"Everett Raymond Kinstler: Pulps to Portraits" exhibition at Norman Rockwell Museum. Photo by Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.

This week is the last opportunity to view our exhibition on the art of acclaimed portraitist Everett Raymond Kinstler. Over the last seven decades Mr. Kinstler has painted portraits of some of the most notable figures of the day. On view through May 28, 2012, Everett Raymond Kinstler: Pulps to Portraits traces the artist’s transition from illustrator to portrait artist, and includes beautiful, original oil paintings of such figures as Katherine Hepburn, Tony Bennett, and Tom Wolfe, among others. In conjunction with the exhibition, a small gallery of portraits painted by Norman Rockwell is also currently on view.

Other exhibitions to see this week include Norman Rockwell’s Willie was Different, featuring a selection of original artwork created for Rockwell’s children book about a gifted wood thrush (on view through May 28); Curator’s Choice: Recent Gifts to the Permanent Collection; and Norman Rockwell’s 323 Saturday Evening Post Covers, which features each of Rockwell’s illustrations for the publication, created between 1916 and 1963. While you’re here step back in time with a visit to Rockwell’s original Stockbridge studio, restored to look as it did back in 1960, when the artist was working on his iconic Saturday Evening Post cover illustration, Golden Rule.

If you’re feeling so inspired, stop in to our Art Zone to create your own illustrations to take home. The creativity center is open during regular Museum hours.

Looking ahead, we are excited to present an exhibition of original art by the Golden Age illustrator Howard Pyle. Opening June 9, Howard Pyle: American Master Rediscovered  is the first comprehensive, critical assessment of the influential artist who is often referred to as the grandfather of American illustration. Admired by Norman Rockwell and his contemporaries, the exhibition will feature an outstanding selection of the artist’s powerful paintings of pirates and historical and literary themes, that continue to spark the imagination.

Make your reservations now to join us for the exhibition opening and Swagger and Dagger Dance Party, on Saturday, June 9, starting at 6 p.m. Come dressed in your fanciest pirate threads, and get down to the sounds of the Berkshire Bateria. A cocktail reception and special pirate treasure auction will also be featured. Click here for more details.

We look forward to seeing you soon at Norman Rockwell Museum, your home for American illustration art!