MCLA to Host Gathering in Memory of Jarvis Rockwell on June 6

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites the community to a gathering in memory of Jarvis Waring Rockwell (Sept. 3, 1931 – April 25, 2026) on Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at MCLA’s Gallery 51, 51 Main St., North Adams. The event is free and open to the public.

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 holds 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 the 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.