Artist's fairy tale illustrations from "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" now part of museum's permanent collection; other works on loan for new exhibit.
The work of renowned children’s picture artist and illustrator and Easthampton resident Ruth Sanderson will be on display in an upcoming exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge
Sanderson, known for illustrating many classic fairy tales as well as her own books, will have 64 pieces of art on display during the exhibition, "Dancing Princesses: The Fairy Tale Art of Ruth Sanderson," from Dec. 7 through March 9, 2014.
Sanderson said she is a longtime fan of Norman Rockwell’s work and the museum.
“I’ve been wanting to find the permanent home for my best book, ‘The Twelve Dancing Princesses,’ and I approached them to see if they would like to be the recipient of the art work for that book,” Sanderson said.
“The art work has been in a number of shows there in the past, and I’ve had a relationship with them over many years.”
Sanderson has taught workshops at the museum on writing and illustrating children’s books and has done oil painting demonstrations as well.
“They were thrilled to be able to have that book in their archive,” said Sanderson, of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" art work that was donated to the museum by Palmer-based Sanderson MacLeod, a company owned by Sanderson's brother.
“Then they asked me if I’d like to expand the show to have art work from other books. They took art work (on loan) from four of my other fairy tales, and they hope to tour the exhibit around the country.”
Sanderson’s art from “Cinderella,” “The Snow Princess,” “The Enchanted Wood,” and “The Golden Mare, the Firebird and the Magic Ring” will also be included, along with costumes that she had made specifically to include in her illustrations for “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Art from one of Sanderson’s currently in-progress books will also be on display.
Sanderson’s latest book, called “Golden Dreams: the Art of Ruth Sanderson” is a 224-page, full color art book on Sanderson’s career.
“It will have hundreds of my paintings, including most that will be in the exhibition,” she said. “It has a lot of my early work, such as my ‘Black Stallion’ book covers.”
The book, which will be out in time for the exhibition, covers Sanderson’s 35-year career. It will also include her work in other genres, such as her Christmas art. Sanderson also does the art for Lenox’s annual holiday plates and paints pictures for jigsaw puzzles.
“I paint what I love,” she said. “I don’t take jobs where I don’t care for the subject. If it appeals to me, I will definitely paint it.”
Sanderson said while many of her early works are out of print, some are currently being reprinted. She enjoys hearing from fans.
“It’s very rewarding when young women in their 20s come up to me and remember my book, ‘The Twelve Dancing Princesses’ from when they were growing up,” Sanderson said. “Many say it was their favorite book. To have it now for another generation is very rewarding.”
Museum curator Stephanie Plunkett said it’s exciting for people to see art work such as Sanderson’s up close.
“The scale of Ruth’s paintings allow her manner of working, and of creating, a range of visual effects, from dramatic light and shadow to the dazzling shine of jewels and period costumes, to be enjoyed first-hand,” Plunkett said.
Tales of princes and princesses, and bravery in the face of extraordinary odds have remained a significant aspect of our cultural foundation, passed on through the generations through the work of storytellers like Sanderson, according to Plunkett.
“Emotionally fulfilling and rich in content, Ruth Sanderson’s romantic, realist paintings capture perfectly the sense of wonder inherent in the new and classic tales that she so enjoys bringing to life,” Plunkett said.
Sanderson said she hopes fans of picture books enjoy the experience of seeing the art work in person.
“The detail, texture and luminosity in oil paintings can never be exactly reproduced in printed books, so seeing the actual paintings is a more complete and personal experience of the art work,” Sanderson said. “It is my hope that families will enjoy the magical fairy tale worlds I have created.”
The museum will have signed copies of Sanderson’s books for sale, and a number of events for children and families are being planned during the exhibition.
The museum holds the largest and most significant collection of art and archival materials relating to the life and work of Norman Rockwell. The museum also preserves, interprets and exhibits a growing collection of original illustration art by noted American illustrators, from historical to contemporary.
Sanderson will give a brief talk at an opening reception on Dec. 7. The event is at 4 to 7 p.m., with Sanderson’s comments at 4:30. Anyone interested in attending should R.S.V.P. by calling (413) 298-4100, ext. 220. Children attending are encouraged to wear their favorite princess, or other fairy tale costume.
The museum is also planning several exhibit-related events, including a painting workshop called “The Art of Fantasy” on Feb. 1, a picture book program for children from Dec. 23 through Dec. 28, Family Day on Jan. 11, and school vacation week workshops, Feb.17 through Feb. 21.
The exhibit is free with museum admission.
The museum, located at 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $16 for adults, $14.50 for seniors, $5 for children 6 to 18 and free for children 5 and under. For more information, visit www.nrm.org.
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