Historian of iconic artist Norman Rockwell donates special artwork

Marshall Stolz, 86, is a Norman Rockwell super-fan. His love for the iconic artist’s work sparked when he was a child. Over the course of his life, he became friends with Rockwell, opened a museum dedicated to the beloved illustrator, wrote four books about him and traveled the world giving speeches about Rockwell and his work.

This holiday season, Stolz shares his love of Rockwell with fellow residents and associates at The Watermark at Vistawilla, the senior living community where he has lived with his wife, Eileen, for the past two years. Stolz has donated a valuable Rockwell collotype – a piece of artwork that involves a special printing technique – called “Christmas” and featuring Santa Claus, to the community to hang over the fireplace in the lobby.

“It was the perfect fit to give the community during Christmas,” Stolz said. “I hope it brings holiday cheer for the people who live here and visit, when they walk by and see it.”

Stolz and his brother, Donald, began collecting Rockwell reproductions when they were children. In 1970, Stolz called Rockwell and told him about their collection. The phone call prompted a meeting with Rockwell and then a friendship that would last until Rockwell’s passing in 1978.

Stolz and his brother opened the Norman Rockwell Museum in Philadelphia in 1976, and it became internationally known for curating the largest collection of Norman Rockwell art in the world. Stolz was curator, and the family ran the museum for over 25 years, until it closed in the early 2000s.

Stolz became a sought-after speaker about Rockwell and gave more than 1,000 speeches on the artist in every state and throughout the world. He and his brother also wrote four books about Rockwell and the artist’s work.

“Norman was a gentle man and a gentleman,” Stolz said. “He was such a kind, sweet, goodhearted person who would do anything to make anybody happy.”

Stolz owns another collotype, called “Spring Flowers,” which hangs in the unit where he and Eileen live. Collotype is a reproductive printmaking technique that is photographically based. Although collotype is increasingly rare, in the early 20th century it was used for its effectiveness in reproducing the subtle delicacy of drawings and photographs. According to Stolz, his Rockwell collotypes are roughly 10 times more valuable than traditional “prints.”

In addition to the Santa painting that hangs in the community’s lobby in December, Stolz will share his love of Rockwell with fellow residents when he hosts a Watermark University class on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. In the one-hour class, Stolz will share a large collection of photos of artwork that were taken at the Norman Rockwell Museum during his docent years, as well as colorful stories about each photo and the personal experiences he had with Rockwell.

Watermark University is an award-winning program at Watermark communities that features a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Classes are often led by residents who have experience or deep interest in a particular topic, such as Stolz’s class on Rockwell.

“We feel so fortunate that Marshall has gifted our community with such a beautiful and special piece of artwork for us to display during the holiday season,” said Kim Dike, community life director at The Watermark at Vistawilla. “He has fascinating stories to share about Norman Rockwell and is a wonderful storyteller. We’re so excited to learn from his Watermark University class, and to give him an opportunity to thrive by sharing his knowledge and passion with others.”

About The Watermark at Vistawilla

Located in Winter Springs, Fla., The Watermark at Vistawilla is an 87-apartment senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. Differentiators of the community include certified associates, continuous care and an extraordinary lifestyle built on an abundance of choices. The Watermark at Vistawilla has been rated a U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living Community for Memory Care. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Vistawilla is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit vistawilla.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute and published on Fortune.com. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is a privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, and manages more than 65 retirement communities in 21 states coast to coast. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.