Avengers Assemble: Alex Ross at Norman Rockwell Museum Opening

Rachel Louchen reports from Stockbridge.The first thing noticed at the Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday night, November 10, was the line of over 200 people waiting to get in. Once inside, the second impression; a lot of the attendees were superheroes, wearing attire entirely appropriate for the event, the opening of Heroes and Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross. Superman paintings appeared larger than life while a display of Ross’ work with the Justice League mingled next to paintings by Andy Warhol. Ross was on hand to give a speech to the crowd of more than 400 devotees, who clutched a favorite comic in hopes of getting some face-to-face time with the man himself. While the night was certainly comical (at left, Batgirl surveys the crowd before Alex Ross took to the podium), a few got misty-eyed when Ross addressed the crowd, “This is the type of show I wanted my whole life — being here is a lifelong dream because Rockwell had a huge impact on my sensibilities as well as my approach to work." On display until February 24, the exhibit proves exactly why comic book artistry is so important. Or as The Andy Warhol Museum of Pittsburgh curator Jesse Kowalski simply put it, “It’s a legitimate American art form, buy your kids comic books!”

Jason Lederman of Pittsfield braved the line with Danielle Jurema in hopes of getting his favorite Batman comic signed by the artist; Members Joel Dancingfire and Rodney Dugas were happy to see so many out supporting the museum.

McKinley Testo with his mother, member Patricia Testo and Laurie Fay; KC Orcutt and Nate Osbourne of Albany had a full superhero schedule for the weekend- they planned to attend a comic book convention the next day.

Jeremy Jones with wife, development assistant, Sarah Goethe-Jones enjoyed the exhibit and kept an eye out for Lex Luther.

Some Super friends came about to support Ross on his big night; Mark Balas of Providence with friends, Caitlyn Gaughan and Jason Czernich of Southbridge and Chris Galpin. Attending the event was a no brainer for the group who all had a specific scene in a specific comic book they named as their favorite work by Ross. "It's his emotion that really gets me, it's the pathos of Norman Rockwell," said Czernich.

Jonathan Banchick and wife, Maria Banchick of Weymouth; Fittingly, one of Ross' most iconic superheros sat in the middle of the exhibit.

Chief Curator and Deputy Director Stephanie Plunkett with the man of the hour, Alex Ross who made a speech which touched on everything from his motivation behind his paintings to calling for the continued support of comic book artistry.