The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is presenting Norman Rockwell: Fact and Fiction from Sept. 12 to Jan. 10, 2010. In 2007, the citizens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, banded together to purchase a series of watercolors destined for the auction block in New York. These five Norman Rockwell watercolors depicted scenes associated with an election day and were created specifically for the Nov. 4, 1944, issue of the Saturday Evening Post. To complete the commission, Rockwell traveled to Cedar Rapids to study local citizens as models for his series of images. This exhibition uses these five newly conserved and restored watercolors, along with numerous photographs taken by local photographer Wes Panek for Rockwell, to investigate the many facts and fictions associated with Rockwell’s visit and this set of watercolors. For more information, call 319.366.7503 or visit www.crma.org.
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel is offering its Meeting Stimulus Package. For programs held through Dec. 31, the property is presenting value-added amenities such as spa pampering for the planner. Additional amenities include an exclusive conference concierge, fitness club usage and complimentary high-speed Internet access in public areas. The resort features a variety of function spaces, from the salon to the ballroom and the dining room. All are available with high-speed Internet access and videoconferencing capabilities. The offer is available only to groups of 20 or more guest rooms per night. For more information, call 312.573.5180 or visit www.fourseasons.com.
Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center in Branson, Mo., is literally paying groups to hold meetings or programs at the resort this year or in early 2010. Available to groups booking and holding a new program from now through March 2010, Chateau on the Lake will issue a 3 percent rebate check off of the master bill for groups with 25 to 49 room nights; a 5 percent rebate check off of the master bill for groups with 60 to 149 room nights; or a 10 percent rebate check off of the master bill for groups with 150 or more room nights. The rebate applies to room pricing and catered food and beverage revenues charged for the entire program against an approved master bill account. Rebate checks are issued within 45 days of receiving full payment on the program. For more information, call 417.334.1161, or visit www.chateauonthelake.com.
