Nation's historic National Monument accepts amazing artists as Artists in Residence.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES, October 10, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Park Service at historic Fort Union National Monument, in cooperation with non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), has invited contemporary painter, Patricia Cummins, as it’s newest Artist in Residence this coming October. To sweeten the pot, nature writer and Everglade specialist, Jeff Weber, will be accompanying Cummins during the same residency period.

On October 21st, at 1:00 pm, the artists will be welcoming visitors to the Park’s Visitor Center for a hands-on presentation. Their month long stay will be fortified by offering the public multiple painting based workshops and demonstrations, free of charge, during the residency. Their residence presentation will be accompanied by an additional presentation on October 28th, 6 pm, at the Las Vegas Arts Council Gallery. A complete listing of the community activities and involvements can be found below and by contacting the NPS at Fort Union National Monument. As a result of the backing of NPS and NPAF partners, the duo will be reviving a significant part of history by bringing the community together in what was once the foremost trade hub of the Western United States, responsible protecting Americans during the iconic Civil War.

With twelve other National Park based residencies in her repertoire, Cummins has a keen familiarity with using her work to perpetuate human-nature interaction. “As an experienced arts educator, I will collaborate with interpretive park staff and provide workshops, as well as plein air demonstrations and activities with objectives geared toward educating the public, both young and old, about the significance of Fort Union National Monument.” The artist stated.

Additionally, as a seasoned specialist in Everglades National Park photography, Weber also has multifaceted familiarity with natural history and creating work in these vital historic settings. Having won awards as an outdoor columnist, his concentration in birding has led him to host photographic workshops, as well as lead scenic tours, in National Parks throughout the nation.

According to NPAF president and founder, Tanya Ortega, the foundation was pleased to have candidates seasoned by such extensive experience creating and promoting arts within the National Park setting. “Fort Union has a deep significance connecting New Mexico’s history to our nation’s heritage. When the park service grants artist residencies they are ensuring the legacy of Fort Union, a place and it’s people, for future generations of Americans. Nothing but art can do this.“ said Ortega.

“[The Artist in Residence program]… offers artists and visitors alike, to view Fort Union in new and innovative ways,” says Park Superintendent Charles Strickfaden, "We are pleased to host artists who communicate complex and contemporary issues through their chosen medium." As The National Parks Arts Foundation’s third year offering the program, with the help of Fort Union National Monument’s Park Service, the program is already yielding an array of artwork from a diversity of artists that helps facilitate the conservation and historic documentation of this renowned Monument.

Fort Union National Monument’s Artist in Residence Presentation Series sponsors two (2) venues this term; Jeffrey Weber and Patricia Cummin’s presentations, demonstrations, and workshop on October 21st at 1:00 pm at Fort Union National Monument’s Visitor Center, and the artists’ secondary and final presentation on October 28th at 6:00 pm at Las Vegas Arts Center. The Public is encouraged to attend, free of charge.

Public Presentations
National Parks Artist in Residence Presentation and Hands-on workshop - Visitor Center, October 21st from 1-2pm
National Parks Artist in Residence Presentation - Las Vegas Arts Council Gallery, October 28th at 6pm.
Additional Workshops and Events To Be Announced.

More About Fort Union National Monument
Formerly the largest military station in the Southwest United States the Monument was once described as having “…much more the appearance of a quiet frontier village…” by famed Santa Fe trader and author William Davis. Fort Union was the heart of cultural exchange and progress between the Pueblo people and Anglo-Americans between the years 1851-1891. It was relocated and rebuild on two separate occasions, ultimately under the same title. Two of the three forts are viewable at the park, the second having been preserved, and the third in ruin. An unmatched backdrop of adobe and brick towers sit accompanied by historical buggies upon vast golden-grassy plains, which stretch to the far mountains. The National Park Service at Fort Union National Monument has expertly preserved an irreplaceable facet of United States history, which offers an outlook into an era filled with migration, illness, trading, battle, and ultimately the development of this country.

More About The National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF)
The National Parks Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to arts inspiration in our National Parks by creating dynamic opportunities for art programs based in these wild, significant and cultural places. NPAF National Park projects are supported entirely by NPS, park partners, donations and generous partnerships.

All NPAF programs are made possible through the philanthropic support of donors ranging from corporate sponsors and small businesses, to art patrons and citizens- lovers of the parks. NPAF is always seeking new partners and donors for its philanthropic programs.

For more information on how you can support the Fort Union National Monument Artist in Residence and other NPAF arts programs nationwide contact:
Website : www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org
Email : press@nationalparksartsfoundation.org
Phone Number : (505) 715- 6492

For more information about Fort Union National Monument’s “Artists Presentation” call 717-338-4469.

Cecilia Wainright
National Parks Arts Foundation
5057156492
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