Preview: Norman Rockwell Museum, "I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders"

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

www.nrm.org

through October 26, 2025

Shera Cohen

Marionettes-from-Hidden-Wonders

Walter Wick, an artist with a euphonious name from Hartford, CT is someone who many museumgoers should have heard of. Perhaps, those who frequent toy, books & hobby stores will recognize the name. After all, Wick has been an extremely successful artist for 50 years.

Norman Rockwell Museum’s annual summer/fall exhibit usually outdoes the prior year’s display. Cliché, but true. Wick’s name and work were new to me. I was glad that I corrected this unknown missing piece in my knowledge of art.

Filling 5 or 6 connecting rooms in the museum, visitors couldn’t help but smile…a lot. On display were gigantic photographs usually alongside equally large 3D storybook settings, creating entire villages all in miniature.  

I’m not sure who enjoyed the exhibit more – kids or adults. Actually, I must “vote” with the older visitors seeing images of 1950’s and 60’s life in small vignettes. Heard were so many saying, “I remember that.”

The exhibition is organized by themes, including Miniature Worlds; Floor Games; Craft-Built Worlds; Optical Illusions; I SPY Games; Puzzle Challenges, Wonders of Science; Connecticut Woods; and Curiosity Shop. A picture book of each category is sold in the gift shop.

The whimsical world of Walter Wick has fascinated people of all ages since 1991, when his first children’s book series I SPY found its way onto the bookshelves of millions of homes. The success of Wick’s books has established him as one of the most celebrated photographic illustrators of all time.

Wick began his career as a landscape photographer before becoming enamored with the technical aspects of studio photography. Wick found his niche in studying perception of space and time especially with the use of mirrors.

Wick’s I SPY: A Book of Picture Riddles resulted in the publication of more than 26 children’s books. His Can You See What I See series resembles an intricate, imaginative, and innovative version of Where’s Waldo; yet this is real art, not just a game.

My two favorite artworks were “Curiosity Shop” and “Pirate Doubloons”. Greeting visitors in the first hallway are hundreds of tiny toys from many generations, stuffed into what ‘ol-timers knew as the Curiosity Shop. The pirate boardwalk, while a bit more modern, was a step into a “Pirates of the Caribbean” gift shop/café – but again, every element was so small that it must have been torture and/or great fun for the artist to assemble and place each piece exactly where intended.

It was easy to spend at least a half-hour looking at each, even though dozens more story villages were around nearly every corner of the museum’s first floor. 

Yes, I had to purchase one of the colorful coffee-table books; a gift for my nearly 3-year-old nephew. But I’m not sure if I will only share it with Allen.  

Preview: Anita Kunz: Original Sisters Portraits of Tenacity and Courage

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

www.nrm.org

November 9, 2024 through May 26, 2025

by Shera Cohen

You probably see her shopping in the grocery, jogging the treadmill at the gym, or sitting beside you at the conference table. Who is she? She’s smart and savvy, eager and diligent, tenacious and courageous. She is many women. She might be you.

Anita Kunz (b. 1956)
Illustration for Original Sisters: Portraits of Tenacity and Courage by Anita Kunz
(New York: Pantheon)

The unassuming, yet internationally renowned and award-winning, sketch artist Anita Kunz brought a group of 12 media folk on a special tour through her current exhibit “Original Sisters: Portraits of Tenacity and Courage” at the Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA. Leading the group and answering questions along with Kunz were two staff representatives from NRM. 

While the name Anita Kunz may not be familiar to many, it is a sure bet that her art is; seen through the years in Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Time, and many other magazines. Book covers are a big part of her talent, having illustrated over 50.  

Yet, Kunz is rather shy about her own accomplishments. Referring to the NRM exhibit, she credits the success of the “Original Sisters” drawings of 300+ accomplished women, not to herself, saying, “This is not about me, it is about them.”

Filling nearly every inch of wall-space in several of the Museum’s large connecting exhibit rooms are illustrations of faces upon faces in equal sized frames depicting portraits of women; some famous, some not, some alive, and others not. It’s safe to say that all ethnicities, races, and ages are represented throughout the centuries and the world.

Why would any one artist set her mind on such a massive project? Probably one answer was timing; during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under unknown circumstances, how can any single person fill time meaningfully?

Since no one knew how long the pandemic would last; Kunz had no deadline for her project. That said, she was positive that she would never run out of faces to draw.

Her decision to focus on women of strength, each in her own milieu and era, came from curiosity, asking, “How come I never knew about these women?” 

At her studio in Toronto, the isolation of the world-wide disease set her on a journey searching the internet for information about notable women in history.

