Norman Rockwell Museum » Past Exhibitions http://www.nrm.org The Home for American Illustration. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:41:21 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Curious George Saves The Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey http://www.nrm.org/2011/09/curious-george-saves-the-day-the-art-of-margret-and-h-a-rey/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/09/curious-george-saves-the-day-the-art-of-margret-and-h-a-rey/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:36:15 +0000 JClowe http://www.nrm.org/?p=13640 FINAL DAYS! On view through February 5, 2012 Curious George, the beloved, irrepressible monkey of children’s book lore, is famous for his ability to “save the day.” Interpreting the role he played in safeguarding his own creators in times of danger as symbolic, this exhibition delves into the remarkable lives and works of Margret and H. A. Rey. Featuring nearly 80 original drawings and preparatory dummies for the Rey's children’s books and documentation related to their escape from Nazi-occupied Europe, the exhibition will examine the parallels between the obstacles the couple faced and the drawings that may have saved their lives. ]]> H. A. Rey, final illustration for “One day George saw a man. He had on a large yellow straw hat,” published in "The Original Curious George" (1998). © 2010 by HMH.

H. A. Rey, final illustration for “One day George saw a man. He had on a large yellow straw hat,” published in "The Original Curious George" (1998), France, 1939–40, watercolor, charcoal, and color pencil on paper. H. A. & Margret Rey Papers, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi.

FINAL DAYS!

Through February 5, 2012

“The show presents a whole new cast of characters in a style – robust, simple, and clear, but lively, pneumatic, and always vividly colored – that I could immediately tune into.”–Sebastian Smee, The Boston Globe

Curious George, the beloved, irrepressible monkey of children’s book lore, is famous for his ability to “save the day.” Interpreting the role he played in safeguarding his own creators in times of danger as symbolic, this exhibition delves into the remarkable lives and works of Margret and H. A. Rey. The couple fled Paris in 1940 with a Curious George manuscript in their suitcase. During a tense inspection of their belongings by a border official, children’s illustrations were found and they were allowed to continue on their way, eventually reaching the United States.

 

Featuring nearly 80 original drawings and preparatory dummies for Margret and H. A. Rey children’s books and documentation related to their escape from Nazi-occupied Europe, the exhibition will examine the parallels between the obstacles the Reys faced and the drawings that may have saved their lives. The story of their life in Paris and narrow escape is also told through an interactive timeline. Appropriate for adults and children, the exhibition includes a reading room inspired by the beloved monkey’s escapades in Curious George Flies a Kite. Curious George Saves The Day is organized by The Jewish Museum in New York City, and is drawn from the H. A. & Margret Rey Papers, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi. The exhibition is supported through a bequest from the Estate of Lore Ross; additional support for the exhibition’s Stockbridge debut is provided by Barrington Foundation, Inc.; an anonymous donor; Sol Schwartz; and media partner WGBY-TV, Springfield, Massachusetts.

Curious George, and related characters, created by Margret and H. A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. © 2010 by HMH.

The Journey That Saved Curious George from WGBY on Vimeo.

Enjoy this great interactive timeline of Margret and H. A. Reys’ life and career:

www.thejewishmuseum.org/curiousgeorgetimeline

H. A. Rey, final illustration for “This is George. He lived in Africa,” published in "The Original Curious George" (1998), France, 1939–40, watercolor, charcoal, and color pencil on paper. H. A. & Margret Rey Papers, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi.

H. A. Rey, final illustration for “This is George. He lived in Africa,” published in "The Original Curious George" (1998), France, 1939–40, watercolor, charcoal, and color pencil on paper. H. A. & Margret Rey Papers, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi.

View Exhibition Curriculum Materials for Educators

Download The Family Gallery Guide

Enter Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Teacher/Librarian Resource Center: Curious George

Liste to WAMC Radio’s “The Roundtable” interview with Exhibition Curator Claudia Nahson, The Jewish Museum; and Stephanie Plunkett, Deputy Director, Norman Rockwell Museum.Click here

Listen to WBUR Radio Interview with Exhibition Curator Claudia Nahson, The Jewish Museum; Ellen Ruffin, curator at the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi; and Louise Borden, author of The Journey that Saved Curious George: Click here

Reviews

“Curious George Saves the Day” Shines With the Light, Boston Globe (1/6/2012)

Monkey Business in a World of Evil, The New York Times (3/25/2010)

 

A Monkey Born of Trials and Tribulations, The Wall Street Journal(4/7/2010)

