News Release

Opening Reception for Sandy Hook’s Artist in Residence Heather Heckel

Lighthouse

Heather Heckel

News Release Date: June 8, 2026

Contact: Daphne Yun, 917 282 9393

Middletown, N.J. –The public is invited to the opening reception of Heather Heckel’s exhibit: Ten Summers and 250 Years: Advocating for Our Public Lands through 30 Artists Residences, on June 14 at 1 p.m. at the Fort Hancock Museum, Building 28. This exhibit consists of 250 pieces that will connect the viewer to National Park Service places and stories. Heather Heckel, PhD, has completed over 30 artist residencies in national parks and Bureau of Land Management sites.

Heather’s exhibit will be open to the public on weekends from 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. through September 20, 2026. As part of her residency at Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area, Heather will be hosting Meet the Artist Programs and book signings on June 14, July 11, August 30, and September 20.  There is no fee to visit the Fort Hancock area of Sandy Hook.

About Gateway National Recreation AreaGateway is a large diverse urban park with 27,000 acres spanning Sandy Hook in N.J. and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in N.Y. It offers green spaces, beaches, wildlife, and outdoor recreation, all alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. It is the 4^th most visited National Park Service unit with more than 9.2 million annual visitors. For more information about Gateway, visit www.nps.gov/gate.