National Museum of American Illustration — Attraction in Newport

I was just at the NMAI last week while on vacation in Newport. My husband discovered it and thought I would be interested. After checking out the website I was intrigued because they highlighted on the website three artists of interest, Violet Oakley, Elizabeth Shippen Green, and Jessie Willcox Smith. I was also excited to see a collection like this because I don’t feel that illustrators are ever held at the same level as the masters of fine art. My 3 star rating comes from my mixed feelings of what I experienced when there. The people who worked there were all lovely, the grounds and mansion are stunning, and the collection is impressive. Five stars for that. However, I felt like I couldn’t really enjoy most of the collection. Some pieces were hung so high I could barely see them. Some pieces of art you couldn’t really engaged with because they were in a roped off area. The way the art was lit it caused glare on the work and again this made the work difficult to view. The collection is mostly Rockwell, Parrish, Pyle, etc very much reflective of the time. The three artists I was there to see....Oakley had five pieces, four were hung high and one of those in the roped off library. Unfortunately I was only able to view one because it was propped up on the floor. Smith and Green I stumbled upon on my way out. It would be really nice to see those female illustrators of that time highlighted for once. As an artist and educator I was frustrated that I couldn’t really experience the art the way I’m used to in...

This museum houses a nice collection of illustration art.

The museum itself is in one of the Newport mansions so you feel like you're getting a 2 for the price of 1 outing. The history of the mansion is detailed along with the art.

After paying, you watch a brief introductory movie which gives a general overview of the collection. Then each visitor gets a tablet with headphones which serves as a guide as you walk the rooms and look at the art. It's great because you can read or listen while you walk along at your own pace. This is helpful because the mansion is crammed full of artwork and it gives the visitor time to absorb it all.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the experience is how close you are to all of the art and furniture. It's very much honor system based as far as not touching the art. While I respected the no touching, I LOVED that I was able to step up close and get to see all of the details in the majority of the pieces.

If you are in Rhode Island, I highly recommend stopping by this...

'A Personal Plea to Reconnect with My Uncle' My name is Jake Cutler, and I am the nephew of Laurence Cutler. My uncle Laurence played a significant role in painstakingly renovating this property and building this museum. We have fond memories of visiting Judy and Laurence at their home, attending events, celebrations, and private family gatherings. Since around 2021, I have been unable to contact my Uncle Laurence, and it's been about four years now. No one in the Cutler family has been able to reach him. His name has been removed from the website and all related content. I am reaching out to Judy Cutler, Jennifer Goffman/Greenawalt, and Jon Greenawalt with a heartfelt plea: Please, please let me see my uncle again. You know my number, my email, and we are connected on LinkedIn. I am more than willing to come to RI at your convenience. Please let me see my uncle. Thank you for considering my request....