Norman Rockwell Museum announces a festive series of events planned for the month of November, including the opening of “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera” (November 7), a groundbreaking exhibition made possible by ProjectNORMAN, the Museum’s long-term digitization preservation project, which looks at Rockwell’s reference photography as art in it’s own right. Other highlights include an installation and book-signing with illustrator Peter de Sève, an illustration workshop for educators and artists, a lecture on Brandywine artist Ellen B.T. Pyle, and Thanksgiving holiday weekend art workshops for the whole family.
Special Events
Exhibition Opening Reception
“Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera”
Saturday, November 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for this special opening of “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera,” a groundbreaking exhibition which takes a frame-by-frame look at Norman Rockwell’s artistic process through his reference photos. Guest curator Ron Schick will discuss his work on the exhibition and recently released book of the same title, including his exploration of Norman Rockwell Museum’s newly digitized photographic archive. A book-signing and reception with cash bar follows. The opening is free for Museum members, and $15 for non-members.
Please call 413.931.2299 for information and reservations.
Curator’s Tea & Talk
“Behind the Camera” with Guest Curator Ron Schick
Sunday, November 8, 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy this engaging look at Norman Rockwell’s use of the camera, with guest curator Ron Schick. This illustrated talk will offer new insights into the artist’s working process, and the groundbreaking research that is reflected in the works on view. Mr. Schick will also sign copies of his recently released book, “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera.” Free for children.
Adults free with Museum admission.
Illustration Workshop for Educators and Artists Tools of the Trade: A Faber-Castell Creative Academy Saturday, November 14, 1 to 3 p.m.
This workshop will demonstrate the development of an illustration from initial sketch to finished piece, using Faber-Castell fine quality art materials. All participants will receive a goodie-bag courtesy of Faber-Castell and Norman Rockwell Museum. Class size limited to 25. To register, call 413.298.4100, ext. 252, by November 7. Space is limited; advance registration is required.
Illustrator Talk and Book-signing
“The Duchess of Whimsy : An Absolutely Delicious Fairy Tale”
Saturday, November 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Join illustrator Peter de Sève and his wife/author Randall de Sève, as they celebrate the release of their new children’s book “The Duchess of Whimsy:
An Absolutely Delicious Fairy Tale.” The couple will talk about their collaboration, and sign copies of the book for visitors. A special installation of original artwork from the book will also be on view. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission.
Exhibitions
“Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera”
November 7 through May 31, 2010
Find a fascinating parallel universe to Norman Rockwell’s paintings in the meticulously composed photographs that informed his work. Based on the recently released book “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera” and advances in the Museum’s ProjectNORMAN digitization project, the exhibition pairs Rockwell’s photographic references with original artwork to reveal, frame-by-frame, the creation of the artist’s iconic paintings. Guided tours of the exhibition are available starting at 1:30 p.m.
“The Duchess of Whimsy : An Absolutely Delicious Fairy Tale”
November 28 through 30
Enjoy a collection of artist Peter de Sève’s whimsical illustrations for his new children’s book “The Duchess of Whimsy,” a quirky love story about a beautiful and eccentric royal and the very plain and simple Earl who adores her.
“Norman Rockwell’s 323 ‘Saturday Evening Post’ Covers”
Through January 2010
Watch a half-century of American life unfold in this comprehensive exhibition of all 323 covers Norman Rockwell created for “The Saturday Evening Post,” from 1916 to 1963.
“Curator’s Choice: Selections from the Permanent Collection”
Through February 7, 2010
View a selection of images from Norman Rockwell Museum’s permanent illustration collection, as chosen by Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies Curator Joyce K. Schiller. Artists on view include such noted illustrators as James Montgomery Flagg, David Maculay, Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle, and N.C. Wyeth.
“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, November 1 through 30
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, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1 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, November 3, 17, 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.
Thanksgiving Weekend Family Fun
Friday, November 27; Saturday, November 28; Sunday, November 29; 1 to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at Norman Rockwell Museum. Each day will feature a special program, performance, or workshop designed for participants of all ages. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission.
Create a Character
Friday, November 27
Learn how artists capture and convey a range of expressions, and create your own character. Michelle Lydon of Berkshire Caricatures will be on hand to sketch your family¹s portrait with wit and whimsy.
Set the Stage!
Saturday, November 28
Join Barrington Stage Company players for an afternoon of theatrics. Make your own unique stage setting to take home, and lend a hand as we create a Rockwell-inspired community stage project for Norman Rockwell Museum’s ArtZone.
Strike a Pose!
Sunday, November 29
Discover how Norman Rockwell transformed everyday objects into props and costumes for his models, then strike a pose wearing your own creation. At 2 p.m., enjoy a kid- and parent-friendly performance by Ivy and Rick’s Rockalicious, a New York City acoustic duo that performs rock music classics.
Programs for Adults and/or All Ages
Model Citizens
Friday, November 6, 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.
Illustrating Her World: Ellen B.T. Pyle
Tuesday, November 10, 1:30 p.m.
Join Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies Curator Joyce K. Schiller for a look at the work of illustrator Ellen B.T. Pyle, acclaimed Saturday Evening Post cover artist. Schiller will examine the influences, ideas, and techniques of this late Brandywine School artist and sister-in-law of illustrator Howard Pyle. Free with Museum admission.