Recently, we enjoyed the pleasure of a visit from Dr. Susan Birns and the bright, inquisitive Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) students in her American Family class. The group joined Curator of Education Tom Daly, Dr. Birns, and I in conversation about the power of published art in mid twentieth century America, and the messages about established gender roles in family life as reflected in the illustration art of the era. After their visit, the class was presented with a print of Norman Rockwell’s 1955 Saturday Evening Post cover, Marriage License, as well as an assignment from Dr. Birns, who invited them to analyze the piece within the context of their studies. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the astute observations of six of Dr. Birns students, including Marissa Mahoney, Stephanie Esposito, Amanda Burnham, Samantha Burke, and Julia Ashton, and we know you will enjoy them too.
Rio Art Director Thomas Cardone Makes His Picks for Upcoming Exhibition
Recently, Curator of Archival Collections Corry Kanzenberg and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Thomas Cardone, the talented art director of the recently released animated blockbuster, Rio, which opened just last month to popular and critical acclaim. Seen here at the offices of Blue Sky Studios in Greenwich, Connecticut, Tom took some time out from his busy schedule to help us curate a selection of drawings that trace the development of the film’s main characters, from the heroic blue Macaw named Blu to Linda, his devoted caretaker.
Teens Making Art!
As I write, an enthusiastic group of teen artists is working away in the Museum’s classroom, immersed in the creation of unique hand made books of all sizes, shapes, and designs with gifted director of education, Melinda Georgeson. This is just one of the first in a series of upcoming workshops designed to connect teens with the world of art this spring and summer, from traditional media to cutting edge digital animation.
We hope that you’ll join us for these upcoming art workshops. Our talented, nurturing educators will spark creativity and imagination, and help teens of all ages to advance their artistic abilities.
Ushering in the Ice Age…and the Digital Age
Last week, Curator of Archival Collections Corry Kanzenberg and I had the pleasure of visiting with award-winning illustrator Peter de Sève in preparation for our upcoming exhibition, “‘Ice Age’ to the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios,” which will open with a bang at the Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday, June 11, 2011.
Pictured here in his parlor under a vibrant, colorful likeness of the artist by Philip Burke, de Sève is an outstanding draftsman and the lead character designer for the blockbuster animated film, “Ice Age,” and its popular sequels, “The Meltdown” and “Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” Scrat, Sid, Manny, Diego, and Ellie are just a few of the many “Ice Age” characters that have been imagined in his fluid, emotive drawings, as has Rodney, the beloved protagonist in “Robots,” another film by Blue Sky/20th Century Fox, directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha.
Entering Elwood’s World
During the past several months, curatorial staff have had the pleasure of visiting with Elwood H. Smith, the one-of-a-kind creator of high-grade humorous illustrations, in preparation for his upcoming exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum. The first in the Museum’s new Distinguished Illustrator exhibition series celebrating the contributions of noted contemporary illustrators, “Elwood’s World: The Art and Animations of Elwood H. Smith” will take a lively look back at this inventive image-maker’s forty year career through artworks that have made their way into the hearts and minds of an ever-appreciative public.
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