Martin J. Cervantez Martin is a self-taught artist who has created art since he was a child, and enjoyed taking every art course offered in public schools. Martin is currently a Studio Artist at the Workhouse Arts Center, and is also the first Military Veteran Artist in Residence at the Workhouse Arts Center. Mater Sergeant Cervantez enlisted in the Army Signal Corps in July 1986 as an Illustrator. During his first enlistment he was assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, which deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. His most prestigious assignment was Artist in Residence at the U.S. Army Center of Military History where he was responsible for capturing the Army's history through art. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM 2008, and 2011. During these deployments he produced artwork that visually recorded Soldiers’ experiences the Army’s achievements. Two of his oil paintings were featured in the National Constitution Center’s public exhibition “Art of the American Soldier” in Philadelphia. Master Sergeant Cervantez retired with 29 years of exemplary active duty service, and is highly decorated. He is also involved with veteran’s art programs at the USO Ft Belvoir, USO Walter Reed; Warrior Writers from Philadelphia, and Combat Paper New Jersey. Martin has attended many programs both as a patient, then later as a facilitator where he teaches art workshops to active duty Wounded Warriors, and veterans alike. Cervantez is quickly becoming an integral part of both his community by advocating for veterans on many discussion panels with Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC, Fairfax County Government, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. He gives presentations at elementary, middle, high schools, and lectures at local colleges, and universities. He’s highly motivated to help fellow vets, while also pursuing his own creative work in painting, assemblage art, and sculpture. “I try to create a connection with the viewer that allows them to feel as if they are part of the scene, or that they can walk right in and join the situation. I create a sense of depth and space that intrigues curiosity as well as conversation. My military art is meant to be a story telling device, and invoke stories to be shared with friends, family, and the public.” He’s recently exhibited in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, New York City, Washington D.C., and sells his art internationally. Now retired from the Army, Cervantez is dedicated to creating art full time, and working with veterans