in Berkshire County in grades 9 through 12, and will be on view at the Museum through March 2, 2008. Students submit original works to the yearly exhibition, in a variety of media, including painting, drawing and sculpture. The young artists learn how to prepare their work for a gallery show, acquire a personal understanding of the exhibition process, and have the exciting opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional Museum setting. Admission to the High School Art Show is free for all Berkshire County high school students, their families, and teachers, and to others with regular Museum admission. The exhibition is sponsored by The Legacy Banks Foundation

Norman Rockwell Museum Announces
Call for Entries for Student Graphic Novel Show

Norman Rockwell Museum invites high school students from New England and New York State to create their own comic book stories for inclusion in a special exhibition on graphic novels. Held in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel," the student art exhibition will be on view from March 15 through May 26, 2008. Students are asked to create double page spreads (11" x 17") of stories in comic book form; the pages should not contain a complete story, but showcase a student's idea for a character, hint at the plot, and combine images with text. Students are encouraged to include diverse themes, from autobiographical to world events (no profanity or nudity accepted). Entries must be received by March 7, and will be returned to each school after the conclusion of the exhibition. For a full list of submission guidelines, please contact the Museum's education department at 413.298.4100, ext. 260, or visit the Museum's Web site: www.nrm.org.

Annual Berkshire County High School Art
Show Opens February 2nd at Norman Rockwell Museum

The Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show returns for its 22nd year at the Norman Rockwell Museum with a special exhibition opening reception to be held on Saturday, February 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon in celebration of the talented youth of Berkshire County high schools, whose art will be on view. At 2 p.m., commentary by graphic novelists Andy Fish and Veronica Hebard will offer insights into the worlds of two gifted artists who are professional illustrators.

The High School Art Show showcases the work of high school students in Berkshire County in grades 9 through 12, and will be on view at the Museum through March 2, 2008. Students submit original works to the yearly exhibition, in a variety of media, including painting, drawing and sculpture. The young artists learn how to prepare their work for a gallery show, acquire a personal understanding of the exhibition process, and have the exciting opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional Museum setting. Admission to the High School Art Show is free for all Berkshire County high school students, their families, and teachers, and to others with regular Museum admission. The exhibition is sponsored by The Legacy Banks Foundation

LitGraphic Press Releases

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents "Out of Her Mind"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Out of Her Mind," part of its ongoing lecture and performance series, on Saturday, January 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. Join storyteller Carolyn Calandro for an evening of quirky stories and twisted tales inspired by the Museum's current exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel." Using materials from her own life and roads less traveled, Ms. Calandro weaves together a tapestry of tales that are both humorous and insightful. Admission to Out of Her Mind costs $8, $6 for Norman Rockwell Museum members.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents Cartoons and Comics Workshop

Norman Rockwell Museum will hold a workshop on creating cartoons and comics on Saturday, January 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. Explore how cartoonists use line, shape, and point of view in a gallery tour of the exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel" at 1 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., learn how to create a three-panel action sequence with graphic artist Marek Bennett. At 2:30 p.m., paint a splash page featuring your own cartoon character. The afternoon workshop is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents "Graphic Novels in the Classroom"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Graphic Novels in the Classroom," an educators' symposium, on Saturday, January 12, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No longer underground, comics and graphic novels have been embraced by many as a means to engage students with literature and learning.This day-long symposium for educators and librarians provides an in-depth look at this popular art form and explores its educational potential in the classroom.

Keynote speaker Jay Hosler has created a science textbook called "Clan Apis," a graphic novel about the lives of bees. An Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Juniata College in Huntington, PA, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Ohio State University Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory. Other speakers include librarian and graphic media specialist Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe, artist and English teacher Tim Callahan, and art teacher Andrew Wales.

To register for Graphic Novels in the Classroom please contact the Museum at 413.298.4100, ext. 260. PDPs are available. Participants should bring their lunch and imagination. The symposium costs $20, $15 for Museum members.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
"Roots! A Lively History of Pictorial Communication"

Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Roots! A Lively History of Pictorial Communication," starting on January 11, at 12 p.m. Discover the roots of American illustration in this lively series of informal talks with Curator Charles Sable. The origins of pictorial communication from prehistory to the twentieth century will be explored, offering insights into the intersecting roles of the artist, economics, and culture. The examination of nineteenth- and twentieth-century visual culture will culminate in the legendary career of illustrator Norman Rockwell. "Roots! A Lively History of Pictorial Communication" will be presented once a month, with additional dates to be held on February 8, March 14, and April 11. Participants should bring lunch, with beverages and dessert provided. Admission to Roots! costs $6, free for Museum members.

Other Press Releases

Norman Rockwell Museum Receives First Place Award of Excellence in International Brochure Competition

Norman Rockwell Museum has received a First Place Regional Award of Excellence for its brochure by the Association of Professional Brochure Distributors. The brochure, which features the Norman Rockwell painting Red Sox Locker Room, won first place in the Northeastern United States in the Association’s 2007 International Best Brochure Competition. Contest winners were announced at the Association’s recent annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois.