Thank you for all the kind letters and tributes pouring in regarding Mary Doyle Keefe (Rosie The Riveter), who passed away last week. All of us at Norman Rockwell Museum feel fortunate to have gotten to know Ms. Keefe over the years, and learn about her unique experience as a model for Norman Rockwell. It is so valuable to our work to hear stories from those who worked made the artist’s acquaintance. Many of his models were ordinary people who found themselves carrying on quite an unexpected and extraordinary legacy.
A reminder that we hold “Meet the Models” lectures every first Friday of the month. This Friday, May 1, 2:30 p.m., we welcome back Rockwell’s neighbor, Claire Williams, who met the artist in a town sketch class and went on to model for several advertisements the artist created for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance. Also on hand will be Ed Locke, the “Runaway” in Rockwell’s iconic 1958 painting; Locke also posed for Before The Shot (1958), another memorable Saturday Evening Post cover painting.
Were you an acquaintance or model for Norman Rockwell? We would love to hear from you. Also, check out our Facebook and Pinterest pages, where we have assembled a great collection of your “Rosie” tributes, as well as archival photos of inspiring women who joined the workforce during World War II. We look forward to hearing more of your memories related to Norman Rockwell and his enduring images.
Norman Rockwell Museum Pinterest Board: Rosie the Riveter
Program: Meet Rockwell’s Models: Claire Williams and Ed Locke