A Gathering in Memory of Jarvis Rockwell

June 4, 2026

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites the community to a gathering in memory of Jarvis Waring Rockwell (September 3, 1931 – April 25, 2026) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. at MCLA’s Gallery 51, 51 Main St., North Adams. The event is free and open to the public.
 
Jarvis Rockwell, eldest son of American illustrator Norman Rockwell, forged a singular artistic path over more than six decades, one wholly his own. A visionary draftsman and assemblage artist, he was known for large-scale structural drawings, toy-figure pyramids inspired by Hindu temples, and works that explored material culture, spiritual impermanence, and the mysteries of human longing. He made North Adams his home for many years, working from a storefront studio and contributing to the artistic life of the Berkshires.
 
MCLA is honored to hold three of Jarvis's large-scale drawings and assemblage works in its permanent collection in Bowman Hall. These pieces stand as an enduring testament to his presence in our community and his generosity toward the college. The gathering will offer a chance to share memories, reflect on his legacy, and celebrate a life lived with extraordinary creative vision.
 
For more information, call (413) 662-5324.
 
MCLA Gallery 51 is a program of MCLA’s MOSAIC and is located at 51 Main St, North Adams. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) serves as the Commonwealth’s public liberal arts college and is part of the Massachusetts state university system. It emphasizes excellence in learning, teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, and applied knowledge, while encouraging active, responsible citizenship. Graduates are prepared to be pragmatic problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens. 
 

About MCLA

At MCLA, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants