Norman Rockwell Museum Celebrates Rockwell's Birthday with February Events04:40PM / Thursday, January 15, 2009
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. - Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate Norman Rockwell's 115th birthday with a spirited array of programs and events planned for the month of February. In addition to a special celebration on February 3, Rockwell's birthday, highlights for the month include the opening of the exhibitions "Artists in Their Studios" and the 23rd Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show, a visit from "President Abraham Lincoln," and an evening of jazz and wine-tasting, part of the Museum's AfterHours@NRM series.
This month, the Museum also officially launches its 40th anniversary. On February 3, following Rockwell's birthday festivities, the Museum will kick off its 40th anniversary year with a season preview and announcement event from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Museum, to which press and community members are invited.
Exhibitions and Openings
"Artists in Their Studios" February 7 through May 25
A unique glimpse into the lives and work spaces of more than 75 American artists from the late 19th century to today. From John Singer Sargent to Andy Warhol, the photographs and materials in this exhibition open up an intimate perspective on a century of important artists at work. Guided tours of the exhibition are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Members' Opening Saturday, February 7, 4 to 6 p.m.
Get an insider's first glimpse at the exhibition "Artists in Their Studios." The evening will open with a talk by Smithsonian curator Liza Kirwin, followed by intimate gallery tours with Norman Rockwell Museum curators. Free for Museum members; $15 non-members.
23rd Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show February 7 through March 8
Our annual showcase of artwork from Berkshire County's talented youth! Enjoy vibrant works from the region's next generation of artists.
Special Opening Saturday, February 7, 1 to 3 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon in celebration of the talented artists featured in the Berkshire County High School Art Show. Free for all Berkshire County high school students and their families and teachers. Others free with Museum admission.
Events
Happy Birthday, Norman Rockwell! Tuesday, February 3, 1 to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Norman Rockwell's 115th birthday with birthday cake, gallery tours, and selected readings from his autobiography "My Adventures as an Illustrator." This celebration is part of Free Tuesdays at the Museum.
40th Anniversary Season Preview Tuesday, February 3, 3 to 5 p.m.
All community members are invited to stay after Rockwell's birthday festivities for a special preview of the Museum's 40th anniversary year. Museum leadership will discuss exhibitions and events during 2009, as well as exciting new programs and initiatives.
Reading Rockwell Sundays starting February 8, 3:30 p.m.
Listen to special guests read selections from Norman Rockwell's autobiography "My Adventures as an Illustrator," surrounded by the artist's paintings. Free with Museum admission.
Lincoln's Legacy Saturday, February 14, 4 p.m.
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, actor Phillip Jessen brings this iconic figure-the subject of several portraits by Norman Rockwell-to life in a special living history performance. Free with Museum admission.
Story Time "Willie Was Different" Tuesday, February 17, 10:30 a.m.
Preschoolers and their adult friends are invited to listen to a lively reading of Norman Rockwell's children's book, "Willie Was Different," followed by creative play time in the Art Zone. Part of Free Tuesdays at the Museum.
AfterHours@NRM Cabaret & Cabernet! Thursday, February 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Drop by Norman Rockwell Museum to savor the sweet sounds of jazz while sampling luscious wines and chocolate. Light complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Kick-start your weekend with this after-hours event! $8 Museum members; $15 non-members.
Workshops
Toddler Tuesdays Three, Four, and Two, Too! February 3, 10:30 a.m.
Designed for preschool children and their adult friends, this multi-sensory learning experience features an age-appropriate gallery tour and a fun hands-on art project. Part of Free Tuesdays at the Museum. Each additional child $3.
School Vacation Week Drop-in Art Classes Ready, Set... Draw and Paint! February 14 through 21, 1 to 4 p.m.
Explore basic drawing and painting techniques and discover how colors interact and shapes combine as you try your hand at watercolors, tempera paint, or pencil drawing. Suitable for children 6 years and older. Adults free with Museum admission. Daily program fee $6 per child, $4 for Museum members.
Art in Action Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.
These Sunday afternoon drop-in art workshops focus on family fun and hands-on adventure. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission.
Talks
Model Citizens Friday, February 6, 2:30 p.m.
Find out what it was like to pose for America's favorite illustrator from one of Norman Rockwell's own models. Free with Museum admission.
Tuesday Afternoon Gallery Talk Illustration of the Harlem Renaissance Tuesday, February 10, 1:30 p.m.
Learn about the talented illustrators who emerged from the Harlem Renaissance, with James Gilbert, Museum interpretive staff and artist. Free with Museum admission.
Admission Details
Norman Rockwell Museum is open daily. General public admission is $15 for adults, $13.50 for seniors, $10 for college students, and free for visitors 18 and under (five per adult). Kids Free Every Day is a gift to families from Country Curtains, Blantyre, and The Red Lion Inn. This winter, the Museum welcomes visitors with free admission on Tuesdays. Weekday hours from November through April are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekend/holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Orientation talks are available daily, beginning on the hour. Antenna Audio Tour of select paintings from the Museum's permanent Norman Rockwell collection is available.
For more information, the public is invited to call 413-298-4100, ext. 220. Visit the Museum's Web site at http://www.nrm.org. |