Delaware Art Museum Hosts Exhibition on Race Representation in Art

**Imprinted: Illustrating Race – A Compelling Exploration by the Norman Rockwell Museum**

In an insightful venture, the Norman Rockwell Museum, alongside co-curator Robyn Phillips-Pendleton from the University of Delaware, presents “Imprinted: Illustrating Race” at the Delaware Art Museum. This exhibition delves into over three centuries of American illustration, examining how widely circulated imagery has mirrored and influenced societal perceptions of race. By juxtaposing Norman Rockwell’s evocative Civil Rights-era imagery with a broader historical spectrum of works by artists and illustrators like Faith Ringgold, Emory Douglas, Howard Pyle, and Loveis Wise, this presentation crafts a vivid dialogue across time.

The exhibition showcases more than 200 works, encompassing mediums such as newspapers, magazines, books, trade cards, posters, packaging, and advertising. It traces the historical prevalence of racially stereotype-laden imagery that permeated popular print culture. Yet, “Imprinted” also highlights the resilient efforts of 20th- and 21st-century artists, editors, and publishers who sought to subvert these narratives through inclusive illustrations that underline agency and equity on both print and digital platforms.

A national advisory board of artists and scholars, with DelArt’s Curator of American Art, Heather Campbell Coyle playing a significant role, was assembled by the Norman Rockwell Museum to aid in the exhibition’s development. Coyle also contributed to the exhibition catalog, offering scholarly insight into this intricate narrative.

“Imprinted” underscores a collaborative spirit through its institutional exchange with DelArt. As the exhibition graces the Delaware Art Museum, DelArt’s “Jazz Age Illustration” will be displayed at the Norman Rockwell Museum from November 8, 2025, to April 6, 2026. This exhibition swap epitomizes DelArt’s dedication to fostering creative collaborations and partnerships that invigorate public interactions with art and community.

Opening on October 18, 2025, at the Delaware Art Museum, “Imprinted” invites attendees to engage with complex historical narratives, contemplate the enduring influence of imagery, and partake in discussions on representation and publishing. The experience is enriched through gallery interpretations, catalog essays, and a public program series offering context and forums for dialogue.

For more information, visit [delart.org](https://bit.ly/3KM0zxk).