Illustration from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” by Ruth Sanderson, 1990. ©Ruth Sanderson. All rights reserved.

Stockbridge, MA, December 24, 2013— Norman Rockwell Museum will present “Dance!” a family day inspired by the art of illustrator Ruth Sanderson, on Saturday, January 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. Join dancers from Berkshire Ballroom as they demonstrate their technique and teach basic ballroom steps. Professional dancer and archivist Eugenia Kim will also offer an illustrated look at dance as it relates to the exhibition, “Dancing Princesses: The Fairy Tale Art of Ruth Sanderson.” The family afternoon will also include tours of the exhibition, readings, and art making for all. The event is free for Museum members or with regular Museum admission.

Dancing Princesses: The Fairy Tale Art of Ruth Sanderson
On view through March 9, 2014

Stories about princes and princesses, and quests and bravery in the face of extraordinary odds, have remained an essential part of our culture’s foundation, shared by parents and children for many generations— they have also inspired countless artists along the way. A renowned fantasy artist and illustrator of children’s literature, Ruth Sanderson has created imagery for more than 75 picture books, many of which bring such classic tales to life.

This special holiday installation, part of the Museum’s “Distinguished Illustrator Series,” features more than 60 original illustrations for classic and original stories, including Sanderson’s personal favorite—”The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Now in the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum, the artist’s paintings and studies for the fairy tale will be accompanied by unique costumes that she commissioned specifically for her work. The exhibition will also feature original paintings for other princess-inspired books, including “The Sleeping Beauty;” “Cinderella;” “The Golden Mare, The Firebird, and The Magic Ring;” “The Snow Princess,” “The Crystal Mountain;” and “The Enchanted Wood,” an original story.