Rockwell Painting Picked for National Initiative
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| 'Freedom of Speech' by Norman Rockwell |
STOCKBRIDGE - Norman Rockwell's 1943 painting "Freedom of Speech" has been selected as one of 40 images included in a new educational initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Laurie Norton Moffatt, director of the Norman Rockwell Museum, attended a celebratory launch of the project held at the White House on Feb. 26.
Developed by the NEH in cooperation with the American Library Association, "Picturing America" is designed to enhance the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture by bringing some of the nation's greatest works of art into school classrooms and public libraries.
"We are honored to have Norman Rockwell's 'Freedom of Speech' represented in this visionary program from the National Endowment for the Humanities," said Moffatt in a statement. "Rockwell's iconic image communicates our basic democratic principles with strength and elegance, and illuminates our understanding of American history and culture through the visual image."
President Bush and and first lady Laura Bush both spoke at the launch event, held in the East Room of the White House.
Moffatt said, "It was a thrilling privilege to attend the White House ceremonies for the launch of this important national education program."
<L2>The president said at the ceremony that "at their best, the arts and humanities express the ideals that define our nation. The United States is a country defined not by bloodline, race, or creed, but by our character and convictions. We are united by an unyielding principle, and that is, all men are created equal. We firmly believe that each man and woman has the right to make the most of their God-given talents. And we believe that all are endowed with the divine gift of freedom."
"Freedom of Speech" is part of Rockwell's "Four Freedoms," a series of paintings created during World War II. Rockwell hoped to represent the four basic freedoms President Roosevelt had envisioned for a postwar world in a speech given in January 1941; the paintings were originally published in The Saturday Evening Post in 1943, and were so well received that they were included as part of a national tour that helped earn $1.33 million worth of war bonds and stamps.
The painting portrays a man standing up to speak at a New England town meeting. Rockwell was well acquainted with this small-town form of government, having lived in Arlington, Vt., and then Stockbridge, for many years.
The original "Four Freedoms" paintings are on view and part of the permanent collection of the museum, which houses the largest and most significant collection of Rockwell's work.<R3>
"Freedom of Speech" will be distributed along with works by such noted artists as Mary Cassatt, N.C. Wyeth, Winslow Homer and Frank Lloyd Wright, as a large, high-quality reproductions, with additional materials and lessons plans for use by educators. The NEH says that "by bringing some of our country's finest works of art directly to the classrooms and providing the educational context for these images, we can open more eyes to the legacy of our great country."
The museum is open daily; admission is $12.50 for adults, $7 for students, and free for visitors 18 and under (five per adult); through May, senior citizens are admitted at half-price. It is open daily, from 10 to 4 through April and until 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
For more information: 413-298-4100, Ext. 220, or www.nrm.org
