Plattsburgh, NY - Artist Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) once said that “art is no more than the shadow cast by a man’s own stature.” This exhibition of materials from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh chronicles the life of a great New Yorker and his work, which was born out of both remarkable personal experience and a deep sense of moral and political principle. On view through 5 July, 2009.

"We at Plattsburgh, and I as a Regent, are delighted to share the life work of Rockwell Kent with visitors to the New York State Museum from across the state and the nation,” said James Dawson, member of the State Board of Regents. “This powerful and unique exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to engage with, and understand, the life and artistic contributions of Rockwell Kent to American art. As a faculty member at the State University of Plattsburgh, I have been familiar with the Kent Collection for decades. So, I am delighted to see that others in the state and nation will have this same profound opportunity to share in Kent's incredible artistic talent.”

A critically acclaimed artist who provided the illustrations for such classics as “Moby Dick” and the “Canterbury Tales,” Kent succeeded in multiple endeavors during his lifetime. He was a painter, muralist, illustrator, printmaker, book designer, graphic artist, architect, builder, writer and editor, lecturer, navigator, world traveler and political and social activist.

The Rockwell Kent Collection at Plattsburgh, established by a gift and bequest from Sally Kent Gorton between 1978 and 2000, continues to grow. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, books, bookplates, photographs, dinnerware, advertising art, and more, and is thus the most complete and balanced assemblage of Kent’s work in the United States.

Visit The New York State Museum at : http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/