4 FREEDOMS FESTIVAL ℠ themillvt . com
This summer THE MILL hosts the first annual 4 FREEDOMS FESTIVAL℠ which will take place between Manchester , Arlington , and Bennington . Inspired by his Arlington neighbors , Norman Rockwell captured the essence of Freedom of Speech , Freedom of Worship , Freedom from Want , and Freedom from Fear in simple everyday scenes . The FESTIVAL not only celebrates the 75th anniversary of the famous oil series ’ original printing in The Saturday Evening Post , but also recognizes the current relevance of these four essential human rights in 2018 .
“ The very place that inspired Norman Rockwell ’ s iconic paintings has given birth to a creative movement uniting the generations through the arts and humanities ,” said THE MILL ’ s founder Dr . Joshua Sherman .
FESTIVAL HEADLINE PERFECT PICTURE Southern Vermont Arts Center , Manchester Jul . 20 – 21
The musical , inspired by the life of Norman Rockwell and his quest to paint the Four Freedoms is the centerpiece of the month long 4 FREEDOMS FESTIVAL℠ . A Broadway cast is being assembled for this musical production that brings Rockwell ’ s life and passion to the stage in Southern Vermont . 4-Time Tony Award nominee Randy Skinner directs and choreographs the musical , which juxtaposes the extraordinary story of Norman ’ s quest to create the iconic Four Freedoms suite with a portrait of the artist . Tony and Emmy Award-winner Lillias White stars as “ Amy the Wild Woman .” Book by Eileen Bluestone Sherman with Music & Lyrics by the Emmy Award-winning “ Bluestone Sisters .” This is a co-production between Joshua Sherman Productions and THE MILL .
THE ROCKWELL MODELS REUNION Arlington Memorial High School , Arlington Jul . 7
Norman Rockwell ’ s “ kid ” models are no longer kids , but their mischievous humor and charm are more present than ever . A special gathering will take place for the models to share stories of their time in Rockwell ’ s studio and reflect on their youth in Arlington . A presentation by local art historian Don Trachte , Jr . will take place at the high school ’ s MACK Performing Arts Center . In keeping with tradition , The Arlington Lions Club will prepare a fundraising barbecue luncheon following the presentation . 2018 commemorates the 75th anniversary of Rockwell ’ s Four Freedoms paintings in The Saturday Evening Post . 11am
THE ARLINGTON ARTISTS Canfield Gallery at the Martha Canfield Memorial Library , East Arlington Jun . 30 – Aug . 18
A special exhibition on the Arlington artists including Rockwell , Mead Schaeffer , John Atherton , George Hughes , and Gene Pelham who painted more than 275 Saturday Evening Post covers and illustrations .
VICTORY GARDENS PAST & PRESENT Bennington Museum , Bennington Jul . 11
The Bennington Garden Club welcomes local farmers to speak to both avid and amateur gardeners . The club will revisit the purpose of victory gardens in American history , and the advantages of growing a modern-day victory garden . 7pm
CHALLENGES 4 FREEDOM EXHIBITION Bennington Museum , Bennington Jul . 13 – Aug . 5
World-renowned illustration expert Roger Reed will curate a special “ pop-up ” exhibition focusing on the delicate balance of individual liberty and community responsibility . The exhibition will feature works by the Arlington illustrators ( Rockwell , Atherton , Pelham , Schaeffer , and Hughes ) as well as other celebrated artists .
TRIBUTE 4 FREEDOM℠ The Factory Point Town Green , Manchester Jul . 21
Freedom of Speech and Freedom from Fear are celebrated at a patriotic and inspiring ceremony paying tribute to military service men and women who currently fight for , veterans who have fought for , and war heroes who have fallen fighting for our freedom . Boy Scout Troops from Arlington and neighboring towns are partnering with the FESTIVAL to place more than 2000 American flags on the village green in tribute to Vermonters who have served . 12pm
Norman Rockwell , Boys ' Life magazine cover , 1921
PRICE FOR FREEDOM FILM SCREENING Manchester Community Library , Manchester Jul . 22
THE MILL is pleased to announce a special screening of the film , Price for Freedom , produced by Arlington resident and Tony Award nominee Roger Cooper . Based on the true story and best-selling novel by Dr . Marc Benhuri , Price for Freedom depicts his attempt to counter oppression after the 1979 Islamic revolution . 3pm
PRAY 4 FREEDOM℠ Norman Rockwell Studio and Inn , Arlington Jul . 22
The 4 FREEDOMS FESTIVAL℠ closes the weekend events with an interfaith ceremony . The event brings together spiritual and religious leaders , with a non-denominational focus on Freedom of Worship . FESTIVAL organizers join the region ’ s Interfaith Council ’ s commitment to the Community Food Cupboard ( CFC ) by encouraging the attending community to donate food . 1pm
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