Amy Krzanik reports from Stockbridge. From the vintage “Model A" Ford parked on the grass outside its main entrance, to the live jazz on the back terrace, the Norman Rockwell Museum transformed itself into early 1900s New York City for its 45th anniversary bash. The June 7th party doubled as opening night for the museum's latest exhibit, The Unknown Hopper, a comprehensive study of the little-known 20-year illustration career of renowned painter Edward Hopper. Guests, in their finest Turn-of-the-Century attire, previewed the new exhibit with its curator, Stephanie Plunkett, and leading Hopper historian Gail Levin. A gourmet dinner buffet from Red Apple Butchers was served on the terrace as the sun went down, and the evening wrapped up with an auction of Rockwell memorabilia, including a Rockwell-themed tour of Stockbridge in the aforementioned immaculate 1930 “Woodie" station wagon. Pictured above: Sarah Clowe and Jeremy Clowe, the museum's manager of media services.
Nancy Kalodner, NRM's Director Laurie Norton Moffatt, Susan Laidlaw and NRM National Council member Lucy Holland; Jackie and Haley Palmore flank the show's curator, NRM's Deputy Director and Chief Curator Stephanie Plunkett.
NRM trustee Stephen Boyd and wife Ellen Boyd; Suzanne Klausmeyer and former NRM trustee David Klausmeyer with Rick Donovan and MCLA professor Lisa Donovan.
The Stockbridge Library showed its support in force with guests Barbara Allen, Lynn Edelstein, Michael Pulitzer, Jr., Stewart Edelstein and the library's director, Katie O'Neil; Christine Condaris and former Pittsfield mayor Jimmy Ruberto.
Jill Gellert, the museum's new C.O.O., and Bill Gellert with Marlene Eichholz and her mother, Helene Eichholz.
Professors of design at Washington University in St. Louis, Jeff Pike and Douglas Dowd, representing the school's Modern Graphic History Library; Martin Mahoney, the museum's director of collections and exhibitions, with NRM's Ellen Mazzer and Amy Butterworth of IS183.
George Recine, Sarah Atwood, Melyssa Taylor and Rob Taylor dressed to impress; Monica Celli-de Movellan and Pedro de Movellan.
Debbie Hanson Greene and Alison Atlas strike a pose.
Jed and Lee Schwartz; Harrison Ungar and Aine Ungar of the Ungar Foundation show their support for illustration and education.
Burt Stern and Ron Walter, a member of the museum's National Council; Ralph and Linda Zagaria from NYC and Ghent, NY.
Written by
Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