Important to know is that Kunz’s exhibit is fun. Many faces are humorous as they look at the NRM visitor looking at them. Knowing Rockwell’s own work, it’s not surprising that guest artists’ subjects have a twinkle in their eyes or half-smile. Mr. Rockwell would be pleased.

Of course, many women’s names and faces were recognizable to Kunz and to most of us; i.e. Maria Callas, Isadora Duncan, Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Frank, and Gloria Steinem.

Then there were the subjects who were rather well-known from history books but without memorable faces; Edith Head, Nina Simone, and Dorothy Parker.

For those with no references to fall back on -- the unknown and the unnamed -- Kunz let her imagination create: Amanirenas, African warrior queen who defeated Augustus Caesar (died circa 10 BCE); St. Elizabeth of Hungary, princess who vested herself of all trappings to the needy (1207-1231); and Tomoe Gozen, legendary Japanese samurai warrior (circa 1157-1247).

Exploring and studying vast amounts of knowledge was essential to depict the “tenacity and courage” within each subject along with writing succinct bios. 

The drawings are not sketches, later to become finished products. Kunz’s task – to unrelentingly draw a woman-a-day, without fail, complete art pieces set to frame and mount.

The commonality of her subjects are the triumphs of the women; whether it be with the hindsight of history (Sojourner Truth 1797-1883) or through current events (Greta Thurnberg b. 2003).

NRM curators have put logical thought into the placement of the pictures. Oftentimes, one portrait faces another as if in conversation. Other women are deep in thought, having fun, or purposely facing her audience.

Each woman is shown in color primarily on a flat one-color background. The subject’s actual signature appears in different forms. It is obvious that Kunz took great care in fitting the names with the pictures. Whenever possible, the signature is written in the native language (Egyptian feminist philanthropist Huda Shaarawi), others are bold in block letters (US vice president Kamala Harris), or in a font which replicates the accomplishment of the woman (television credits for soap opera pioneer Irna Phillips).

Visitors to NRM will need more than a few hours to view and read about each woman. If that is not a possible, Kunz’s coffee table book is not a substitute, but a companion on the page. 

At the start of the project, and throughout, some names were culled from those suggested to her by people she knew as well as strangers who knew about her quest to honor women. Since COVID has somewhat subsided, Anita Kunz is no longer isolated in her home questioning herself, “What should I do next?” In fact, she has lots more women on her “to do list”. She actively seeks suggestions of women of tenacity and courage.

[This exhibit] is a tribute to those upon whose shoulders I stand with gratitude, respect, and love.  Anita Kunz, November, 2021

On the Road: Liza Donnelly Work Showcased at NRM

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA
www.nrm.org
by Shera Cohen

Like the rest of the population on our planet, I had to figure out a reasonable and safe summer vacation for myself. Also, after 25 years of writing “What I Did on My Summer Vacation in the Berkshires,” maybe it was about time to take somewhat of a different journey as well as approach to my articles.

With no theatre, music, and/or dance to attend, I felt abandoned. I cannot imagine how the actors, musicians, dancers, and all of the many behind-the-scenes talent, now jobless and forlorn, felt. How could l help this urgent overwhelming experience besides echoing the words of others (“Things will be better next year.”), making small donations when I could, and using In the Spotlight as a forum that art is not dead, nor is the Berkshires?

Liza Donnelly, copyright 2002

However, as Covid-19 lessened to some degree and doors literally began to open, art and the Berkshires were not as dim as they had seemed. I looked around. Museums were still there, right where I left them. Historic homes, too. With agonizing planning and implementation of staff, and every minutia of preparation acceptable to government health standards, summer could survive. Please refer to www.inthespotlightinc.org to read about the many opportunities that our writers have.

Last weekend, I traveled to Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. The property includes a large white museum filled with Rockwell originals, a pristine landscape, a workshop/cottage, and scattered whimsical sculptures disbursed. The latter are art pieces created by one of Norman’s sons.

Each summer, I try to focus on the touring exhibit by a guest artist. This year, the works of cartoonist Liza Donnelly’s were a delight. I hadn’t really thought of cartooning as an art form. However, seeing the prolific drawings that filled the large main gallery, taught me that Ms. Donnelly is not only one who can draw, yet at the same time write dialog; two talents that come together, seemingly with ease. Probably few Spotlight readers have heard of Liza Donnelly, but trust me, you have seen her cartoons, particularly in  The New York Times, probably at the dentist’s office.

