A Tri-Town Program:

Presented by the Libraries of Bridgewater, Roxbury, and Washington

ON ZOOM

The program explores the work of one of America’s most beloved illustrators through a contemporary lens. Norman Rockwell is celebrated for depicting and defining American life, creating memorable images that captured universal experiences of joy, belonging, loneliness, and resilience. His paintings often portray the bittersweet emotions of people feeling left out or
left behind—experiences that continue to resonate with audiences today.

At the same time, Rockwell’s work raises important questions about representation. Although he chronicled American life throughout much of the 20th century, his illustrations largely omitted the nation’s cultural and racial diversity. It was only later in his career that Rockwell created several powerful paintings addressing race in America. These works can be understood as a natural extension of his lifelong interest in themes of inclusion, exclusion, and the human experience.

During this presentation, ONeail will examine Rockwell’s artistic legacy, tracing the evolution of his work and inviting participants to consider how his paintings both reflected and shaped ideas of America. Through art, history, and discussion, attendees will gain new perspectives on one of the country’s most iconic artists.

About the presenter:

Jane Oneail is the founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and presents art appreciation programs. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state’s most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University.

RSVP for the Zoom Link. (coming soon!)