Art of Brewing Festival

Ever seen a picture of Norman Rockwell with a beer in hand? Chances are, if you summon up a mental image of the renowned illustrator, it would be of a thin-faced man with a pipe clamped firmly in his teeth and his hands occupied with palette and brushes.

Nevertheless, the Norman Rockwell Museum will take artistic inspiration from the art in its galleries for its second annual Art of Brewing Festival, planned for Saturday, 4 to 7PM on the museum’s covered terrace and lawn.

Eight craft brewers will pour new and seasonal releases, including Berkshire Brewing Company, Big Elm Brewing, Collective Arts Brewing, Wandering Star Craft Brewery, Shire Breu Hous, Element Brewing Company, Willie’s Superbrew and Headwater Cider.

Food from Mad Jacks and Braise Worthy food trucks will be available for purchase from 4-7PM and an exclusive pop-up exhibition from Berkshire Brewing Company will explore 25 years of the art of the brand on current and past beer cans. Attendees can also view the museum’s featured exhibits in the galleries from 4 -5:30PM.

During the evening special guest Bryant Stewart, who works with Berkshire Brewing, will display his art and discuss the interactive graphic he is developing, using “Anamorphic Design.” This creates a distorted flat image printed on the inside of the beer carton that can be viewed only when the beer can is placed on the designated spot.

Tickets include admission to the museum, eight sample pours, munchies provided by Berkshire Food Co-op and a commemorative pint glass. Admission is $45 for non-members, $35 for members, children 18 and under free. Valid ID with proof of age (21+) is required to participate in the beer tasting. All ages are welcome to enjoy the food, games, art and music.