I have a friend of many years who is a professional cartoonist. What a fun job that must be, I always think. Chris Allard, of Springfield, whose art has been seen on PBS and throughout the United States, told me “I see cartooning as an expression of humor.” Liza Donnelly, who I have never met, says, “Cartoons are a dialogue—a sharing of humor and a sharing of the human condition.”

Observing Chris’ skills over the course of several years gave me somewhat of a base to view Ms. Donnelly’s cartoons. By no means am I a critic of this genre; if the little story is whimsical and clear, I am a happy with what I see. One of Chris’ ersatz mentors was Charles Addams, creator of the New Yorker cartoons. Maybe a model of some of Chris’ style echoes Donnelly’s own New Yorker drawings?

Liza Donnelly, copyright 2004

Donnelly’s curated exhibit includes a handwritten letter by a young Liza to Charles Schultz, of “Peanuts” fame. Little Ms. Donnelly must have been thrilled to read Schultz’ own handwritten letter. Not quoting directly, the famous cartoonist praised Liza’s talent, encouraging her to keep up the good work. That she did. And, Norman Rockwell Museum gives visitors an opportunity to chuckle, laugh out loud, or smile.

This exhibit ends in mid-September. Reservations by phone or online must be made prior. Only 17 visitors are permitted in any one gallery at a time. Please adhere to the museum’s simple rules. Friendly staff are stationed throughout the museum to answer questions. By the way, NRM’s store is one of the biggest, most diverse in the Berkshires. Check the website at www.nrm.org or call 413-298-4100.

PREVIEW: “Keepers of the Flame” Exhibit

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

www.nrm.org

exhibit through October 28, 2018

Walking through four galleries on the first floor of the Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) provides a look at 20th century artists whose works carry a common thread or design. Commonality, whether taught professionally, by happenstance, or by observation, has created masterful artists throughout the centuries. Visitors see the artist’s teacher’s teacher.

“Keepers of the Flame: Parrish, Wyeth,  Rockwell, and the Narrative Tradition” graces the 16 or so walls and pathways in connecting rooms. One of the shared and important denominators between Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966), N.C. Wyeth (1882-1945) and Norman Rockwell (1884-1978) is their skill at storytelling. With more than 60 works by 25 American and European painters, the exhibit reveals the lineage of American illustration to some 500 years of European painting through the long line of teaches who have passed along their wisdom, knowledge, and techniques to generations of creators. 

To paraphrase NRM Director Laurie Norton Moffat, “European painters have tutored American artists across the ocean. The exhibit provides a unique view of a particular line of picture-making, demonstrating the importance of the connections of American illustrators to the Western tradition.”

“Keepers of the Flame” displays the talents of some of the most recognized narrative-picture makers of the past century – to their artistic forbears reaching back to the Italian Renaissance. It shows how these three men, all of whom painted with the same principals and techniques as their artistic ancestors, produced what would prove to be iconic imagery and unforgettable narratives that defined them as keepers of the flame of traditional Western painting.

N. C. Wyeth (American, 1882-1945) The Scythers, 1906 Oil on canvas, 96.72 x 68.58 cm The University of Arizona Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samu

PREVIEW: Norman Rockwell Museum, Pittsfield, MA

Keepers of the Flame: Parrish, Wyeth, Rockwell and the Narrative Tradition

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

www.nrm.org

This summer, Norman Rockwell Museum presents the first comprehensive exhibition to look at the work of master illustrators Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell in relation to the history of Western art. With more than 60 works by 25 American and European painters, along with more than 300 digital representations of some 50 other artists, Keepers of the Flame: Parrish, Wyeth, Rockwell and the Narrative Tradition will reveal the lineage connecting American illustration to some 500 years of European painting through the long line of teachers who have passed along their wisdom, knowledge, and techniques to generations of creators.

The exhibit occupies four galleries, with each artist’s work displayed in one gallery.  The final gallery of Keepers of the Flame sums up some of the exhibition’s major themes, featuring works of these three artists among others.

Keepers of the Flame traces the student-to-teacher lineage of the above-mentioned artists to their artistic forbears reaching back to the Italian Renaissance. In so doing, it shows how these illustrators, all of whom painted with the same principals and techniques as their artistic ancestors created what would prove to be iconic imagery and unforgettable narratives that defined them as keepers of the flame of traditional Western painting.

The opening will be held Saturday, July 14 at 5:30pm with commentary by exhibition curator Dennis Nolan at 6pm.The event is free for members, $20 for not-yet members.

The Norman Rockwell Museum is located on 36 park-like acres in Stockbridge, which was Rockwell’s hometown for the last 25 years of his life. For information about the exhibit and Museum check www.nrm.org