Women & Madness, Barbara Nessim. 1972. ©1972 Barbara Nessim. All rights reserved. Book jacket illustration for Women & Madness by Phyllis Chesler. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. Gift of Barbara Nessim.

Internationally-renowned illustrator, educator, and past member of the Norman Rockwell Museum Board of Trustees, Barbara Nessim was recently named the first recipient of the Museum’s Artist Laureate Award in honor of her dedication, support, and outstanding professional accomplishments.

A vital contributor and influential visionary in the world of art, Nessim has always been original in her thinking and unprecedented in her creativity. Recognized for her fresh approach to image-making, Nessim was among the few female freelance illustrators of her time. In 1980, she embraced innovation and began using the computer to create published and personal imagery. Never short of inspiration, she attributes the ongoing creativity in her work to her fine training as an artist, and relies almost solely upon her sketchbooks to generate new ideas.

This exhibition features a vibrant collection of original illustrations created by the artist for such clients as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Levi’s. Included in the installation is the 1972 book jacket illustration Women & Madness, generously donated by the artist to the collection of Norman Rockwell Museum.