Posted on September 16, 2009
Norman Rockwell Museum announces a lively series of events planned for the month of October, including the last chance to view three of its popular 40th anniversary exhibitions- “American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell” (through October 12); “The Fantastical Faces of Peter Rockwell: A Sculptor’s Retrospective” (through October 25); and “A Day in the Life: Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Studio” (through November 1). Other highlights include a book release celebration for an intimate new memoir about Norman Rockwell (from the perspective of his next-door neighbor), an inspiring month-long exhibition featuring works by the artists of Community Access to the Arts, and the opportunity to take in the area’s fall foliage with a guided tour of the Museum’s historic estate.

Special Events

Book Release Celebration
“The Unknown Rockwell: A Portrait of Two American Families”
Thursday, October 8, 2 to 5 p.m.
Join authors Bud Edgerton and Nan O’Brien to celebrate the release of their intimate new memoir, which takes a fascinating look at Norman Rockwell and his family from the unique perspective of a close friend, model, and longtime neighbor, and reveals the existence of a previously unknown Rockwell portrait. A book-signing and reading by the authors will follow. Kids 18 and under are free. Adults free with Museum admission.

Exhibition Opening Celebration
“I Am a Part of Art! The Artists of Community Access to the Arts”
Sunday, October 4, 2 to 4 p.m.
Join us for this inspiring exhibition of works by the artists of CATA, a regional organization which nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. Free.

Exhibitions
“American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell”
Through October 12
Norman Rockwell Museum’s major traveling retrospective, covering the full sweep of Rockwell’s 65-year career, has been held over through October 12. The exhibition offers visitors a landmark occasion to see the iconic works that form the core of the Museum’s collections reunited in a single exhibition, interpreted and contextualized by new scholarship and archival materials. Guided tours of the exhibition offered daily.

“The Fantastical Faces of Peter Rockwell: A Sculptor’s Retrospective”
Through October 25
Peter Rockwell is a noted sculptor and art historian who is also the youngest son of Norman Rockwell. This retrospective brings together an outstanding collection of the artist’s bronze, marble, limestone, and terracotta sculptures. Guided tours of the exhibition offered daily.

“I Am a Part of Art! The Artists of Community Access to the Arts”
October 4 through 25
An exhibition of works by the artists of CATA, a regional organization which nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts.

“A Day in the Life: Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Studio”
Studio open through November 1
Step back in time to 1960, when Rockwell was painting his iconic “Saturday Evening Post” cover, “Golden Rule.” Rockwell’s historic Stockbridge studio has been freshly reinterpreted for the Museum’s 40th anniversary, offering a glimpse of the artist’s work environment during a pivotal moment in his life and career- as he moved away from his long relationship with the “Post” and increasingly created works with socially conscious themes.

“Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Models: A Norman Rockwell Museum Historic Preservation Project”
Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge, Massachusetts Ongoing
Learn more about the faces behind the pictures in this off-site exhibition of photographs of Rockwell’s models posing for his paintings. Free admission. Open weekdays only.

Programs for Children and Families

ArtZone
Daily, October 1 through 31
Explore your “inner Rockwell” by creating your own works of art in the Museum’s ArtZone activity center. Open daily during regular Museum hours. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission.

Art in Action
Sunday, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Designed for children of all ages, these Sunday afternoon drop-in art workshops feature hands-on art projects inspired by the art of Norman Rockwell and other illustrators. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission.

Toddler Tuesdays
Tuesday, October 6, 20, 10:30 a.m.
Designed for preschool children and their adult friends, this multi-sensory learning experience features an age-appropriate gallery tour and a fun hands-on art project. $2 per child. Adults free with Museum admission.

Programs for Adults

Model Citizens
Friday, October 2, 2:30 p.m.
Find out what it was like to pose for America’s favorite illustrator- from one of Norman Rockwell’s own models. Free with Museum admission.

Historic Property Walk and Talk
Daily through October 25 (weather permitting), 10:30 a.m.
Explore the Museum’s beautiful grounds with an expert guide. Learn more about Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio and Linwood, the 1859 Berkshire “cottage” on the Museum’s grounds. This lively walking tour takes 45 minutes and is less than a mile. Free with Museum admission.