September 2017 Vol. 5, Number 6 Gazette Dedicated to John Knox Village Inform, Inspire, Involve A Life Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community Published Monthly by John Knox Village, 651 S.W. Sixth Street, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE Honoring America’s Spirit Chef Mark’s Recipe That Can’t Be Beet ................ 3 The Artistic Genius Of Norman Perceval Rockwell he ex- Nona Smith Gazette Contributor Ttraordi- nary oeuvre of Norman Rockwell deserves a second look, as his work reflects many of the concerns we have today: The threat of war, tough economic times, cul- tural, social and racial divides, and reveals the true genius of one of the most extraordinary American artists of his time. Looking at Rockwell’s Rockwell Memories ........ 3 extensive collection of drawings, paintings and sketches shows his Visit Us In September .... 5 compositional brilliance, his acuity as a story teller and his celebrated Crossword Puzzle ......... 5 ability to bring people to life through paint, paper and canvas. Autumn Sales Event ....... 6 The Early Years South Florida Events, Born Norman Percevel Rockwell Shows & Arts .................. 8 in New York City in 1894, Rock- well had an innate artistic talent. Golden Anniversary ..... 8 By the age of 14, all he wanted The Psychiatrist Is In ..... 9 was to be an artist. At 16, his focus was so intent on his art, that he dropped out of high school and enrolled at the National Academy of Design. He later transferred to the prestigious Art Students League of New York where he studied with Thomas Fogarty for illustra- “Triple Self-Portrait,” by Norman Rockwell, 1960. Cover illustration for tion and George Bridgman for The Saturday Evening Post, February 13, 1960 from the permanent anatomy. Fogarty’s instruction also collection of Norman Rockwell Museum. helped Rockwell gain his first com- mercial commissions. Upon graduating, Rockwell An Americana Success Story began a life-long association with Boys’ Life, the The ‘30s and ‘40s proved to be the most fruitful national magazine of the Scouts of America (BSA). period for Rockwell’s art with richly narrative works By 1916, newly married to his first wife, Irene such as “Saying Grace,” “Going and Coming,” O’Connor, Rockwell painted his first cover forThe “Shiffleton’s Barbershop,” and “Christmas Home- Pawsome Friends ........... 9 Saturday Evening Post, “Boy with Baby Carriage,” coming.” Now divorced, he married Mary Barstow, Living Well With Carmel .. 10 which was the start of a 47-year relationship with a school teacher in 1930. The couple had three sons the popular American magazine. See “Rockwell” On Page 2 Savvy Senior ................ 10 Amazon Echo Show In Review ..................... 11 The Country’s Gilded Age The Wellness Benefits Of Elegant And Opulent Mansions Of South Florida Volunteering ................. 12 Check Out This Featured Apartment Home ......... 12 PAID NONPROFIT FT. LAUD, FL FT. U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 48 PERMIT ORGANIZATION Built in 1920, Miami’s Vizcaya was the magnificent home of James Deering. n the span of a few generations, from the end of the Civil War to 1925, was Nona Smith a period of unparalleled growth and prosperity for America. Called “The Gazette Contributor I Gilded Age,” a name taken from the title of Mark Twain’s satirical book. This fascinating time in history was one of burgeoning growth and immense wealth gained by the “captains” of industry, commerce and technology. The railroads brought people into undiscovered territories. Communications, electricity, steelworks, motorcars and the insatiable thirst for oil helped amass huge fortunes in only a few bank accounts. While this wealth was unequally distribut- ed among the population, it did produce extraordinary architecture, the arts and design, and innovation. 651 S.W. Sixth Street 651 S.W. The newly wealthy found context and meaning for their good fortune by thinking of themselves as Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Pompano Beach, FL heirs of great European traditions and looked to the European and Venetian Renaissance periods for John Knox Village of Florida, Inc. Village John Knox inspiration in their living environments. The blending of these old traditions and America’s technologi- cal growth found the outward expression in their homes. See “Gilded Age” On Page 4 Page 2 The John Knox Village Gazette September 2017 Chronicling The American Spirit Through His Art From “Rockwell” On Page 1 Rockwell ended his rela- in short order and moved the family to Arling- tionship with The Saturday ton, VT in 1939, an area that offered Rock- Evening Post and began well the rustic setting and colorful inhabitants working with Look maga- for his inspiration. Here, he observed and zine creating covers and appreciated everyday American scenes and paintings to illustrate the the warmth of small-town life. magazine’s