ONLINE SYMPOSIUM: Freedom of Speech & Artistic Expression

Virtual Program + Exclusive Q&A
Price:  Members: Free | Not-Yet Members: Pay What You Choose

Reservations for the Symposium are closed.  You can watch the program live here or if you are having problems, you can watch it on the Museum's YouTube Channel.

Throughout history, illustrators and cartoonists have responded to the world’s challenges and upheavals with brilliance and ferocity. Navigating the technical and distributive realities of their times, artists create potent visual symbols and narratives that establish new visual metaphors and repurpose old ones, sometimes borrowing conventions from other media.

Panel 1. DIY Print Culture and Citizenship
Chair: Ryan Standfest, Editor and Publisher of Rotland Press
Panelists: Illustrators Sue Coe; Christopher Sperandio, Robert Sikoryak


Panel 2. Resistance and Mainstream Publishing: Media, Delivery, and Propaganda
Chairs: D.B. Dowd, Director, D.B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library at Washington University in St. Louis; Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, Deputy Director/Chief Curator, Norman Rockwell Museum
Panelists: Illustrators Nora Krug, Anita Kunz, and Rudy Gutierrez

This program is supported in part by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Media Sponsor:
Berkshire Eagle Logo

ONLINE SYMPOSIUM: Freedom of Speech & Artistic Expression2021-01-16T05:59:55-05:00

“Freedom of Speech,” 1943

“Freedom of Speech, 1943, Norman Rockwell (1894-1978). Story illustration for “The Saturday Evening Post,” February 20, 1943. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections. ©1943 SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN. Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), Freedom of Speech, 1943. Oil on canvas, 45 3/4″ x 35 1/2″. Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 20, 1943. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections. ©SEPS: Curtis Licensing, Indianapolis, IN.

“Freedom of Speech,” 19432017-03-01T11:37:37-05:00

Freedom of Speech (Grades: 6-12)

FREEDOM OF SPEECH (GRADES: 6-12) Explore voting rights as you investigate, Rockwell’s freedom of speech.

Rockwell was inspired to paint this scene after attending a town hall meeting. In the meeting a manual laborer stood up and voiced an opinion that everyone disagreed with. Rockwell was struck by the fact that no one shouted him down even though he did not agree with the majority. Rockwell felt this scene embodied the democratic process and was […]

Freedom of Speech (Grades: 6-12)2017-03-01T11:37:55-05:00

Imagining Freedom to Launch at NRM.org

Stockbridge, Mass.—February 22, 2024—Norman Rockwell Museum announces the launch of Imagining Freedom, an interactive virtual exhibition that explores the history, artistic interpretations, and contemporary resonance of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s concept of four basic human rights, the Four Freedoms. The exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The launch of this new virtual exhibition coincides with the 80th anniversary of the publication of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms portrayals in The Saturday Evening Post.

Imagining Freedom to Launch at NRM.org2024-02-23T10:21:46-05:00

Create 4 Freedoms Essay & Poetry Contest

Berkshire Magazine’s CREATE 4 FREEDOM Contest

Old Mill Road Media, the publisher of BERKSHIRE Magazine, is thrilled to announce its first annual CREATE 4 FREEDOMS Essay & Poetry Contest, co-sponsored by Arcadia Publishing and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Worship. Freedom from Want. Freedom from Fear. Those four Freedoms were outlined as essential human […]

Create 4 Freedoms Essay & Poetry Contest2021-01-14T15:52:14-05:00

Exhibition Opens – Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom

Returning to Stockbridge following a six city tour that has taken Rockwell’s art and the work of other creators to New York, Detroit, Washington DC, Normandy, France, Houston, and Denver, Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom explores the indelible odyssey of the Four Freedoms, humanity’s greatest and sometimes most elusive ideals.

Exhibition Opens – Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom2023-04-19T14:40:17-04:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents Paintings in Song—The Four Freedoms

Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms with the musical performance Paintings in Song, to be held at the Museum on Saturday, November 24, starting at 5:30 p.m. Inspired by Norman Rockwell’s art, Paintings in Song is being performed by choral ensemble Crescendo, led by artistic director Christine Gevert and Berkshire-based composer John Myers.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents Paintings in Song—The Four Freedoms2018-11-09T15:51:58-05:00

Anniversary Talk: Rockwell, Roosevelt and the Four Freedoms

ANNIVERSARY TALK
Rockwell, Roosevelt and the Four Freedoms
Sunday, January 6
1:30 p.m.

On January 6, 1941, in his Annual Address to Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt argued that Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear should be accepted as human rights not only in the United States, but across the world. On this 78th anniversary of Roosevelt’s Address, Curator of Education Tom Daly will explore the transformation of those Four Freedoms from […]

Anniversary Talk: Rockwell, Roosevelt and the Four Freedoms2018-09-13T14:27:05-04:00

Norman Rockwell Museum To Host Four Freedoms Festival Day

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms paintings, Norman Rockwell Museum will host a special Four Freedoms Festival Day on Saturday, September 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. The celebration will include related talks, tours, and performances.

