PETA Gives Norman Rockwell’s Iconic Work a ‘ThanksVegan’ Makeover

You may not think you know Norman Rockwell’s iconic painting “Freedom From Want,” but you almost certainly do. The postwar Americana scene has come a symbol of family, peace, and plenty for many. And while we love the sentiment, PETA felt this painting (also known as “The Thanksgiving Picture”) was overdue for an upgrade—because there’s nothing peaceful about the suffering that millions of turkeys endure for this controversial holiday.

To reimagine this popular painting, PETA commissioned artivist Nikkolas Smith—known for his portraits of George Floyd, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Chadwick Boseman, and othersto create a diverse, animal-free “ThanksVegan” table fit for today’s world.

See how PETA and Smith reimagined Rockwell’s Thanksgiving as ThanksVegan:

Reimagining of Norman Rockwell's painting with Ava DuVernay, Cory Booker, Tabitha Brown, Mayim Bialik, Jermaine Dupri, Mena Massoud, Grey, and Pinky Cole Serving a vegan Thanksgiving Meal

At the head of the table is Pinky Cole, the CEO and founder of Atlanta-based restaurant and food truck Slutty Vegan. In the painting, she plays host to our dream dinner party guest list, complete with some of today’s most influential vegan stars.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to show people they can eat delicious food without eating dead animals or risking their health,” says Cole. “Serving vibrant vegan meals to my friends and my community is exactly what Slutty Vegan is all about, and it’s such a joy to see my dream reflected in this painting during the Thanksgiving season.”

To give home chefs some holiday inspiration, Cole has also created an exclusive PETA ThanksVegan recipe: Drunken Mushrooms with Purple Potato Mash and Green Pea Purée. So grab your apron and start cooking.

Give Turkeys Something to Be Grateful For—Leave Them off Your Plate

Turkeys have been known to fall asleep in people’s laps while being petted and respond to music. When given a good life at a sanctuary, they often follow humans around like puppies, looking for treats and affection. But if our country killed 75 million puppies every year for a holiday, there would be no shortage of public outrage. Please help put an end to this violent, speciesist tradition by eating vegan this holiday season and every one thereafter.

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