Spectacular Sunset? Look Behind You, too.

This may sound like unexpected advice from a Photographer, but what you think is stunning could get even better. It is one of many tips Jim Schlett discusses with Katy Giebenhain in this conversation. The Virginia-based artist-in-residence at the Gettysburg National Military Park for late summer 2018 shares perspectives from commercial and art photography and extensive visits to National Parks across the country. This year, four artist residencies at four different locations share a link to President Abraham Lincoln. Schlett has been attending daily ranger talks, interacting with visitors and Park staff, and, of course, taking many pictures.

Thanks to our host site for this interview, Waldo’s and Co. on the square in Gettysburg.

Landscape and Presence

You’ll see and think about landscapes differently after hearing about the work of Dawn Waters Baker. The Dallas, Texas-based painter brings her rich perspectives and large-scale attention to spaces on and above the battlefield as an Artist-in-Residence at the Gettysburg National Military Park. She has shown extensively and her paintings are in a number of collections. “Stunning, atmospheric and spiritual” are the impressions Katy Giebenhain came away with after her Seminary Explores conversation with the artist. The culmination of paintings Waters Baker is beginning here during her residency will be exhibited in the show “Civil: Works Inspired by the Civil War” at Mary Tomas Gallery, March 2019 (Reception TBA) in Dallas.

Thanks to our host site for this interview, Waldo’s and Co. on the square in Gettysburg

The Artist-in-Residence program is made possible by the Gettysburg Foundation and The National Park Arts Foundation, with support from the National Park Service.

The Importance of Memory, Community and Sandburg’s Cool Tombs

Gettysburg National Military Park artist-in-residence Rick Stark reflects on who we choose to memorialize, contemporary and Civil War poetry, moral injury, nature and what it is like to be a military veteran living on the Battlefield for four weeks which include the famous first week of July.

Rick Stark and Chris Lauer examine hand made paper for Rick's poetry.

A New Vision for a Newly Merged Seminary

Emphasizing the importance of addressing community relations with students, faculty, alumni, and churches, Dr. Richard Green the Interim President at United Lutheran Seminary, pointed to the recently approved Mission Statement as a foundation for the future. The Mission calls for a focus on unity, learning, and service, and lays the groundwork for a strategic plan that is already under way. The plan will then guide policy decisions on tuition scholarships, faculty development, curriculum, maintenance, and endowment, among other issues.

The Other Story of Gettysburg: The Underground Railroad and the African American Experience

In this episode Dr. Scott Hancock discusses the work of the historian. In particular he talks about his research interest in the African American experience and the Underground Railroad. While it is part of the 19th century, the underground railroad continues in our times with people crossing borders, human trafficking, etc. In addition, he discussed the state monuments on the battlefield and what they are teaching and saying to onlookers.

A Realist Observes and Connects

Florida-based artist and sculptor Sean McGraw joins Katy Giebenhain for a conversation about his work and perspectives during his second Gettysburg residency awarded through The National Park Arts Foundation. The classically-trained artist and founder of Historical Sculpture LLC is living on the Battlefield from May 15-June 15, 2018. McGraw is focusing on WWI soldiers as well as Civil War soldiers. He sketches at the Eisenhower Farm and interacts with visitors in addition to researching the 100th anniversary of the U.S.’s major offenses of Argonne and St. Mihiel, studying doughboys training in Gettysburg and France. The Artist-in-Residence program brings artists working in a wide variety of media to the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. It is made possible by the Gettysburg Foundation and The National Park Arts Foundation, with support from the National Park Service.

Thanks to our host site for this interview, Waldo’s and Co. on the square: www.waldosandco.com . Waldo's warmly welcomes the Park's artists-in-residence to Gettysburg.

Common Sense in the Gun Debate

Judy and David Young from Gettysburg for Gunsense share the efforts being made by this group to promote common sense gun legislation and responsible gun ownership. Learn how things have changed since the tragedy in Parkland, Florida and what the group’s hopes are for the future.

Fro More information email: gettysburg4gunsense@gmail.com

From the Desert to the Peach Orchard

During her residency, Tucson-based writer Julie Swarstad Johnson will be working on poems inspired by stories of pacifist faith communities around Gettysburg before, during and after the time of the battle, with a particular focus on the experiences of the Sherfy family (owners of the Peach Orchard). Her own practice as a member of Mennonite and Quaker congregations will add perspective to the historical role these communities. It is an opportunity to understand examples of pacifism and faith in American public life. She took time from her research, writing and explorations for a conversation with Katy Giebenhain about her project. The author of Jumping the Pit by Finishing Line Press, Swarstad Johnson is a Library Specialist at the University of Arizona Poetry Center.

Julie Swarstad Johnson will give a free public poetry reading March 3rd at the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center at 3:00 p.m.
The event is sponsored by a grant from the Gettysburg Foundation and other generous sponsors. For more information about the event call 717-334-1124.

Thanks to our host site for this interview, Waldo’s and Co. on the square in Gettysburg.

Building Community Around Sourdough Bread

Mark Jalbert, Director of Bakewell Farm, shares his love of bread and explores ways that Bakewell Farm is using bread to build community. From the science of fermentation to sharing a loaf with a neighbor or those in need. You can almost smell the loaves come out of the oven.

On-Site Immediacy and the Continuing Role of Combat Artists

Chip Beck is not only a veteran and an artist, he is also a combat artist with global experience who has rendered these experiences first-hand. His academic training is in political science, but he has been capturing what he sees on paper and other surfaces since he was a small child. Beck is an artist-in-residence at the Gettysburg National Military Park. He joins Katy Giebenhain for a conversation about “stone soldiers” and his current time on Gettysburg’s battlefield.