Smithsonian Curator to Talk About Rockwell Art

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Smithsonian American Art Museum Senior Curator Virginia Mecklenberg will present a talk about original Norman Rockwell art owned by filmmakers George Lucas and Steve Spielberg, during an evening lecture to be held at Norman Rockwell Museum on Thursday, Aug. 26, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Mecklenberg has organized "Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg," the first major exhibition to explore in-depth the connections between Rockwell's iconic images of American life and the vision of the next generation of visual storytellers.

Two of America's best-known modern filmmakers, both Lucas and Spielberg recognized a kindred spirit in Norman Rockwell and formed significant collections of his work. Learn about the similarities between these acclaimed artists' work--from themes of national and home town pride, unlikely heroes, children growing up, and life's small moments.

The lecture is free with regular museum admission, and is being presented as part of the American Storytellers series, co-sponsored by The Times Union. To learn more about the exhibition "Telling Stories," click here.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
 
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center. 
 
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents. 
 
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager. 
 
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
 
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
 
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event. 
 
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