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Remembering Our Friend, Mort Künstler
For nearly three decades, Timber Ridge School has celebrated the holiday season with our annual collectible historic Christmas ornament fundraiser, a tradition that not only brings joy to families across the country but also directly benefits the young men who we serve.
Since 1996, the legendary American artist Mort Künstler has donated his artwork to our program, believing strongly in the work that we do in the lives of young men who need extra care and support.
Mort sadly passed away at the age of 97 years old in February. In this first holiday season without our friend Mort, we look back on his life and the incredible art that he donated to the cause of Timber Ridge.
Mort’s Legacy
Before he was widely recognized as the premier painter of American history, Mort Künstler was born in August 1927 in Brooklyn, growing up during the tumultuous years of the Great Depression. In an exceedingly fitting twist of fate, Mort’s last name is derived from the German “künstler,” which translates to “artist” – an identity he would more than live up to.
At the age of just two years old, Mort would impress his father – an amateur artist himself – and mother with his artistic sensibilities, often drawing still lifes while home sick from school. Mort started taking Saturday classes at the Brooklyn Museum, the official beginning of his lifelong journey as a painter. Mort pursued art at Abraham Lincoln High School and later Brooklyn College, where he also focused on athletics as a swimming team diver and track team hurdler. After earning sports awards at Brooklyn College, he received a basketball scholarship to attend UCLA and so moved to the West Coast.
After returning to New York to help out family following his father’s heart attack, Mort once again turned his focus back to art and enrolled in the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Inspired by the likes of Norman Rockwell, Mort took up work as a freelancer for adventure magazines, saying that he worked “12 hour days, 15 hour days, sometimes seven days a week” for the magazines, which helped develop the sense of storytelling his art would come to be known for. His work ethic paid off when he was commissioned by National Geographic to do a historic painting in 1965.
The painting was for a story about St. Augustine, Florida – the oldest European-established settlement in the continental United States and home of the famous Spanish fort Castillo de San Marcos. It was for this assignment that Mort first cut his teeth on deep research for his art. He traveled to Florida and met with historians to ensure that all details would be accurate in his painting. Throughout the 1970s, Mort continued his work with magazines, doing covers for publications of ever-increasing popularity such as Newsweek, MAD Magazine, and Reader’s Digest. He also illustrated movie posters, often leaning into his interest in historical and time period art for films like 1972’s The Poseidon Adventure and 1974’s The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
Becoming America’s Premier Historical Artist
Around this time, art collectors started to notice Mort’s work, which eventually led to a show at the prestigious Hammer Galleries in New York City. His subsequent shows at Hammer helped cement Mort as one of the best and most in-demand historical artists in America. Mort started to focus on Civil War-centric art after a commission by CBS for their 1982 miniseries The Blue and the Gray. The Gettysburg Times later called him the “most collected Civil War artist in America,” with his work exhibited at the battlefield, as well as other historical art institutions. His Civil War exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Long Island drew 30,000 visitors in seven weeks – surpassing the previous Nassau attendance record, which had been held by a Picasso exhibit.
Mort’s artwork, often depicting the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, is marked by meticulous research and historically accurate details – uniforms, weapons, landscapes, and weather reports all working together to paint a timely picture of the depicted events. Mort could often be found walking the length of battlefields with historians and experts to identify landmarks for inclusion in his pieces and ensure the accuracy of all background elements. “I feel like I’m opening a window on a little part of history,” Mort said for the Asheville Citizen-Times in 1992, “What I try to do is create an image that will make you feel like you were there. I try to make it as accurate and as dramatic as possible.”
But Mort’s pieces are not just a rote exercise in historical realism – Mort’s art is also renowned for its storytelling power, capturing the human courage, sacrifice, and determination behind pivotal events in the history of the United States. Recent works covered more modern events as well, from an impressive collection on World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars to immigrants coming to Ellis Island, officially commissioned depictions of NASA’s Columbia shuttle, and much more. Throughout all the time periods, conflicts, and triumphs that Mort depicted, he maintained an eye for the great American spirit that has guided our history. Mort’s art is deeply infused with a sense of American pride and realism, making it an indispensable part of our national ethos.
Mort’s Legacy Lives On at Timber Ridge
This year, Timber Ridge’s centerpiece ornament features Mort’s art depicting George Washington’s Christmas evening crossing of the Delaware River in 1776, which led to victory in the pivotal Battle of Trenton in the Revolutionary War and changed the course of American history forever. It is available for purchase here.
Notably, Mort’s painting of Washington’s Crossing is recognized as having cleared up previous historical misconceptions about the event. For example, Mort corrected the inaccuracy of Emmanuel Leutze’s 1851 painting of the same event in which Washington is standing in his rowboat – which would have, in reality, capsized under the weight. In this way, Mort Künstler’s work does not just recreate historical events with artistic liberty but helps shape our understanding of how the events actually unfolded. More than just an artist, Mort was a true historian and student of history.
