Gari Melchers Home and Studio is hosting the exhibition “Picturing Health: Norman Rockwell and the Art of Illustration,” organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, from Saturday, October 31 through Sunday, January 31, 2010.
One of the most successful visual communicators of the 20th century, Rockwell was a keen observer of human nature. Created over six decades, his carefully conceived narrative for the masses gave voice to the ideals and aspirations of real people and served as a reassuring guide during an era of sweeping social and technological change.
“Picturing Health: Norman Rockwell and the Art of Illustration” features 11 original paintings by Rockwell from the Pfizer Inc. collection, which includes some of the finest examples of the artist’s advertising imagery. Rockwell’s paintings explore the doctor/patient relationship, health and healing across generations, and the importance of physical fitness.
Also featured in the exhibit are 14 of today’s preeminent illustrators from the pages of Healthy Living, Men’s Health, Newsweek, The New York Times and The New Yorker. Their art work presents a contemporary perspective on many of the same health-related subjects explored nearly 50 years earlier by Rockwell.
Regular museum admission fees of $10 for adults and $5 for students will include entrance to “Picturing Health” as well as Gari Melchers’ working studio and his 18th-century home. However, free passes and senior, AAA, group and other discounts will not apply during the dates of this exhibition. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under and for members of the Friends of Belmont. Group tours may be arranged by calling Michelle Crow-Dolby, education coordinator, at (540) 654-1851.
Several public events and programs are planned in conjunction with “Picturing Health.”
On Sunday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a Family Health and Art Day will feature wellness screenings and information about balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Art activities will focus on Rockwell’s style and subjects and will be geared towards children ages 6-12. All activities and entrance to the exhibition are included with the price of museum admission. Family Health and Art Day is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
On Tuesday, January 19, a luncheon with guest speaker Stephanie Plunkett, deputy director and chief curator of the Norman Rockwell Museum, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Studio Pavilion. The cost of the luncheon is $35, or $25 for members of the Friends of Belmont, and will include admission to the exhibition. The luncheon is sponsored by UMW Dining Services. Reservations are required. Contact Betsy Labar at (540) 654-1848 or blabar@umw.edu.
Later the same evening, Stephanie Plunkett will present an illustrated talk, “Norman Rockwell: Picturing America,” as part of UMW’s Chappell Lecture Series: Great Lives. The free talk will be held at 7:30 p.m. in UMW’s George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium.
“Picturing Health: Norman Rockwell and the Art of Illustration” is organized and curated by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., and is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.
Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a 28-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. The property, which is operated by the University of Mary Washington, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
Located at 224 Washington St. in Falmouth, Va., a quarter mile west of the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesdays, with an admission charge. The museum also serves as the official Stafford County Visitor Center. For directions and other information, call (540) 654-1015 or visit the museum Web site at www.GariMelchers.org.