GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, USA, July 12, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Gettysburg National Military Park’s July/August Artist-in-Residence is Sean S. McGraw, a sculptor and painter based in NYC, and currently part of a live-in studio program at the National Academy School. McGraw will be featured during Gettysburg’s “First Friday” on August 5th at the historic Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station. and give present workshops and lectures about the sculptors of the park memorials, and the methods of figurative sculpture.

Throughout 2016’s National Park Service Centennial Summer, the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), through the generous support of The Gettysburg Foundation, and with the cooperation of the National Park Service is bringing innovative artists to the nation’s premier battlefield park to work and interact with visitors.

McGraw is originally from Jupiter, FL. His sculpture is powerful, character based figuration, that comes out of painstaking research at historic archives and collections like the ones at Gettysburg and the Eisenhower Home. In addition, McGraw is an expert on the historic methods of sculpture and casting, and is excited to spend his month gazing close up at the nearly 1000 monuments that are located at the Gettysburg National Military Park. McGraw holds a BFA in painting from the Savannah College of Fine Arts, and a masters from the Florida Atlantic University. He has also taught art at various schools to students of all ages, and has undertaken intensive programs with masters of Sculpture and other media.

Like many of the NPAF Artists who come to Gettysburg, McGraw is passionate about how cultures memorialize their history at the deepest level. He looks to the past in many ways to find new expressions of timeless themes in gesture, articulation and embodiment. Says McGraw: “I am a real proponent of reviving classical art practices. I am passionate about bringing back great representational American Sculpture. We all are so influenced by our own American history and the many important sculptural works done by Daniel Chester French, Frederick MacMonnies, Henry Shrady and the like really leave a constant reminder and placeholder to constantly inspire and instill passion in our nationality and culture.” McGraw will research and discover at the park, and also work on a body of figurative works that represent all facets of the battle; from drummer boys at ease to a worried General.

Having worked at a variety of civil war historical sites all over the south, McGraw is excited about working on site at Gettysburg. He had relatives who fought on both sides of the battle so the park has a particular appeal to him as an artist and history buff. “I feel like a kid in a candy store. I have ancestors who fought on both sides so it is a personal humbling experience for me. Also, with the abundance of first account research along with all of the examples of articles, art and clothing original and reproduced in the surrounding area, it makes my job as a sculptor much easier in terms of accuracy of costume and environment.” Like many, McGraw feels that there is something unique about the aura and spirit of Gettysburg, something that he can chase and adapt for his work. He says, “I look forward to fully immersing myself in the feeling and humbling power that is Gettysburg.”

Sean McGraw’s public schedule is as follows:
Artist: Sean McGraw
Residency Term Begins: 7/15/16
Residency Term Ends: 8/13/16
“First Friday” Main Public Engagement Presentation 8/5/16 
Location: Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station. Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In his presentation, McGraw will discuss his work as an artist and will talk about his experiences in creating this and other works, as well as the ideas behind them. 

In addition, McGraw will hold a public workshop on two consecutive weekends where visitors can watch and learn up close the secrets of figurative sculpting with historical accuracy and characterization in 3D during his residency tenure. These may be a partial tour of the many monuments on the battlefield, with the artist’s commentary, and then some studio time where the painstaking historic styles and effects seen on the old monuments are re-created before the eyes of visitors. These will be held at the Ford Education center of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center as follows:
 
McGraw Lecture: The Artist will discuss his work and art process on August 11th, 2016 from 5:00 - 6:00 at the Ford Education center of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

McGraw Workshops July 30th and 31st, 2016 and August 6th and 7th, 2016 from 10:00-4:00 each day at the Ford Education center of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

The program was created in cooperation with the non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation (http://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org) and with the Gettysburg Foundation (http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/).

“Artists-in-Residence at Gettysburg are helping the National Park Service tell amazing stories that engage new audiences,”  said Ed W. Clark, superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park. “These programs inspire people to learn more and help preserve special places throughout the National Park Service.”

Gettysburg Foundation President Joanne Hanley said, “Gettysburg’s NPAF Artists-in-Residence adds an artistic dimension to how Gettysburg’s stories are shared as our visitors are able to experience an artist’s interpretation of the park and its history, meet the artists in person, and engage and connect with them as they express, through art, the power of this place.”


The National Parks Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the National Parks of the U.S. by creating dynamic opportunities for artwork and exhibits. This project is supported entirely by donation and generous partnerships. For more information on how you can support the Gettysburg National Military Park Artist in Residence and other NPAF arts programs Nationwide visit www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org or admin@nationalparksartsfoundation.org.

Cecilia Wainright
National Parks Arts Foundation
505 715 5492
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