On Wednesday, November 10, South Franklin Circle in Chagrin Falls will offer a free symposium on the art of American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell. "The Art of Narrative - A Rockwell Symposium" is one of a series of ongoing community programs that South Franklin is presenting in conjunction with the Smithsonian American Art Museum's exhibition Telling Stories: Normal Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, on view in Washington D.C. through January 2, 2011.
"The goal of [the symposium] will be to determine how the art of Norman Rockwell fits into the ongoing American painting and cultural narratives," says Pamela Goetsch, a South Franklin resident who coordinates special programming projects for the community. "That determination will be reached by first viewing and listening to Rockwell address how he believes he fits into that narrative."
Attendees will view the film Norman Rockwell's World...An American Dream followed by a talk with artist and educator Mario Kujawski, who will discuss the tradition of American social realism in painting, and how Rockwell fits into that tradition. A traditional sculptor and contemporary abstract artist, Kujawski's work is nationally exhibited in private, public and corporate collections. He will be followed by author and Case Western Reserve University art professor Dr. Henry Adams, who will address how Rockwell's paintings comment on the American life of his time and how the country has changed. To wrap up the symposium, the audience will discuss Rockwell's continuing relevance to the American story, both as a painter and a commentator on American culture.
Goetsch describes the symposium as an interactive educational event. "We are looking forward to an audience made up of area residents, educators and students ... All are welcome to attend and participate."
South Franklin Circle is part of the Judson Partnership for Smart Living and is located at 16575 South Franklin Circle in Chagrin Falls. For additional details or to RSVP for the symposium, call 440-247-1300 or go to www.southfranklincircle.org. Beginning in November, Judson will also offer an art history lecture series titled "Through the Eyes of the Artist." The series will be offered at Judson Park in Cleveland and at South Franklin Circle.
