Q & A: Rockwell in the Berkshires

The Norman Rockwell Museum features the work of the great 20th Century American illustrator and well as other rotating exhibitions of illustration arts. Here's an inside look at what is behind the museum in an interview with Jeremy Clowe.

Q. So you have been with Norman Rockwell for almost two decades. How have you seen the museum change in that time?

A. As far as presenting work to display all illustration art, the museum has really increased their ambition. That includes people who made illustration art long ago to contemporary artists such as illustrators of graphic novels and video game animation. Additionally, the popularity of Norman Rockwell has never waned. It’s only getting bigger over time.

Q. Why do you think Norman Rockwell is still popular?

A. He connected the emotional in his illustrations. He worked in the 20th century but his work is still relevant.

For example, we just had a couple want to get their engagement photo beneath the marriage license painting. Every Thanksgiving, we have people coming from all over to see the “Freedom from Want” illustration. These paintings bring people together.

Q. How do think the work of Norman Rockwell have shaped our national identity here in the U.S.?

A. Rockwell began by painting things as he would want them to be… sort of idealized. This changed over time as he documented things that were actually going on in the country such as the civil rights movement. They are hopeful depictions though.

Q. In terms of the Berkshires, how do these illustrations offer a sense of place here in western Massachusetts?

A. If you were to talk about the sense of place he depicted in the Berkshires, with the exception of the illustration of Main St. of Stockbridge, these illustrations were of people. So the people represented the county. Many of the models for these Rockwell illustrations are still around this area. It’s really a small town kind of place. And it’s been preserved here in the Berkshires. It was valued by the community and so not much history was lost along the way.

Q. Do you think the Rockwellian world of the Berkshires still exist here in the Berkshires?

A. I think Rockwell would still be very comfortable here, perhaps even more so because of all the arts that are happening here. We have big museums here in this community that he would love.

He would love going to Mass MoCA, for instance.

Q. Do you have a lecture series?

A. We do. In the summer, we have a Thursday night series as well as special events.

Q. What can visitors expect to see at the museum?

A. In addition to the main collection housed in the primary building, from May to October, visitors are invited into Norman Rockwell’s studio as well as explore the 36 acre campus regardless of the season where there are views overlooking Housatonic River and Berkshire Hills. You can picnic here. Every season is different.