stories. “Maybe as I grew up and found the world During this period, his wasn’t the perfect place I had thought it to focus changed to social be,” Rockwell said. “I unconsciously decided issues and historic occa- that if it wasn’t an ideal world, it should be, sions. and so painted only the ideal aspects of it.” His first cover for Look His well-observed and detailed work magazine was an illus- looked just like everyday America, only much tration of Ruby Bridges, nicer. Part of its appeal was how ordinary and a six-year old African- wealth-free his America was – the dogs were American schoolgirl being cute mutts, the restaurants inviting diners, escorted by four U.S. the kitchens warm and cramped, the interiors Marshals to her first day at cluttered with details and the people decid- an all-white school. Look edly normal in appearance. also commissioned Rock- well to portray Kennedy’s Rockwell’s Creative Process Peace Corps legacy show- While Rockwell’s work seems organic, as ing the President leading if it just moved from his talented brush onto Americans of all ethnici- the canvas, in fact it was carefully planned ties in service to the world. and painstakingly created. After brainstorm- He was asked to envision ing a subject, he would make rough pencil America’s first moon land- sketches, search and cast models, order the ing in a series of illustra- costumes and props, then coax the right poses tions painted in 1967 while out of the models for the camera. Once pho- the actual landing took Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom of Speech,” appeared in tography was competed, Rockwell drew a place in 1969. “The Saturday Evening Post,” February 20, 1943. fully detailed charcoal sketch, followed by a Working through two World Wars, the sands of posters, paintings, sketches and Great Depression, civil rights strug- magazine covers that showcased the essence gles and the wars in Korea and Viet- of the American spirit. Much of his art can be nam, Rockwell was cherished for his viewed at the Norman Rockwell Museum in ability to touch the hearts of people Stockbridge, MA. of all ages. He helped Americans smile during challenging times. His work shows his humor and a natural playfulness with overt messages of optimism and hope. His Americana images were much loved by the public, but at the time, were derided by “art” critics – “the Rembrandt of Punkin Crick” wrote the New York Times. One Of America’s Greatest In spite of past critics, today Rockwell is well-regarded as one of America’s greatest artists and illustrators. His portrayal of life is the very embodiment of the term Americana. Rockwell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977. Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom of Worship,” appeared in Rockwell died in 1978 and The detailed image of three young boys and their dog “The Saturday Evening Post,” February 27, 1943. left a legacy of his art in thou- racing from a secret swimmin’ spot is typical of painted color sketch at the exact size that the Rockwell’s image of Americana. picture would be reproduced, for instance the size of a Post cover. Once approved and satis- fied, he completed the final painting. Many of the photos and sketches from this process are works of art in themselves. The Four Freedoms Rockwell didn’t completely ignore the issues of the day. On Jan. 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressed Congress, giving the historic “Four Freedoms” speech, the President’s vision of a postwar world. The speech so inspired Rockwell that he created a series of paintings on the “Four Freedoms” theme showing the freedoms of speech, reli- gion, from want and from fear. In the series, he translated abstract concepts into four scenes of everyday American life. The Saturday Evening Post reproduced the Norman Rockwell Museum paintings and after winning public approval, The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA was founded in 1969 with the they served as the centerpiece for a U.S. war help of Norman and Molly Rockwell. According to the museum’s website (www.nrm. bond drive and raised more than $130 million org), the “Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his toward the war effort. contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary. The Museum, which Rockwell also created a popular series of is accredited by the American Association of Museums, is the most popular year-round 11 Post covers telling the story of a typical cultural attraction in the Berkshires. World War II American soldier. He named “The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s him Willie Gillis, an unassuming young work, including 998 original paintings and drawings. Rockwell lived in Stockbridge for recruit, and showed his Army career from the last 25 years of his life. Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio, moved to the Museum site, induction through discharge.