Reference photo for Norman Rockwell’s The Runaway, 1958. Photographer unidentified. Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, IL. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum.

A landmark exhibition that has shed new light on Norman Rockwell’s art and artistry, continues its successful run at Norman Rockwell Museum with an extended series of related programs and events. “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera” explores Rockwell’s richly detailed study photographs, created by the artist as references for his iconic paintings. Covered by such diverse outlets as “Vanity Fair,” NPR Radio, and “The Smithsonian Magazine,” the exhibition was organized with author and guest curator Ron Schick, whose companion book of the same name was released late last year by Little, Brown and Company; landing on several best-of book lists for 2009.
Made possible through ProjectNORMAN, the Museum’s long-term digital preservation project, and a grant from “Save America¹s Treasures,” “Norman
Rockwell: Behind the Camera” brings together approximately 120 prints of Rockwell’s study photographs and 25 original paintings and drawings linked to the photographs on display. The photographs- painstakingly staged by Rockwell and involving an array of models, costumes, props, and settings- exist as fully realized works of art in their own right. In addition to original art from Norman Rockwell Museum’s collection, several significant works from such noted institutions as The Brooklyn Museum, The National Air and Space Museum, The Columbus Museum of Art, The Memorial Art Gallery, and The Eastman Kodak Company, are also featured in the exhibition. The result is a fascinating frame-by-frame view of the development of some of Rockwell’s most indelible images. Generous support for “Norman Rockwell:

Behind the Camera” is provided by the Stockman Family Foundation.

Related Programs and Events

The Artist & The Photograph: Contemporary Perspectives Saturday Series
February 27, March 26, and April 24, 5:30 p.m.
Spend inspiring evenings with noted photographers, who will explore contemporary pathways in photography, from assembled narration to the moving image. A reception with the artists will follow. $10, $7 Museum members.
Featured artists include:

-Kevin Sprague (February 27)

-Gregory Crewdson (March 26)

-Jonathan Doster (April 24)

Picture This: Writing with Photographs
Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This engaging writing experience with author/educator Vivian Dorsel explores the use of photographs as inspirational visual memoir that can spark the writing process. $15, $10 Museum members.

A Workshop for Educators
Focus Group: Museums, Libraries, and Schools Connect
Saturday,March 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Educators and librarians are invited to join Museum education staff for a presentation of ProjectNORMAN, the upcoming digital database of Norman Rockwell’s work. Refreshments will be served. Free. To register, call 413.298.4100, ext. 260, or e-mail prog@nrm.org.

Camera Clinic: Get More Out of Your Digital Camera
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Talented photographer Sabine Vollmer von Falken will help you navigate your digital camera to achieve outstanding results. Fledgling and experienced photographers are welcome. $12, $8 Museum members.

Uncovering the Covers of the “Post”
Thursday, May 13, 12:30 p.m.

Norman Rockwell Museum Chief Curator Stephanie Plunkett takes visitors “behind the camera” to explore Norman Rockwell’s extensive use of photography in creating his famous covers for “The Saturday Evening Post.” Beverages and dessert provided. $6, $4 Museum members, or free with Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell’s American Dream: An Evening with David Kamp
Saturday, May 29, 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy a discussion with author David Kamp, contributing editor to “Vanity Fair,” whose commentary on “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera” appeared in the magazine’s November 2009 issue. $10, $7 Museum members, or free with Museum admission.