Imprinted: Illustrating Race through October 31, 2022 

This special exhibition examines the role of published images in shaping attitudes toward race and culture. More than 300 works of art and artifacts of widely circulated illustrated imagery are on view, produced from the late eighteenth century to today, which have an impact on public perception about race in the United States. The exhibition explores stereotypical racial representations that have been imprinted upon us through the mass publication of images. It culminates with the creative accomplishments of contemporary artists and publishers who have shifted the cultural narrative through the creation of positive, inclusive imagery emphasizing full agency and equity for all.

In Our Lifetime: Paintings from the Pandemic by Kadir Nelson through October 31, 2022

An inaugural presentation of award-winning artist Kadir Nelson’s new exhibition featuring works created during the pandemic. Nelson’s unflinching original paintings offer compelling visual commentary on national and world events. Nelson’s work graces the covers of The New Yorker, record albums, stamps, and 30+ picture books; and is in the permanent collections of several major museums. 

NEW!
Norman Rockwell Drawings, 1914-1976 on view September 10, 2022 – January 7, 2023

A new exhibition featuring rarely seen Norman Rockwell drawings and preliminary studies from his six-decade career and coinciding with the release of Norman Rockwell: Drawings, 1911-1976, a new book of the same title, by Abbeville Press written by Museum curators Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and Jesse Kowalski, available in early October. Though best known for his painted magazine covers and illustrations for stories, books, and advertisements, Norman Rockwell was also a prolific and masterful draftsman who utilized drawing as an essential underpinning of his art. Select drawings by Rockwell’s teachers, predecessors, and contemporaries will also be included, from the Museum’s American Illustration collection.

Whether rough or highly refined, Rockwell’s drawing process made it possible for him to envision every aspect of a final work before it was begun. Rockwell rarely began a painting at the oil-on-canvas stage. By the time a canvas was on his easel, he would have completed several stages of preparation, including the creation of sketches, photographic references, and at least one highly detailed tonal drawing to be traced onto canvas.

See related program in event listings.

NEW!
Eloise and More: The Life and Art of Hilary Knight on view November 12, 2022 – March 12, 2023

Best known for his iconic illustrations of Eloise in the books by Kay Thompson, Hilary Knight has been creating art across a variety of media for seven decades. Eloise and More is the most comprehensive exhibition on the life and art of one of the most published and beloved illustrators of the last 70 years.

Featured in the exhibition are Knight’s beloved Eloise picture book illustrations and preparatory studies, as well as a colorful, large-scale Eloise-themed folding screen. Knight’s early advertising assignments; magazine illustrations; merchandising sketches; concept art and posters for Broadway musicals; fashion designs; sketchbooks, final work for several books, and personal photographs and mementos will be on view. Original artworks by Knight’s accomplished parents Katherine Sturgess Dodge and Clayton Knight, who inspired his work, will also be included. Following Thompson’s death in 1998, Knight drew and painted five more books featuring Eloise, selections from which will be on view.

See related programs in event listings. 

RELATED EVENTS:

Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Studio Tours
Daily, through November 13, 2022, (closed Wednesdays), Tour times from 10:40 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.

New guided tour & talk in Rockwell’s actual Studio, moved from his former Stockbridge backyard to the Museum’s campus. Set to the historically accurate time when he was painting Golden Rule in 1961; discover personal details about Rockwell and his process. Approximately 20 minutes. Reserve tour time and Museum admission at NRM.org/Visit. Fees apply. Free for kids & teens, Museum members, and active military.NEW ONLINE SERIES

Drawing Life from Norman Rockwell’s Studio with Illustrator Loveis Wise
Monthly, beginning Thursday, September 15

An hour-long program of sketching and conversation about creative expression, the power of persuasion, and the people’s art. The first episode in a new, monthly on-demand web series features Loveis Wise, illustrator for The New Yorker, Google, Harper Collins, Disney Hyperion, The New York Times, Target, Cartoon Network, and Apple, among others; their work is currently on view in the Museum’s Imprinted exhibition. On-demand episodes available the third Thursday of every month beginning 1 p.m.
$5 per Episode or $50 for Series of 12

Click here to View the More Information About Norman Rockwell Museum : Fall Arts Preview - Schedule at a Glance September - November 2022