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 both Museum members and patrons.

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.

Pneuma Brass Quintet To
Perform at Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum will kick off the fourth of July weekend with a concert of patriotic music, to be held on Thursday, July 3, starting at 5:30 p.m. The Pneuma Brass Quintet, an acclaimed group of professional musicians featuring Lauren Bundy and Timothy Deik (trumpet), Debrah Greelish (horn), Joseph Haddad (trombone), and William Gray (tuba), will stir the spirit of patriotism in us all. The concert is part of "Open Season: A Series of Pre-election Programs," inspired by the Museum's current exhibition "Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner." 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 17: "The Naked Campaign: An Evening with Steve Brodner"
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"

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
To Hold Summer Children's Art Workshops

Norman Rockwell Museum will hold a series of dynamic art workshops for children throughout this summer season.

Summer Sketch Club
Tuesdays, July 1 through August 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For children ages seven and up.

Enjoy an on-location drawing and painting class that encourages self-expression while exploring the concepts of art through experimentation with line, form, color, and texture. Bring along a sketch-book or drawing pad; other art supplies are provided. The class will be held outdoors, weather permitting, so please have bottled water, insect repellent, hats, and sunscreen on hand.

Drawing Together: A Parent-Child Experience
Wednesdays, July2 through August 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
For children ages four and up, accompanied by an adult.

Children and their parents/guardians will explore the Museum's galleries together in a guided, interactive look at the works on view, followed by art-making activities that inspire experimentation with a variety of materials and techniques.

Painting Studio for Children
Fridays, July 4 through August 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For children ages eight and up.
Discover the joy of painting in this special studio experience designed for children. Artist/educator Monika Pizzichemi will teach students about media, techniques, color mixing, perspective and more while exploring the art of painting pictures.

Cost for the summer art workshops cost $6 per class, $4 for Museum members. To pre-register, please contact the Museum at 413.298.4100, ext.260.

Norman Rockwell Museum
Presents "Baseball: America's Favorite Pastime"

Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate baseball, America's favorite pastime, with an afternoon of "major league" activities on Saturday, July 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. At 1 p.m., meet Master of Ceremonies Carl Beane, the Voice of Fenway Park and the 2008 World Champion Boston Red Sox. Mr. Beane will regale visitors with insider stories about the Red Sox, and bring along his authentic World Series ring. At 2 p.m., meet award-winning illustrator Graig Kreindler, whose paintings depict watershed moments in baseball history. Mr. Kreindler will sign prints of his work following the presentation. At 3 p.m., design your own unique baseball card in an art class for all ages. Rounding out the day, design your own unique baseball card in an art class for all ages starting at 3 p.m., and see what baseball looked like in 1886 with the Pittsfield Elms Vintage Baseball Club at 3:30 p.m. The Elms will be on hand to toss the ball and discuss the evolution of the game. The afternoon of baseball activities is free with regular Museum admission.

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.

Comic Creator/Publisher Denis
Kitchen To Speak at Norman Rockwell Museum

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.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents
An Evening With Graphic Novelist Barron Storey

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.

His published journals include "Life After Black" and "Marat/Sade Journals." The artist's paintings are held in the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, the American Museum of National History, and the National Portrait Gallery, and his work is featured in the exhibition "LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel."

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 Museum Presents Exhibition of
Rarely-Seen Rockwell Works at The Gallery at The Park Avenue Bank

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.

Norman Rockwell Museum To
Screen Film on Graphic Novel Pioneer Will Eisner

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."

"Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist" takes an in-depth look at the man many consider "the godfather of the American comic." Through interviews with such notable figures as Kurt Vonnegut, Michael Chabon, Frank Miller, Jules Feiffer, Art Spiegelman, and Eisner himself, the film tells the fascinating story of a man who devoted his entire career to taking a so-called child's medium and infusing it with a unique vision of something so much more. Following the screening, filmmakers Andrew D. Cooke and Jon B. Cooke will be present to discuss their critically-acclaimed film and answer questions from the audience.

The film screening is free with regular Museum admission, however space is limited. Please call 413.298.4100, ext. 260 to reserve tickets. To view the film trailer, visit: www.youtube.com/normanrockwellmuseum.

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: Illustrator in Chief

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.

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.