Sanderson's "Dancing Princesses" Find A Forever Home at the Norman Rockwell Museum (+ an "Art of" Book In the Works)

Have you ever wanted to see Ruth Sanderson's original oil paintings? Particularly the The Twelve Dancing Princesses? Well, very soon, you can. All you will need to do is find a way to visit the Normal Rockwell Museum, which is now the new, permanent home of the originals.

From MassLive:

Sanderson, known for illustrating many classic fairy tales as well as her own books, will have 64 pieces of art on display during the exhibition, "Dancing Princesses: The Fairy Tale Art of Ruth Sanderson," from Dec. 7 through March 9, 2014. 

“They were thrilled to be able to have that book in their archive,” said Sanderson, of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" art work that was donated to the museum by Palmer-based Sanderson MacLeod, a company owned by Sanderson's brother. 

“Then they asked me if I’d like to expand the show to have art work from other books. They took art work (on loan) from four of my other fairy tales, and they hope to tour the exhibit around the country.” 

Sanderson’s art from “Cinderella,” “The Snow Princess,” “The Enchanted Wood,” and “The Golden Mare, the Firebird and the Magic Ring” will also be included, along with costumes that she had made specifically to include in her illustrations for “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Art from one of Sanderson’s currently in-progress books will also be on display. 

Sanderson’s latest book, called “Golden Dreams: the Art of Ruth Sanderson” is a 224-page, full color art book on Sanderson’s career. 

Sanderson said she hopes fans of picture books enjoy the experience of seeing the art work in person. 

“The detail, texture and luminosity in oil paintings can never be exactly reproduced in printed books, so seeing the actual paintings is a more complete and personal experience of the art work,” Sanderson said. “It is my hope that families will enjoy the magical fairy tale worlds I have created.”

You can read the whole, much longer article on the exhibition, how Ms. Sanderson's works found their home at the Museum and more about her new book HERE.

And here's a bonus from Ms. Sanderson's website:

I am pleased to announce that you can now order a copy of my new 224-page art book, GOLDEN DREAMS, The Art of Ruth Sanderson in the SHOPS area of my website. We will begin shipping in early December. The book will feature hundreds of pictures from almost 40 years of illustration and fantasy art. And with every art book purchased in November, you will receive a FREE 8.5″ x 11″ print of The Snow Princess & The Polar Bear!

What a great opportunity. If you can, give yourself a special holiday present and go see the exhibit in person. I have a feeling it's an experience you will never forget.