“Telling Stories” is the first major exhibition to explore in-depth the connections between Norman Rockwell’s iconic images of American life and the movies. Open through Jan. 2, 2011

Two of America’s best-known modern filmmakers—George Lucas and Steven Spielberg—recognized a kindred spirit in Rockwell and each formed significant collections of his work. Rockwell’s paintings and the films of Lucas and Spielberg evoke love of country, small-town values, children growing up, unlikely heroes, acts of imagination and life’s ironies.

Rockwell was a masterful storyteller who distilled a narrative into a single frame using strategies similar to those used by filmmakers. The exhibition showcases 57 Rockwell paintings and drawings from these private collections. The exhibition is organized by Virginia M. Mecklenburg, senior curator. The museum is the only venue for the exhibition.

“Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg” is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Booz Allen Hamilton has provided generous support as the corporate sponsor of the exhibition. The museum also gratefully acknowledges the contributions of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

Image: Norman Rockwell, Shadow Artist, 1920, oil on canvas, Collection of George Lucas

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is located above the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station. It is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Dec. 25. Admission is free. Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000; (202) 633-5285 (TTY). Museum information: (202) 633-7970.

americanart.si.edu.

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