January 6, 2013 marked the conclusion of NMAI's Norman Rockwell's America exhibition
at the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA) in Alabama, which debuted
September 16, 2012. Providing an in-depth look at the life and
work of America's most beloved illustrator, the exhibition included 52
original artworks, and all 323 vintage Saturday Evening Post covers Rockwell created between 1916 and 1963 (above: exhibition Main Entrance).
NMAI Chairman Laurence Cutler said of the exhibition, "We
were thrilled with how well the exhibition was received by huge crowds
in Alabama. The BMA staff outdid themselves in showcasing Norman
Rockwell's America, their installation for the show was amongst the best
we've seen for any art exhibition."
The
exhibition was accompanied by Norman Rockwell's first paint box,
used by the artist from age 16 through his 30's. His name is clearly
stenciled on the cover in a fashion similar to his later most famous
signature - which appears like a stenciled font. Experts have
opined that his stencil-like manner of signing paintings was derived
from this stenciled version. Staring at the cover while deciding which
color to use next apparently imbedded that stenciled form of his
signature in his mind's eye.
SCENES FROM
BLIZZARD NEMO
at NMAI's VERNON COURT
The
NMAI's Vernon Court mansion survived Blizzard Nemo unscathed, but the
same cannot be said for many of the trees on the property. Eleven trees
were destroyed during the storm. We are not sure how many other trees
may die due to damage incurred. We hope our readers all made it through
Nemo safely, and that Spring comes soon. NC Wyeth's depiction (above) of
a New England blizzard, Snowbound, appeared much earlier, in 1928.
Above: View of Sunken Garden and Japonica Andromeda and Robert Adam finial urns
Above: (l) Vernon Court from Olmsted Park. (r) Vernon Court Carriage House & Neptune Fountain
Above: Vernon Court Rose Garden Fountain & 5 damaged trees
Above: View of Entry Court to NMAI w/lost tree in foreground
NMAI ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR SUMMER 2013
INTERN AND GALLERY ATTENDANT POSITIONS
The
NMAI has begun accepting applications for Interns and Gallery
Attendants for the coming 2013 Summer Season. Applicants must have
a flexible schedule, available for a minimum of 18-24 hours each
week including weekends, and have a strong enthusiasm for illustration
artwork. Interested persons should contact our Intern Coordinator at the
NMAI's general email address, Art@AmericanIllustration.org, for further
details.
Follow Us
For Reservations:
Eric Brocklehurst National Museum of American Illustration 492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 T: 401-851-8949 ext. 18, F: 401-851-8974 eric@americanillustration.org www.americanillustration.org
Open
for General Admissions Fridays only, 11am to 5pm, with a guided tour at
3pm, and all other times by advance reservation. Weekend General
Admission hours resume Memorial Day weekend, 2013.
Tickets:
Adults:
$18; Seniors (60+) & Military: $16; Students: $12; Children ages 5
to 12: $8. Children ages 5 to 12 are permitted only if they are
vouchsafed by parents or guardians as being 'well-behaved.'
We Wish You A Belated Happy Valentine's Day!
The
National Museum of American Illustration is a nonprofit, independent,
educational and aesthetic organization. It is located in Newport, RI, on
Bellevue Avenue at Vernon Court (1898), a Carrére and Hastings designed
Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French chateau. It is the
first national museum devoted exclusively to American illustration art.
Illustration consists of original artwork created to be reproduced in
books, magazines, newspapers, and advertisements. 'Golden Age' paintings
by such luminaries as Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, NC Wyeth, JC
Leyendecker, and 150 others are displayed in 'Gilded Age' architecture,
creating a unique union of architecture and art - a national treasure.
The Museum is administered by the American Civilization Foundation, a
nonprofit organization with the goal to present the best possible venue
for appreciating the greatest collection of illustration art - the most American of American art.
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Eric Brocklehurst