Norman Rockwell on display in Moline

1.      Tell us about Norman Rockwell and the painting that’ll be at the Moline Public Library?
Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) is one of the most recognizable American artists. Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over nearly five decades. In addition to the iconic Post covers, Norman Rockwell was a prolific artist, producing more than 4,000 original works in his lifetime. Many were commissioned works, including a wide variety of advertisements. One such painting, “Makes Good Sense to Me”, was commissioned by General Motors Corporation and appeared in the company’s 1940 advertisement detailing GMAC’s new vehicle installment plan. The advertisement appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, Life, Liberty and American Home magazines in November and December of 1940. 
 
2.      What’s so special about it?
While Rockwell prints are quite common, original Rockwell’s are quite rare and aren’t often seen beyond the Rockwell museum in the Boston area.  A quick Google search will show Rockwells can easily sell in the millions at auction. 
 
3.      How did this arrangement come to be? 
Viewing of “Makes Good Sense to Me” is made possible by the generosity of Lawrence and Marilyn Matteson.
 
4.      When can the public see the painting?
“Makes Good Sense to Me” will be available for viewing free of charge during normal library business hours (9:00 am – 5:30 pm) Saturday, October
27, and Saturday, November 3.
 
5.      Will there be any other paintings on display? 
The Rockwell painting will be displayed alongside pieces by Jeffery O’Boyle and Rose Frantzen. Both artists are similar to Rockwell in that they portray in-depth images of everyday life.