Slideshows

Curious George Saves the Day, The New York Times (3/25/2010)

 

]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/09/curious-george-saves-the-day-the-art-of-margret-and-h-a-rey/feed/ 0 Sol Schwartz: Drawing in the Dark http://www.nrm.org/2011/07/sol-schwartz-drawing-in-the-dark/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/07/sol-schwartz-drawing-in-the-dark/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:01:19 +0000 JClowe http://www.nrm.org/?p=12690 Extended through November 28, 2011 Catch the spirit of music and movement at the Norman Rockwell Museum through the art of Sol Schwartz, whose vibrant drawings have captured the beauty and excitement of music, theater, and dance in the Berkshires for more than a decade. ]]> Illustration of Yo Yo Ma by Sol Schwartz. ©Sol Schwartz. All rights reserved.

Illustration of Yo-Yo Ma by Sol Schwartz. ©Sol Schwartz. All rights reserved.

Extended through November 28, 2011

Catch the spirit of music and movement at the Norman Rockwell Museum this summer through the art of Sol Schwartz, whose vibrant drawings have captured the beauty and excitement of music, theater, and dance in the Berkshires for more than a decade.

As the curtain rises and the lights go down, the energy and emotion of live performance provides the inspiration for Schwartz’s art. Created on location from his place in the audience at Tanglewood Music Center, Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Theater Festival, and Jacob’s Pillow, his artworks reflect the intensity and focus of his gifted subjects, providing a unique window onto their experience.

“It happened by accident,” the artist said. “I used to make little sketches in the corners of my programs when I attended concerts.” Eventually, he began bringing a sketchbook along to work in, and over the years, has completed thousands of studies, including likenesses of musical superstars as André Previn, Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax, and Seiji Ozawa, among many others. “The novelty of my work is that I do it while a performance is underway, sometimes in the pitch dark,” Schwartz notes. The artist prefers not to adjust or complete an artwork after the fact, and enjoys the sense of immediacy that is conveyed by drawing on site. Working in pencil, ball point pen, and Japanese sumi brush, “I try to capture the spirit of the concert, that ineffable nature of a great performance.” The artist’s original drawings and sketchbooks will be on view.

]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/07/sol-schwartz-drawing-in-the-dark/feed/ 0 “Ice Age” To The Digital Age:The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/from-ice-age-to-the-digital-agethe-3-d-animation-art-of-blue-sky-studios/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/from-ice-age-to-the-digital-agethe-3-d-animation-art-of-blue-sky-studios/#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:59:50 +0000 JClowe http://www.nrm.org/?p=9503 Through October 31, 2011 This summer, Norman Rockwell Museum presents Scrat the prehistoric squirrel, along with fellow stars from the blockbuster Ice Age films and more. Don't miss this exciting interactive exhibition exploring the art of animation in the digital age. Take a lively look behind the scenes at Blue Sky Studios, where their unique creative and technical process brings imaginative characters and stories to life. ]]>
Scrat from "Ice Age": digital still, and character study by Peter de Sève. ™ & ©Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Scrat from "Ice Age": digital still, and character study by Peter de Sève. ™ & ©Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


This summer, Norman Rockwell Museum presents Scrat the prehistoric squirrel, along with fellow stars from the blockbuster Ice Age films and more. Don’t miss this exciting interactive exhibition exploring the art of animation in the digital age. Take a lively look behind the scenes at Blue Sky Studios, where their unique creative and technical process brings imaginative characters and stories to life.
“Ice Age: To The Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios is sponsored, in part, by Greylock Credit Union, Wacom Technology Corporation, Pixologic, Inc., and Time Warner’s “Connect A Million Minds.”
]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/from-ice-age-to-the-digital-agethe-3-d-animation-art-of-blue-sky-studios/feed/ 0 It’s a Dog’s Life:Norman Rockwell Paints Man’s Best Friend http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/its-a-dogs-life-norman-rockwell-paints-mans-best-friend/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/its-a-dogs-life-norman-rockwell-paints-mans-best-friend/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:52:35 +0000 JClowe http://www.nrm.org/?p=13649 Through November 11, 2011 Throughout Norman Rockwell's career, dogs of all kinds—from wide-eyed beagles to shiny collies—made frequent appearances in his art. A dog-lover himself, the artist realized how appealing dogs were to readers of the "Saturday Evening Post" and other publications, and he intentionally cast them as central figures in his compositions for cover paintings, story illustrations, advertisements, and family Christmas cards. This engaging installation will shed light on Rockwell's work with man's best friends through original artworks, photographs, and archival materials that offer insights into his artistic goals and working methods.]]> Through November 11, 2011

Reference photo of Norman Rockwell working on "First Trip to the Beauty Parlor" with dog Pitter in his Stockbridge studio, 1972. Photo by Bill Scovill. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections. ©NRELC: Niles, IL

Reference photo of Norman Rockwell working on "First Trip to the Beauty Parlor" with dog Pitter in his Stockbridge studio, 1972. Photo by Bill Scovill. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections. ©NRELC: Niles, IL.

