Berkshire Landscapes on View at Rockwell Museum
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — An exhibition of original works by regional artist and illustrator Laurie Cormier opens at Norman Rockwell Museum this Saturday, Aug. 8, and continues through Jan. 3."Berkshire Vistas: The Art of Laurie Cormier" brings together his detailed paintings of familiar Berkshire landscapes, including one inspired by Rockwell's 1971 painting "Stockbridge in Springtime." Evocative scenes of Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield Common and other recognizable settings in Pittsfield, Richmond and Stockbridge form the core of "Berkshire Vistas," which also includes several works that reflect scenes from Cormier's Canadian childhood.
"Cormier's townscapes, landscapes, and wildlife scenes capture the year-round beauty of the Berkshires," said Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, the museum's chief curator and deputy director. "Inspired by Rockwell's rare townscapes, which captured the essence of Stockbridge's picturesque Main Street for all time, Cormier has also taken pleasure in recording the historical moment in the fine tradition of the colonial limner. His lovingly rendered paintings communicate a lifetime of remembrances in stunning color and intricate detail. As in Rockwell's work, there is a sense of warmth and intimacy that immediately draws the viewer into the artist’s world."
Cormier was born in Leominster in 1924 and raised in New Brunswick. He began his studies in art as a teenager. At 19, he returned to the United States and settled in Western Massachusetts. The majestic landscapes of both the Berkshires and New Brunswick, where he spends his summers, feature prominently in his work. Cormier is recognized for his accomplished landscapes and naturalistic wildlife portrayals. His work has appeared on the covers and pages of many books and periodicals, and has been exhibited at venues including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Albany Institute of History and Art, Berkshire Museum, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and Norman Rockwell Museum.
The paintings from "Berkshire Vistas" are now included in the permanent collections of the museum, thanks to the generosity of the artist and his family. The exhibition is organized by Martin Mahoney, the museum's manager of collections and registration.
The exhibit is on view in the 1859 Linwood House. An opening reception will be held on Aug. 8 from 2 to 4 . The artist will speak at 2:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served. The opening is free to members and with admission for others.
