CHARLOTTE ó Guests can find a picture-perfect excursion through 20th century America by stepping into Norman Rockwell’s imaginative world and becoming part of his most famous The Saturday Evening Post art as Discovery Place introduces its newest exhibition, “Rockwell’s America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell”
The exhibit was to open Saturday.
“Rockwell’s America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell” contains more than 100 original Saturday Evening Post covers and original Rockwell art and transports guests back in time as these famous illustrations are brought to life.
“It’s the largest collection of Rockwell art ever exhibited,” says Natividad Lewis of Discovery Place. “It has a lot of multigenerational appeal.”Dozens of interactive, educational experiences depict the changing times and technologies in America through life-sized, three-dimensional versions of Rockwell’s magazine covers, allowing visitors to step right inside Rockwell’s famous art.”We’re always about hands-on activities,” Lewis says.
“Rockwell’s America is a journey to America in different times. It takes the frame off the wall and allows guests to step back to the way we were,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place. “Grandparents will reminisce about the past and parents will relive their childhood memories, while their children learn about the dynamic changes that shaped America today. Rockwell’s America will touch and connect all generations.”
For more than 40 years, Norman Rockwell documented the human experience and the changes in social values, technology and world events through charming and candid images on 322 covers of The Saturday Evening Post. These illustrations gave him an audience larger than that of any other artist in history.
“Rockwell’s America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell” features 20 theatrical environments which blends elements of multimedia and sensory experiences:
nRockwell’s Art Studio óGuests start their journey into Rockwell’s world by visiting an exact recreation of his art studio. Visitors can try on costumes and use props, models and paints.
nSummertime ó Parents can watch their children play while revisiting their own childhood memories in Summertime. Families enjoy the sounds of summer by the pond, soak up the sun in a real Model T Ford, listen and watch baseball greats as they wander the park and view several 3D recreations of Rockwell’s famous Summertime The Saturday Evening Post covers.
n Main Street ó Main Street recreates the experience and priceless moments of bygone small town America. Kids can take a seat in a classroom they may barely recognize by today’s standards featuring realistic props like quill pens and ink wells in The Schoolhouse. After popping into Main Street’s Soda Shop to review orders placed in yesteryear, guests can reach out and touch a real working switchboard at The Telephone Company. In Main Street Appliances visitors can turn the dials of an antique radio and listen to sounds from times past, watch TV from yesteryear and marvel at emerging technologies and their influence on America.
n Attic Adventures ó Visitors rummage through the attic and let their imaginations run wild opening old trunks of clothes to play dress up or pretending to be a train conductor while playing with a miniature railroad set.n Times of Change ó After entering a camouflage tunnel guests are led to an Army encampment as Rockwell’s art begins to reflect the impact of a changing world on American life during World War II. Guests jump back in time and explore Willie Gillis’, one of Rockwell’s beloved characters, foot locker, try on army fatigues, listen to the Armed Forces radio network and climb into a real army Jeep.
n War Production ó Visitors can join the assembly line as Rockwell pays homage to the millions of women who entered America’s workforce. A larger-than-life sculpture of Rockwell’s highly-celebrated cover, “Rosie the Riveter,” anchors this area dedicated to women in the work force.
n Freedoms & Presidents ó The “Four Freedoms” which solidified Rockwell as one of America’s most important painters, takes a closer look at the dreams of many. Known for illustrating common people in everyday situations, Rockwell expanded and began painting major presidential figures in 1956. Featured in this area are his paintings of President Dwight Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy and President Richard Nixon. Guests also can view a multi-media presentation including moving images of Dr. Martin Luther King and Rockwell’s artwork that spoke out on Civil Rights.
n The Tribute Gallery ó The journey through the 20th century as seen through Rockwell’s eyes culminates in The Tribute Gallery showcasing all 322 of his Saturday Evening Post covers, the world’s largest collection, in chronological order.
“Rockwell’s America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell” is on exhibition through April 30. Rockwell’s America is free with museum admission. For more information call 704-372- 6261, ext. 300 or visit www.discoveryplace. org.