Rockwell Museum Names First Artist Laureate
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Norman Rockwell Museum has named illustrator Barbara Nessim as its first artist laureate. Nessim, an internationally known artist and educator, served on the museum's board of trustees from 1999 until 2008.The award will be presented to Nessim on behalf of the new Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies during the annual trustees meeting on Saturday, Sept. 26.
"We are honored to award our inaugural artist laureate award to Barbara Nessim," said Laurie Norton Moffatt, director and CEO of the museum. "The commendation of this award recognizes Barbara's exceptional skills as an influential visual communicator and an early visionary in the digital arts. Barbara's ongoing dedication to the museum, where she has worked closely with curatorial staff, and served as a passionate advocate for the museum's expanded collection mission continues as she lends her vision and support by connecting the museum to new illustration communities and younger artists."
A selection of Nessim's work will also be on view at the museum starting Saturday, Sept. 26, and includes "Women In Madness," an original work donated by the artist for inclusion in the musem's illustration art collection. Later that day, Nessim will present "Graphic Change," an illustrated talk about her evolution as an artist and her creative inspirations. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., and is free with regular admission.
