The Norman Rockwell Exhibition is an exhibit that focuses on Rockwell’s work from 1939 – 1953, the years he actually lived in Arlington. His use of over 200 local people as models for his work is a centerpiece of the attraction. There are small profiles of many of the people he used along with the pictures that they were in. Our goal is to focus on Rockwell as a person and member of our community, in addition to the wonderful artist he was. We think of the exhibit as a cultural and historical resource in addition to its artistic value.

An Arlington resident for years, Norman Rockwell was noted for his paintings of everyday people and situations. His art tells stories of middle class America and possesses a humor that has delighted generations of Americans. He was a meticulous craftsman, his illustrations showing careful observation and great technical skill. Four of his most famous works, “The Four Freedoms”, were painted in Arlington during WWII using his neighbors as his models. They appeared in the Saturday Evening Post and were also used to raise over in war bonds.

All Saturday Evening Post covers and inside illustrations © SEPS licensed by Curtis Licensing Indianapolis, IN. All rights reserved.

“Norman Rockwell’s connection to his friends and neighbors in Arlington is an important reason why in addition to the scores of reproductions of the artist’s Saturday Evening Post covers, the exhibit includes photos and stories of the local townsfolk, who were models for his paintings, Richie Mears’ father among them.”
– Rich Mears

 

All Saturday Evening Post covers and inside illustrations © SEPS licensed by Curtis Licensing Indianapolis, IN. All rights reserved.