Mort Künstler, “The Kansan,” 1973. Book cover, 1973, “The Kansan” by Richard Brister; Avon books. Oil on board. Collection of the artist. ©Mort Künstler Inc. All rights reserved.
Stockbridge, MA, November 20, 2014—In conjunction with its newest exhibition, “Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure,” Norman Rockwell Museum will present an adventure-filled family festival day on Saturday, November 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Starting at 1 p.m., meet acclaimed illustrator/historical artist, Mort Künstler, who will discuss his work, with a book and print-signing to follow.
At 1:30 p.m., Winds of the Wilderness Concerts will present flute and guitar compositions inspired by Native American, classical and jazz musical styles.
At 2:30 p.m., join fisherman Doug McDevitt for a fly-tying demonstration; followed by tales of adventure at 3 p.m. with storyteller, Tony Toledo.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to build their own action-adventure, 3D dioramas in special hands-on art workshops presented throughout the afternoon.
The family festival day is free for Museum members, or with regular Museum admission.
“Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure”
On view through March 8, 2015
Known today for his meticulously researched historical paintings of such subjects as the Civil War, Mort Künstler is also a prolific illustrator, who has worked on a broad spectrum of assignments in different genres for over 60 years. “Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure” presents the first thorough retrospective of the artist’s career—from paperback book jackets and men’s adventure magazine illustrations, to movie posters, model kit boxes, and advertisements for prominent corporations. Künstler’s dramatic images, conceived in every possible genre, will be the focus of the exhibition, along with his historical paintings that capture the heroes and battles of the American Civil War. The exhibition will document the artist’s transition from traditional illustrator to historical narrative painter, whose limited edition signed prints have attracted a large and appreciative audience. Künstler’s artistic influences, which include Winslow Homer, Frederic Remington, N.C. Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell, will be explored and represented in the exhibition, as well as childhood drawings that chart the development of his considerable artistic skills.