Well-Served

Happy ‪Veterans Day‬! Thanks to all who have and continue to serve our country. In recognition, Norman Rockwell Museum is offering FREE admission to veterans and active military through January 5, 2016, courtesy of Berkshire Bank. Tickets are available at all branch locations (they are everywhere now!).

Photo: Jeremy Clowe/Norman Rockwell Museum

This afternoon, the Museum is holding a special celebration, featuring artist talks, music, and a tour of our new exhibition, Love a Vet: Honoring Our Veterans. There is some exceptional work on display in this show, offering poignant commentary on the service of veterans, the challenges they face after returning from duty, and the very nature and necessity of war itself. I enjoyed speaking with several of the artists involved (some connected to the military themselves), during last our exhibition opening last Saturday; you can view some of my photos here on the Museum's Facebook page. 

Also currently on view is a rarely-seen Norman Rockwell painting that was created for the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Intended as part of his World War II-era series centered around the fictional G.I. Willie Gillis, this 1941 painting never made it to publication, but ended up in the collection of Gardner High School (as a gift from the artist). A year ago, the school decided to sell the painting at auction, and they are using the money received to start a scholarship for their students. It's a nice story, and I have once again been called to provide commentary on Rockwell, the artwork and series; you can read my interview with Massachusetts State House News here. Although privately owned, Willie Gillis in Convoy is currently on loan to the Museum, and on display for all to see. 

Here is a short interview I conducted a few years back with the real "Willie Gillis," Rockwell model Robert Buck, before he passed away. A Vermont neighbor, the artist used Buck for 12 different paintings, including Willie Gillis in Convoy. Rockwell had to improvise when his model was actually drafted into the army and was no longer available to pose; he also wrote Buck a recommendation letter to help him get into college after his military service.

Please stop by the Museum to say hello, and give thanks to all past and present soldiers for their brave service!

Related Links:

"Rockwell Painting Brings Windfall for Gardner Schools," (includes interview) State House News Service/Boston Globe, November 9, 2015

"NRM and Berkshire Bank Present 'Love a Vet: Honoring Our Veterans,'" JC press release for Norman Rockwell Museum, November 4, 2015

"Rockwell Painting Kept In Storage in Gardner Heads To Auction," (includes interview) Boston Globe, May 8, 2014