Norman Rockwell Museum To Host Four Freedoms Festival Day2018-09-11T11:46:54-04:00

Turner Classic Movies to show classic films with Four Freedoms themes MAY 21

TCM is pleased to present an evening hosted by Harvey J. Kaye, author of The Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, published by Simon & Schuster in 2014. Kaye will present five films that illustrate the inspiration of his book: the “Four Freedoms” named as America’s goals by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union address. These include freedom of speech and worship, and […]

Turner Classic Movies to show classic films with Four Freedoms themes MAY 212018-05-04T16:43:40-04:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents “Reimagining The Four Freedoms”

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms, Norman Rockwell Museum is once again teaming up with New York’s Capital Area Art Supervisors to present an exhibition of student artwork, exploring what freedom means for a new generation. Reimagining The Four Freedoms is on view at the Museum from March 16 through April 8, 2018.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents “Reimagining The Four Freedoms”2018-04-09T11:41:26-04:00

75TH ANNIVERSARY TALK Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms

On this 75th anniversary of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms paintings, published by The Saturday Evening Post in February and March 1943, Chief  Curator Stephanie Plunkett and Curator of Education Tom Daly will explore the transformation of those Four Freedoms from abstract words into concrete images and from an optimistic rhetorical concept into a living statement of human rights and dignity.

75TH ANNIVERSARY TALK Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms2018-01-02T14:03:56-05:00

Norman Rockwell Museum’s Four Freedoms Forum Looks at Freedom of the Press and American Journalism Today

Norman Rockwell Museum’s Four Freedoms Forum returns on Thursday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m., with a look at freedom of the press in today’s journalism.

Norman Rockwell Museum’s Four Freedoms Forum Looks at Freedom of the Press and American Journalism Today2017-05-25T12:46:49-04:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents Reimagining The Four Freedoms

For the second year, Norman Rockwell Museum is teaming up with New York’s Capital Area Art Supervisors to present a unique exhibition of student artwork exploring what freedom means in the 21st century—Reimagining The Four Freedoms is on view at Norman Rockwell Museum from March 18 through April 9, 2017.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents Reimagining The Four Freedoms2017-10-05T10:44:26-04:00

Reimagining The Four Freedoms

Emily Bini, “Freedom of Education”, 2017. Mixed media. Grade 9, Guilderland High School. ©Emily Bini. All rights reserved.

Reimagining The Four Freedoms:

Student Artwork from Capital Region
Eastern District, New York

Young Artists Series

March 18 through April 9, 2017

In celebration of the 76th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech, enjoy this exhibition of original artworks re-imagining the concept and Norman Rockwell’s iconic paintings. Organized by New York’s Capital Area Art Supervisors, […]

Reimagining The Four Freedoms2017-04-10T09:16:57-04:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Announces Call for Artists to Reimagine the Four Freedoms

Norman Rockwell Museum calls on artists working in all media to reimagine the four essential freedoms enunciated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear, and to consider their relevance today.

Norman Rockwell Museum Announces Call for Artists to Reimagine the Four Freedoms2017-03-01T11:37:25-05:00

FOUR FREEDOMS FORUM: Freedom of the Press? American Journalism Today

Free speech and a free press are core American values—imbedded in the Constitution’s First Amendment by our nation’s founders—and the United States has long served as a strong advocate for those principles. In light of recent events, American journalism faces one of its greatest challenges.

FOUR FREEDOMS FORUM: Freedom of the Press? American Journalism Today2017-05-25T16:42:22-04:00

Enduring Ideals: Rockwell, Roosevelt, and the Four Freedoms

Enduring Ideals: Rockwell, Roosevelt & the Four Freedoms is the first comprehensive traveling exhibition devoted to Norman Rockwell’s iconic depictions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.

Enduring Ideals: Rockwell, Roosevelt, and the Four Freedoms2018-11-14T14:45:09-05:00

WWII on the Homefront – The Four Freedoms (K-12)

WWII ON THE HOMEFRONT – THE FOUR FREEDOMS

An analysis of the images Rockwell painted to describe Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms”, and a brief history of the impact these paintings had on America.

Tell the class about the speech Roosevelt made during WWII in which he described four freedoms — freedom of speech, freedom from want, freedom to worship, and freedom from fear. His point was that these freedoms should […]

WWII on the Homefront – The Four Freedoms (K-12)2017-03-01T11:37:50-05:00

Four Freedoms (Grades: 6-12)

FOUR FREEDOMS (GRADES: 6-12)

Discuss personal freedom as you explore Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms.”

