News Release

Fort Union's Newest Artist in Residence

Fort Union's newest artists in residence are inspired by scenes from nature.

Patricia Cummins

News Release Date: October 4, 2017

Contact: Lorenzo Vigil, 505-425-8025 ext. 226

Contact: Fort Union Visitor Center, 505-425-8025 ext. 0

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 its newest Artist in Residence this October. To sweeten the pot, nature writer and Everglade specialist, Jeff Weber, will be accompanying Cummins during the same residency period.

With twelve other National Park- based residencies under her belt, 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,” she said.

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.

“The Artist in Residence program offers artists and visitors alike to view Fort Union in new and innovative ways,” said 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, 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.

Hands-on workshops open to the public

Fort Union National Monument Visitor Center, October 21^st from 1-2pm. 505-425-8025, ext. 0.

Las Vegas Arts Council Gallery, 140 Bridge Street, Las Vegas, NM, October 28^th at 6pm. 505-425-1085.
Both events are free and open to the public.

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.