Throughout Norman Rockwell’s career, dogs of all kinds—from wide-eyed beagles to shiny collies—made frequent appearances in his art. A dog-lover himself, the artist realized how appealing dogs were to readers of the Saturday Evening Post and other publications, and he intentionally cast them as central figures in his compositions for cover paintings, story illustrations, advertisements, and family Christmas cards.
Rockwell’s own canine companions accompanied him to the studio, and sometimes took time out to nap alongside him as he worked. He also borrowed neighbors’ dogs to serve as models, enlisting their owners to assist them in striking a pose. Offering advice to fellow artists, he coached them to portray animals “as carefully and understandingly” as they paint people in their work, and filed away stores of photographic reference for his use. This engaging installation will shed light on Rockwell’s work with man’s best friends through original artworks, photographs, and archival materials that offer insights into his artistic goals and working methods.
]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/its-a-dogs-life-norman-rockwell-paints-mans-best-friend/feed/ 0 Travels with Norman http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/travels-with-norman/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/travels-with-norman/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:40:58 +0000 JClowe http://www.nrm.org/?p=8721 Through June 19, 2011 Discover Norman Rockwell as a citizen and traveler of the world through never-before-seen views of the artist at work and play. ]]>
Norman Rockwell entering a mosque, Delhi, India, 1962. Photo by Molly Rockwell. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum.

Norman Rockwell entering a mosque, Delhi, India, 1962. Photo by Molly Rockwell. Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, IL. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum Archives.

Through June 19, 2011
In 1961, Norman Rockwell married Molly Punderson, a retired schoolteacher and Stockbridge native. With her new husband often called away on business, she enrolled in photography classes to learn a skill which would bring her closer to his work. Equipped with her Leica and Rolliflex cameras, Molly accompanied Norman on trips, capturing images of models, the surrounding scenery, and candid views of her spouse. The couple also indulged in leisurely retreats, and Norman used these occasions to record his observations of people and places using quick and expressive techniques not typically associated with his style.
Between 1962 and 1975, Norman and Molly traveled together to twenty-eight countries, including the U.S.S.R., India, Columbia, and Mexico. Commissions on varying domestic subjects brought them to Cape Kennedy, Hollywood, and Glen Canyon. For Norman, travel was a means of rejuvenation, and reprieve from the burden of fame.
Now preserved and digitized, Molly’s slides will be shared publicly for the first time in this exhibition, displayed alongside the related work of her husband.
]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/travels-with-norman/feed/ 1 Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/witness-the-art-of-jerry-pinkney-2/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/witness-the-art-of-jerry-pinkney-2/#comments Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:00:41 +0000 SPlunkett http://www.nrm.org/?p=4118 November 13, 2010 through May 30, 2011 Experience the art of Jerry Pinkney, a master of the American picturebook whose unforgettable visual narratives reflect deeply felt personal and cultural themes, bearing witness to the African-American experience, the wonders of classic literature, and the wisdom in well-loved folk tales. ]]> On view through May 30, 2011

Cover illustration for "John Henry," Jerry Pinkney, 1994.

Cover illustration for "John Henry," Jerry Pinkney, 1994. ©1994 Jerry Pinkney Studio. All rights reserved.

Nothing I had read or seen prepared me for the depth of the history he brings to life.–”Berkshire Eagle”

Experience the art of Jerry Pinkney, a master of the American picturebook whose unforgettable visual narratives reflect deeply felt personal and cultural themes, bearing witness to the African-American experience, the wonders of classic literature, and the wisdom in well-loved folk tales. A belief in the ability of images to speak about and to humanity is at this legendary artist’s core. His artworks celebrating life’s small but extraordinary moments and significant historical events reflect the  power of visual storytelling in our lives, “becoming the voice that others may not have had.”

