SCOTCH PLAINS – For many decades the work of a distinguished Latin American artist lay hidden beneath the wallpaper in a cottage in Feltville—Union County’s “Deserted Village. Eventually uncovered by volunteer maintenance workers, the colorful images depicting rural Mexican life displayed a compelling talent. Extensive research revealed them to be the work of Roberto de la Selva, a native of Nicaragua. De la Selva would go on to become renowned as a bas relief sculptor in wood, working as part of the movement known as Mexican Modernism in which artists such as Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco celebrated post-Revolution social reform and the heritage of indigenous cultures.

The Library is pleased to host a special program to share the fascinating story of these unique murals and the artist who left his mark here in Union County. The panel of speakers will feature: Daniel Bernier, Director of Park Planning and Environmental Services for Union County, and resident caretaker of Feltville.

Priscilla Hayes, a writer and researcher dedicated to chronicling Feltville’s rich three-century history.

Alejandro Anreus, Ph.D, Emeritus Professor of Art History and Latin American Studies, William Paterson University.

Ron Burkard, a longtime collector of de la Selva’s art (joining us from Oklahoma via Zoom).

Please register to join us either in-person or on Zoom for this event.

For more information or to register, go to www.scotlib.org, email library@scotlib.org or call (908) 322-5007 x 204. The Scotch Plains Public Library is located at 1927 Bartle Avenue