Norman Rockwell Museum Announces Online Symposium

Enchanted: Epic Adventures in Fantasy Illustration

STOCKBRIDGE, MA – The Museum continues its popular Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies virtual symposium series this June and October On Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, Epic Adventures in Fantasy Illustration takes inspiration from this summer’s blockbuster exhibition, Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration. The field’s historical underpinnings and inspirations will be the subject of conversation by exhibition curator and keynote speaker Jesse Kowalski. Guest speaker Sara Frazetta of Frazetta Girls, the granddaughter of renowned artist Frank Frazetta, will offer perspectives, and noted artists Julie Bell, Boris Vallejo, Anthony Palumbo, David Palumbo, Alessandra Pisano, Donato Giancola, and Gregory Manchess, will discuss their art, process, and inspirations.

Price: One admission price for the entire Symposium. $15/members, $20/non-members, pay-what-you-choose option available.

Day and Time:

Friday, June 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Keynote with Jesse Kowalski

Autographed Copy: Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration Exhibit CatalogSaturday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Welcome: 10 a.m.
Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, Deputy Director/Chief Curator; Jesse Kowalski, Curator of Exhibitions

Opening Remarks: 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Sara Frazetta, Frazetta Girls

Artist Panels: Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Artist Panel One: 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

The Frazetta Legacy in Contemporary Fantasy Illustration: A Family of Artists
With Julie Bell, Boris Vallejo, Anthony Palumbo, and David Palumbo

Julie Bell, Boris Vallejo, Anthony Palumbo, and David Palumbo are gifted artists who have been inspired by the notable legacy of fantasy and science fiction illustrator Frank Frazetta. This panel will explore their art, their position as the first family of fantasy illustration, and the creative and technical approaches that has inspired the acclaim and admiration of many fans.

Julie Bell

Boris Vallejo

Anthony Palumbo

David Palumbo

Artist Panel Two: 12 – 1 p.m.

The Epic Fantasy Adventure

With Alessandra Pisano, Donato Giancola, Gregory Manchess

The rich histories relayed by the storytellers, writers, artists, historians, and philosophers have helped to define epic adventures and fantastical characters through time, from The Epic of Gilgamesh in 2100 BCE to the dynastic rivals of The Game of Thrones. Alessandra Pisano, Donato Giancola, and Gregory Manchess will discuss their work as well as the fantasy narratives that have inspired it.

Allesandra Pisano

Donato Giancola

Gregory Manchess

The rich histories relayed by the storytellers, writers, artists, historians, and philosophers have helped to define epic adventures and fantastical characters through time, from The Epic of Gilgamesh in 2100 BCE to the dynastic rivals of The Game of Thrones. Alessandra Pisano, Donato Giancola, and Gregory Manchess will discuss their work as well as the fantasy narratives that have inspired it.

ABOUT NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

The Norman Rockwell Museum illuminates the power of American illustration art to reflect and shape society, and advances the enduring values of kindness, respect, and social equity portrayed by Norman Rockwell. The Museum holds the world’s largest and most significant collection of art and archival materials relating to Rockwell’s life and work, while also preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting a growing collection of art by other American illustrators throughout history. The Museum engages diverse audiences through onsite and traveling exhibitions, as well as publications, arts and humanities programs, including the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies, and comprehensive online resources. Visit the Museum online at www.nrm.org.

Museum hours are Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesdays 12 – 7 p.m. in July & August. Closed Wednesdays. Advanced ticket purchase recommended; reserve on NRM.org.

Images: Donato Giancola, St. George and the Dragon, 2010, © Donato Giancola;