Honoring an artistic journey that has continued for fifty years, Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney features luminous watercolor paintings and richly detailed drawings created for best-loved books and carefully-researched historical commissions. Original illustrations for The Lion and The Mouse, The Old African, John Henry, Black Cowboys/Wild Horses, Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales, The Sweethearts of Rhythm, The Little Match Girl and other books, and for such site-specific commissions as the African Burial Ground Interpretive Center in New York City; National Parks Service Carver National Monument in Missouri; and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Ohio, will be on view.

A popular and critically acclaimed artist, Jerry Pinkney was recently presented with the prestigious Caldecott Medal, awarded to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picturebook for children that year. The recipient of five Caldecott Honor Medals, five Coretta Scott King Awards, four Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, and a life time achievement award from the Society of Illustrators in New York, the artist has also served on the Board of the National Endowment for the Arts, and on the National Postal Service’s Citizen Stamp Advisory Council.

Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney is made possible, in part, with generous support from Penguin Group, Inc. and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, A division of The Hatchette Group.

Learn more about Jerry Pinkney on the artist’s website: www.jerrypinkneystudio.com

]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/witness-the-art-of-jerry-pinkney-2/feed/ 0 Elwood’s World:The Art and Animations of Elwood H. Smith http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/elwoods-world-the-art-and-animations-of-elwood-smith/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/elwoods-world-the-art-and-animations-of-elwood-smith/#comments Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:57:57 +0000 JClowe http://www.nrm.org/?p=9488 Through May 15, 2011 Enter the wild and wonderful world of Elwood Smith, the creator of high-grade humorous illustrations that will tickle your funny bone. The first in a series of exhibitions honoring outstanding contemporary illustrators, "Elwood’s World" features the artist’s original imagery for many prominent publications; favorite children’s books like "The Truth About Poop" and "Hot Diggity Dog;" and moving imagery for unique hand-drawn animations.]]> Through May 15, 2011

Illustration (detail) for "Stalling," Elwood H. Smith.

Illustration (detail) for "Stalling," Elwood H. Smith. "Stalling" by Alan Katz and Elwood H. Smith, 2010. ©2010 Elwood H. Smith. All rights reserved.

Enter the wild and wonderful world of Elwood Smith, the creator of high-grade humorous illustrations that will tickle your funny bone. The first in a series of exhibitions honoring outstanding contemporary illustrators, “Elwood’s World” features the artist’s original imagery for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated and many other prominent publications; favorite children’s books like The Truth About Poop and Hot Diggity Dog; and moving imagery for unique hand-drawn animations.

Visit the artist’s website: www.elwoodsmith.com

The Amazing Elwood – Episode 1 from Brian Hoard on Vimeo.

]]> http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/elwoods-world-the-art-and-animations-of-elwood-smith/feed/ 1 25th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/25th-annual-berkshire-county-high-school-art-show/ http://www.nrm.org/2011/01/25th-annual-berkshire-county-high-school-art-show/#comments Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:19:23 +0000 DHeck http://www.nrm.org/?p=8829 LAST CHANCE! Through March 6, 2011 Meet the next generation of artists! A lively and diverse exhibition of original works by Berkshire County high school art students, celebrating the region's talented youth.]]> 25th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show

Artwork from the 25th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show, including "Puzzled" by Grace Shears, Wahconah High School. All rights reserved.

Through March 6, 2011

“Nearly one hundred years after Norman Rockwell, at age 18, accepted his first art commission, his namesake Museum pays tribute to the creativity of youth by presenting our 25th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show. The creativity of Berkshire County’s high school students and their teachers is clearly evident in the works on view—from abstraction to realism and three-dimensional assemblages, every possible approach to art is explored in this vibrant installation.” –Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, Deputy Director/Chief Curator, Norman Rockwell Museum

Meet the next generation of artists! A lively and diverse exhibition of original works by Berkshire County high school art students, celebrating the region’s talented youth.

An annual tradition, Berkshire County high school students submit original works to the High School Art Show in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, mixed media, and sculpture. The young artists learn how to prepare their work for a gallery show, acquire a personal understanding of the exhibition process, and have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional museum setting.

With over 112 original works from 13 schools on display, participating schools in the 25th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show include: BArT Charter School, Berkshire School, Drury High School, John Dewey Academy, Lenox Memorial High School, Miss Hall’s School, Monument Mountain Regional High School, Mount Everett Regional High School, Mount Greylock Regional High School, Pittsfield High School, St. Joseph Central High School, Taconic High School, and Wahconah Regional High School. The exhibition is generously sponsored by Legacy Banks.

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