Notes and News on everything Rockwell, and beyond! http://www.nrm.org Noted comic book creator/publisher Denis Kitchen will join the list of presenters for a special screening of the documentary "Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist" at Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. The film takes an in-depth look at the life and career of Will Eisner, one of the greatest innovators in the history of comic books, whose work is featured in the exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel." Along with filmmakers Andrew D. Cooke and Jon B. Cooke, Kitchen will share his memories of working with Eisner and explain how his work continues to influence new generations of artists (Eisner's character The Spirit will be released as a major motion picture this Christmas, directed by graphic novelist Frank Miller). Admission to the screening and panel discussion is free with regular Museum admission, however space is limited. To reserve tickets please call 413.298.4100, ext. 260. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor64 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor64 Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Life After Black: The Visual Journals of Barron Storey" on Saturday, May 24, starting at 5:30 p.m. Meet artist Barron Storey, whose visual journals allow for everything from personal therapy to research and development for his illustrations. Storey will describe his process and many inspirations, which has lead to the creation of over 145 visual journals since 1976. The event is free with regular Museum admission. An illustrator, graphic novelist, and noted educator, Barron Storey has created award-winning artworks for the covers and pages of Time, National Geographic, Saturday Review, and "The Sandman: Endless Nights" among others. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor63 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor63 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor62 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor62 A unique exhibition of work created by artist Norman Rockwell opened on April 22 at The Park Avenue Bank in New York City. "Norman Rockwell in Black & White: Drawings for Classic Saturday Evening Post Covers" features rarely-seen preparatory drawings created by Rockwell, offering intriguing insights into the artist's creative process. The exhibition has been curated by Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, which holds the largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Artwork is from the Museum's permanent collection, which includes the artist's Stockbridge studio, its contents, and an extensive archive relating to Norman Rockwell's life and career. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor61 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor61 Norman Rockwell Museum will present a special screening of the documentary "Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist" on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. The film profiles the life of artist Will Eisner, one of the greatest innovators in the history of comic books, whose work is featured in the Museum's current exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel." As artist, businessman, innovator, and visual storyteller, Will Eisner enjoyed a career that encompassed comic books from their early beginnings in the 1930s to their development as graphic novels in the 1990s. During his sixty-plus career, Eisner introduced the now-traditional mode of comic book production; championed mature, sophisticated storytelling; was an early advocate for using the medium as a tool for education; pioneered the now-popular 'graphic novel;' and served as an inspiration for generations of artists. The creator of the comic book character The Spirit and the groundbreaking graphic novel "A Contract with God," Will Eisner considered himself "a graphic witness reporting on life, death, heartbreak, and the never ending struggle to prevail." http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor60 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor60 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor59 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor59 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor58 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor58 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor57 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor57 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor56 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor56 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor55 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor55 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor54 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor54 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." http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor53 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor53 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor52 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor52 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor51 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor51 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor50 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor50 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor49 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor49 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor48 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor48 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor47 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor47 Many of Norman Rockwell's illustrations for periodicals, advertising campaigns, and other publications, were created to show the engagement of Americans in the process of electing a president. From 1952 to 1960, Rockwell's portraits of the major presidential candidates- including Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy- graced the covers of The Saturday Evening Post. In 1964, after his association with the Post ended, he began working for Look, where he continued to generate portraits of the presidential candidates, which included such notables as Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor46 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor46 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor45 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor45 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor44 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor44 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor43 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor43 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... http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor42 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor42 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor41 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor41 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. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor40 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor40 Norman Rockwell Museum will present "Bringing Life to Your Words," a writing workshop for adults, on Saturday, January 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the power of descriptive language with author Vivian Dorsel and learn to infuse your work with a vivid sense of authenticity by focusing on imagery and sensory details that bring written works to life. http://www.nrm.org/page260 http://www.nrm.org/page260 Norman Rockwell Museum will present a series of drop-in art classes during the holiday season, starting December 26 through 31, from 1 to 5 p.m. The family activities begin on Wednesday, December 26, as Museum staff teach students about complementary colors and how to create paper collages with impact. http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor38 http://www.nrm.org/page45#anchor38 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. http://www.nrm.org/page255 http://www.nrm.org/page255