Design Professor Awarded Gettysburg Artist-in-Residence

GETTYSBURG, PA — Texas native and U.S. Veteran Ernan Cesar Rivera will begin a month-long residency at Gettysburg National Military Park on July 15. Rivera will use his time at Gettysburg to study the history of Latinos who served in the Union Army during Civil War. He will reflect on this work during an artist showcase at the David Wills House in downtown Gettysburg on Friday, August 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free, and the exhibits at the David Wills House will be open free of charge during this event.

Rivera developed a passion for design at an early age, earning his first competitive arts awards during high school. They would be the first of many. He has been receiving design and arts awards, honors, and fellowships for the past ten years – most notably his publication on the TED Talks Blog, and his awards from top competitions like AIGA, DSVC, and Creative Summit. In the fall of 2016, he accepted a tenure- track position as professor of design at Sam Houston State University.

“Gettysburg National Military Park has offered inspiration to artists for more than 150 years,” said Christopher Gwinn, Gettysburg National Military Park’s chief of interpretation. “The Artist-in-Residence program continues the tradition begun by artists like Matthew Brady, Alfred Waud, and Gutzon Borglum, while simultaneously engaging our visitors and telling this story in new and compelling ways.”

Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects and interprets for this and future generations the resources associated with the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, during the American Civil War, the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and their commemorations. Learn more at www.nps.gov/gett.

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 artworks that are based in our natural and historic heritage. This project is supported by the Gettysburg Foundation and other generous benefactors. 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. For more information go to www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org.