A7: Norman Rockwell- The Artist & His Art

Born in New York City in 1894, Norman Rockwell always wanted to be an artist. Through two World Wars, the Great Depression, civil rights struggles, and the wars in Korea and Vietnam, his paintings presented Americans with a window into a more idyllic world. In his own words, "Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed." Though Rockwell is often regarded for paintings that addressed serious issues occurring at the moment of their creation, a great deal of Rockwell's oeuvre is reflective of his sense of humor and natural playfulness. Humor and wit were central aspects of his character. Providing 343 covers for the extremely popular Saturday Evening Post, Rockwell captured the heartwarming spirit of America with his creative depictions of real people, real places and the joy, innocence and reality common to all.

Purpose: Learn about Norman Rockwell and view some of his most famous works

Facilitators: Carolyn Smith, Jo Lemon