Stockbridge, MA, March 11, 2014—In conjunction with its current exhibition, “Wendell Minor’s America,” Norman Rockwell Museum will present “The Shakers: Culture and Community,” an evening lecture to be held on Saturday, March 15, starting at 5 p.m. Join author/historian Sharon Koomler as she explores the cultural contributions of the Shakers—from the 1700s to the present day. Ms. Koomler will continue where her 2000 book, “Shaker Style: Form, Function, and Furniture” (Running Press Book Publishers) left off, showcasing the 200-year old sect’s eloquent, minimalist style, which blends seamlessly into today’s modern design aesthetic. The talk is presented in partnership with the Shaker Museum and Library in Mount Lebanon, New York, with a book signing and refreshments to follow. Admission to the event costs $10 for adults ($6 for Museum members), and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations recommended by contacting the Museum at 413.931.2221.

“Wendell Minor’s America”
On view through May 26, 2014

Celebrate the four-decade career of award-winning illustrator Wendell Minor, one of our nation’s premier historical illustrators. Minor drew his way through childhood in Aurora, Illinois, inspired by the richly illustrated magazines that were so much a part of American life during the mid-twentieth century; today he travels throughout the United States to research, draw and paint on location, and immerse himself in the subject at hand. This retrospective looks at the many cover illustrations Minor has created over the years, as well as his 25th anniversary illustrating children’s books, each inspired by his love of history, art, science, and the natural world.

Wendell Minor’s America traces the personal and artistic journey of the acclaimed book illustrator and admirer of Norman Rockwell, through original artwork, artifacts, and references from Minor’s expansive visual chronicles, as well as commentary about his collaborations with our nation’s most prominent authors, scientists, and historians; highlights include original work from such books as “Shaker Hearts” by Ann Turner; “Reaching for the Moon” and “Look to the Stars” by Buzz Aldrin; “Abraham Lincoln Comes Home” by Robert Burleigh; “Arctic Son” by Jean Craighead George; “Shane” by Jack Schafer; and “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates.