Norman Rockwell Museum To Host Family Day
For Muddy Brook Elementary School Families
Berkshire County Student Passport Participants To Celebrate During Special Event Honoring Work of Children’s Book Illustrator Jerry Pinkney
Illustrator Jerry Pinkney teaching students in Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School as part of Norman Rockwell Museum’s Berkshire County Student Passport Program. Photo: Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.
Stockbridge, MA, March 6, 2017—As part of its new Berkshire County Student Passport Program, Norman Rockwell Museum will host a special day for families of Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School students, who recently completed the education outreach program, on Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Organized in collaboration with Muddy Brook, this special program is designed to engage students and families in immersive arts experiences,” notes Norman Rockwell Museum Deputy Director Stephanie Plunkett. “We hope to promote familiarity and involvement with the art of illustration and one of the region’s premier cultural institutions.”
Since starting the program earlier this year, Muddy Brook students have not only benefitted from working with Norman Rockwell Museum’s staff on educators, both in-class and at the Museum, but also from a special visit from Caldecott-winning artist Jerry Pinkney, the Museum’s Artist Laureate, whose work they had been studying alongside Norman Rockwell. Mr. Pinkney met with each of Muddy Brook’s four third grade classes to explore the creative process and connections between visual storytelling and classic literature. These experiences inspired student projects designed by the school’s education staff, which will be on display during the family day.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., art teacher Ali Benton will greet students and families, in an exhibition of illustrated fables created by Muddy Brook third grade students and their teachers.
At 11 a.m., Muddy Brook librarian Patty Melville will read Misty, the biography of the young slave life of Harriet Tubman, written by Alan Schoeder and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney; followed by Songs of the Underground Railroad, led by the school’s music teacher Kim Chirichella and students.
Starting at noon, students will be invited to a guided nature walk outdoors on the Museum’s scenic grounds, led by Muddy Brook physical education teachers Jessica Pleu and Tina Soule, followed by drawing activities with Museum Educator Patrick O’Donnell.
At 1 p.m., Ms. Melville will read John Henry, the story of the legendary railroad man, written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. The reading will be followed by Songs of John Henry, led by Ms. Chirichella and students.
Finally at 2 p.m., Ms. Pleu and fellow physical education teacher Tina Soule will lead a reading and movement activity inspired by Pretend You’re a Cat by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.
About The Berkshire County Student Passport Program
Supported by the contributions of friends of Norman Rockwell Museum, the Passport Program was created for students and families in Berkshire County who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the Museum. Programs are adapted to the needs and interests of administrators, teachers, and students at each participating school. At Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School, Caldecott-winning artist Jerry Pinkney, the Museum’s 2016 Artist Laureate, will engage students in exploring concepts focused on the art of visual storytelling and its connection to classic literature. Funding is also making it possible for high school and college students from urban areas to visit the Museum, by supporting some or all of the cost of bus transportation based upon need.
For more information about supporting the Berkshire County Student Passport Program, please contact the Museum at 413.931.2252 or education@nrm.org.