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The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, proudly announces its first major fine art exhibition since its grand opening in February 2001.

Gods and Generals It is also the title of Jeff Shaara's best selling historical novel and the title of Ted Turner's soon-to-be released prequel to his motion picture epic, Gettysburg.

"Forty original paintings! This is indeed a very significant fine art exhibition. It is significant for the fine arts community. It is significant for Harrisburg, for South Central Pennsylvania and for the Civil War community in general. It is also validation of the credibility and the success of The National Civil War Museum, to be able to attract such an accomplished artist in exhibition," comments Chief Executive Officer George E. Hicks.

"These exquisite works of art depict key moments in time that preceded the battle of Gettysburg. The paintings include unique classroom portraits of the protagonist professors Stonewall Jackson and the hero of Gettysburg, Joshua Chamberlain. Each is depicted at the head of the class, as well as with their wives and children and on the field of battle."

This is not, to be sure, combat art. On the contrary, the exhibition includes tender moments between men and women caught up in the anguish of a terrible Civil War. Other canvases portray very real moments in the life of the common soldier, sitting in the serene glow of the campfire, reading that all-important Letter from Home.

Each painting is indicative of Künstler's careful research and his commitment to the study of the Civil War. Individual settings are presented after thorough research and battlefield visits on the anniversary date and time of a once fierce engagement. Only then can the artist accurately capture the true colors of the setting, the foliage, the light of day and the very essence of the events that took place some 140 years ago.

Künstler's unlimited palette and adept hand bring it all to life. The artist truly does justice to nature's full range of colors, tints and hues. Filtered sunlight in the forest, tumultuous stormy skies, a serene church setting, and the warm glow of the camp fire evoke real emotion and a sense of humanity amidst the battle scenes and man's inhumanity to man.

Artist Mort Künstler is certainly the doyen, the senior member of a group of artists who have dedicated themselves and their talents to the study and imagery of the American Civil War.

Mort Künstler will participate in a special preview reception on Friday evening, May 24th, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $30 per person, $50 per couple. Call Roxanne Bennet, toll free 866-258-4729 to make your reservation.

The artist will also be available for book and print signings on Saturday, May 25th at The National Civil War Museum from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Gods and Generals: The Paintings of Mort Künstler is indeed a collaborative effort that includes the combined talents of the artist, Civil War historian James I. "Bud" Robertson, Jr., novelist Jeff Shaara, the Hammer Galleries of New York City, American Spirit Publishing, and The Greenwich Workshop of Shelton, Connecticut.

Gods and Generals: The Paintings of Mort Künstler will be a featured exhibit of The National Civil War Museum from May 25th until December 1, 2002. The Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Admission to the museum is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and $5.00 for children. There is no extra charge for admission to the exhibition.

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