In January 1941 President Roosevelt, shared with congress his vision for a postwar world founded on four fundamental human freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Inspired by his words, Rockwell created “Four Freedoms.” Originally published in the Post the paintings were a huge success and were later used to sell war bonds and stamps. The […]

Four Freedoms (Grades: 6-12)2017-03-01T11:37:55-05:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents “Reimagining The Four Freedoms”

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s "Four Freedoms" speech, Norman Rockwell Museum is teaming up with New York’s Capital Area Art Supervisors to present a unique exhibition that looks at the concept of the four freedoms, famously painted by artist Norman Rockwell, from the perspective of a new generation. "Reimagining The Four Freedoms" is on view at the Museum from March 11 through April 3, 2016.

Norman Rockwell Museum Presents “Reimagining The Four Freedoms”2017-03-01T11:38:17-05:00

Four Freedoms Forum To Explore Current State of Presidential Politics

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech, Norman Rockwell Museum’s Four Freedoms Forum series returns on Thursday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m., with a look at the current state of presidential politics. The evening’s forum will address the ins and outs of the 2016 American presidential election cycle, its colorful candidates, and what it means for the future of the nation. Featured speakers will include: William "Smitty" Pignatelli, Democratic member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives; Stacy L. Wallach, attorney and professor; and Tammy Daniels, managing editor of iBerkshires.com. The program is being sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Steven Lomazow. Community conversation at the Four Freedoms Forums is free and open to the public.

Four Freedoms Forum To Explore Current State of Presidential Politics2017-03-01T11:38:19-05:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Celebrates 75th Anniversary of The Four Freedoms

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of The Four Freedoms, Norman Rockwell Museum will present an afternoon talk and performance on Wednesday, January 6, that pays tribute to President Roosevelt’s speech and Rockwell’s paintings, which are on view and part of the Museum’s permanent collection. Starting at 1 p.m., join members of the Berkshire Music School for a performance of patriotic music from the World War II era. Following the music, the Museum’s Curator of Education Tom Daly will offer historical insight into both Roosevelt’s words and Rockwell’s paintings. The event is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum Celebrates 75th Anniversary of The Four Freedoms2017-03-01T11:38:23-05:00

Reimagining The Four Freedoms

March 11, 2016 through April 3, 2016 * In celebration of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech, enjoy this exhibition of original artworks re-imagining the concept and Norman Rockwell's iconic paintings. Works from Region 6 Capital Eastern District high school students from Schoharie, Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties will be on view.

Reimagining The Four Freedoms2017-03-01T11:38:42-05:00

Political Illustrator Steve Brodner To Speak at Four Freedoms Forum on Art and Freedom of Expression

Norman Rockwell Museum’s Four Freedoms Forum series returns on Thursday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m., with a look at the timely issue of visual imagery and freedom of expression. The public forum will explore the role of the artist as social commentator and the relationship of imagery to the issue of free speech. Featured speakers will include: Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO, Norman Rockwell Museum; James Arpante, attorney and Professor of government, history, and business at Berkshire Community College; Steve Brodner, political illustrator; and Kevin Moran, regional vice president of news for New England Newspapers, Inc. Community conversation at the Four Freedoms Forums is free and open to the public.

Political Illustrator Steve Brodner To Speak at Four Freedoms Forum on Art and Freedom of Expression2017-03-01T11:39:47-05:00

Collections: Four Freedoms

Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), “Freedom of Speech,” 1943. Illustration for “The Saturday Evening Post”, February 20, 1943. From the collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. © 1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Licensing, Indianapolis, IN. All rights reserved.

In his January 1941 address to Congress, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt articulated his vision for a postwar world founded on four basic human freedoms: […]

Collections: Four Freedoms2019-10-29T13:25:06-04:00

“The Four Freedoms” Continue To Reign at New Memorial Park and Norman Rockwell Museum

On January 6, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered a speech before Congress, articulating his vision for a postwar world founded on four basic human freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The groundbreaking speech also caught the attention of Norman Rockwell, who began working on an iconic series of illustrations depicting each of the freedoms President Roosevelt had outlined in his speech. On Wednesday, October 24 (United Nations Day), another tribute, The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, will open on Roosevelt Island in New York City, as a lasting memorial to the President and his ideals that inspired a nation.

“The Four Freedoms” Continue To Reign at New Memorial Park and Norman Rockwell Museum2017-03-01T11:39:58-05:00

About Norman Rockwell Museum Four Freedoms Forums

Freedom of Speech, Norman Rockwell. 1943.Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 20, 1943 From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum ©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN Freedom of Speech, Norman Rockwell. 1943.Story illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 20, 1943
From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum
©1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN

This series of Town […]

About Norman Rockwell Museum Four Freedoms Forums2017-03-01T11:40:00-05:00

Norman Rockwell Museum Protects The Four Freedoms (Literally) with New Acrylic Glazing

To protect the original Four Freedoms paintings from UV exposure, dust, grime, and an adoring public, the Museum sent the four oil paintings to Williamstown Art Conservation Center last year to be glazed with Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic. The glazing project was supported by a grant from the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation, which was generously matched by a private donor.

Norman Rockwell Museum Protects The Four Freedoms (Literally) with New Acrylic Glazing2017-03-01T11:40:01-05:00
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