50 years ago, renowned Fort Lee artist Paul D. Ortlip ventured to the South Pacific to create artwork depicting the recovery mission for Apollo 17, NASA’s final Apollo lunar landing. During Paul’s third assignment covering a space mission on behalf of the United States Navy, and in this remote setting, Paul and mission commander Captain Gene Cernan struck up a lifelong friendship. Thirty-five years later, the Fort Lee Public Library was the setting for the unveiling of Paul’s last great portrait, which featured Capt. Cernan surrounded by his greatest experiences as an astronaut. Paul and Gene enthralled the audience with their tale of adventure and friendship.

Join us once again as we mark the auspicious anniversary of the original Apollo mission in December, 1972 with NACAL/NAVY artists for displays and discussions. Though sadly we have lost both great men, we will once again display Paul’s wonderful portrait of Gene and revisit some of both men’s inspiring words from the unveiling in 2007. Following this will be a panel of special guests including Ortlip family on call, via Zoom who will discuss the merging of art and science that brings about such collaborations. Why does the Navy and NASA send artists to document momentous occasions? Do participating artists render journalistic works, or do they seek to infuse their creations with passion and perspective? How does this collaboration serve the public and what happens to the works derived from these experiences? Most importantly, can an artist’s eye help all of us find the humanity in the special moments that comprise these ambitious undertakings?

This event is a collaboration between the Fort Lee Public Library and Four Generations Art.

Light Refreshments will be served.