NEW YORK CITY—The American Illustrators Gallery announces its current exhibition entitled, An American Spring: Illustration from the Golden Age. The exhibition features quintessential scenes by such noted illustrators as J.C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, Jessie Willcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, Howard Chandler Christy, Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle, and others from the Golden Age of American Illustration. Spring is the season of love, rebirth, and celebration. Air warms and flowers bloom. There is a resurgence of activity as the harsh winter months give way to the beauty and activities of the outdoors. America’s favorite pastime, baseball is one of the most popular outdoor activities of spring. Currently on display is Batter Up, by J.F. Kernan. All eyes are focused on the ball in this early twentieth century baseball game. Kernan succeeds in creating a suspenseful painting, highlighting an exciting moment of the game. Spring includes the regrowth of plants, flowers, and gardens. One image best illustrates the anticipation of this new season: Spring Commuter by J.C. Leyendecker. An elderly man sits on the train home happily reading a gardening magazine. This painting represents new life and the hope for a prosperous season. Maxfield Parrish painted the plant lover in The Botanist. A delightful parody, this Collier’s Magazine cover features a man examining a tiny sprig. Parrish has beautifully rendered the figure whose expression suggests he is pleased with the potential for his young plant. A time of organization, Spring Cleaning by Thornton Utz illustrates the husband who has been given the task of scrubbing every screen on every window of the house. He sits on a wooden box frustrated and overwhelmed with the job at hand. Dozens of screens are piled around him. This is a comical image, which anyone who has ever undertaken the rigors of spring-cleaning well understands. Perhaps what spring is best known for is love and budding romance. Haddon Sundblom’s Couple Embracing illustrates the flirtation and attraction of a young couple dressed for an elegant evening. A bouquet of blossoming flowers expressing their splendor frames them. Traveling Salesman—The Milkmaid by Norman Rockwell captures an intimate moment between a dapper merchant and the maiden. Rockwell uses a soft color palette creating a romantic mood for the shy couple. Celebrations and holidays such as Easter, Passover, and Commencement make spring a joyful and festive season. The Easter Bonnet by Anna Whelan Betts is a scene of a pious young miss in church, consumed by a prayer book unaware that she has attracted the attention of less pious admirers. The woman is both graceful and elegant in her Easter dress and bonnet. June Graduate by J.C. Leyendecker illustrates the scholar having received his diploma. He is the perfect embodiment of the phrase “pomp and circumstance.” June Graduate represents the tradition, achievement, and excellence associated with a spring graduation. American Illustrators Gallery, 18 East 77th Street near Madison Avenue. For information, call 212.744.5190 or visit our website at www.americanillustrators.com. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5: 30 pm.