An ornament featuring Mort’s “Early Snow” from his American Spirit collection is also available for purchase. “Early Snow” was created in 1973 as an oil on canvas painting and depicts cowboys herding cattle through snowy country, with the ornament first released for our program in 2023. As always, you can also make a direct donation to support the work of Timber Ridge School when you check out. Only 1,000 ornaments are produced each year and are sold beginning in early September in an online store. At the time of writing, there are still ornaments left for purchase here, so get yours just in time for the holidays (if you order by December 20, the ornaments should be delivered by Christmas)!
Thank You to Mort and the Künstler Family
Timber Ridge School is forever grateful for Mort’s generosity and friendship over the years. We would also like to thank the Künstler family for their continued support of our mission. Sales of Christmas ornaments adorned with Mort’s beautiful artwork have helped furnish a full dormitory at Timber Ridge, as well as arranged an endowment fund and benefited our students in many other ways.
We hope you have a blessed and restful holiday season. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and Happy New Year!
Suicide Awareness Month: How Parents and Schools Can Stay Vigilant
As a parent or educational provider, learning how to recognize early suicide warning signs is critical for the safety of an adolescent in your care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24 in the United States. You never think it could happen to your child, family, or classroom, but staying informed could save a life.
At Timber Ridge School (TRS), we have the privilege of helping boys and young men, ages 10-21, overcome a variety of challenges, equipping them with skills and coping mechanisms so that they can be as successful and adjusted as possible.
This September, “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,” we thought it appropriate to share the signs of depression and suicidal tendencies in young people so that you can intervene; whether you are a caregiver, parent, teacher, or just a concerned individual.
Mental Health at Timber Ridge School
Mental health is a critical component of the care we provide as a boys residential treatment center with a full staff of counselors trained in trauma-informed care. Many of the students who come to us are from under-resourced or underserved backgrounds or difficult family pasts, which can contribute to mental health crises. We put consistent effort into caring for our students’ mental improvement as much as we do their life skill development and intellectual education.
What does this look like in action? Youth at Timber Ridge School learn to recognize triggers and are equipped with an awareness and skill in identifying, understanding, tolerating, and managing their internal experience. We provide licensed therapy and counseling to our students as needed on a range of issues: from depression and anxiety to substance use and abuse and developmental challenges.
Risk Factors of Suicide in Adolescents
The American Psychological Association identifies several risk factors that can coincide with increased levels of depression and possibility of suicide attempts, including:
- Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
- Alcohol and substance use
- Impulsive behaviors
- History of trauma or abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Previous suicide attempts
Read on to learn more about how to recognize these behaviors at home, in your counseling sessions, or while fostering a relationship with an adolescent in your life. Just because someone exhibits one of the above risk factors does not necessarily mean that they’re suicidal or more likely to attempt it, but it is good for caregivers and those in authority to keep these factors in mind when interacting with those in their care.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation, please immediately call 911 in case of an emergency or 988 to speak with a professional.
Know the Warning Signs of a Suicidal Adolescent
The APA goes on in the same article to list warning signs for suicidal individuals. While risk factors may be preexisting conditions that require attention and awareness, warning signs are behavioral indications that someone’s mental health may be at risk and require immediate attention.
- Physical changes in appearance or hygiene: Self care is important, and sudden changes can be an indication of a downturn in mental health or caring about the world or the person’s place in it.
- Increase in alcohol or drug use: Many of our students come to us from backgrounds of substance use or disorders, so we pay close attention to lifestyle habits and help students obtain counseling if necessary. Habits and addiction that change or spring up suddenly are one of the major indicators of mood and mental health, so it is critical to pay attention to those around you.
- Sudden drop in grades: The young men at Timber Ridge are hard workers committed to bettering themselves academically, and consistency of performance over time can be an indication of how they are doing holistically. Oftentimes they just need a bit of additional assistance or training.
- Social withdrawal: Fostering social connections and relationships is an important part of the work we do at Timber Ridge to prepare students for the real world, and living in close quarters to their fellow students can be great for relationship building but also comes with its own challenges. Constructive social engagement and empathy is one of the best indications of maturity and preparedness to enter the world both professionally and personally.
- Talking about suicide or preoccupation with death: This one should go without saying. If someone in your life that you love is exhibiting this behavior, please get them help immediately.
- Risky or reckless behaviors: Caring about personal safety is an important metric for healthy societal engagement. Individuals that abandon this instinct for self-preservation could be enduring mental challenges and require attention and care from a mental health professional.
- Self-harm behaviors such as cutting: Self harm is a delicate topic, but the behavior requires immediate medical and mental health treatment. Desperation to feel a tangible physical sensation is often associated with depression and withdrawal.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having nothing to live for: Hope is one of the main things we strive for with our students: skill building to give them hope for career transition and financial security, social skills to give them hope for healthy adult interactions in society, and mental care to give them hope for peace of mind and a life that minimizes anxiety.
- Researching suicide methods and/or acquiring weapons: Paying attention to behavior patterns is one of the best things you can do for those in your care. Sudden changes in these behaviors like violent tendencies and researching self-harm require immediate attention.
Despite the heavy content, we hope you found the information in this article useful. If you feel called to support our mission at TRS, please visit www.timberridgeschool.org for more information. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation, please immediately call 911 in case of an emergency or 988 to speak with a professional.
Ring of Honor Nomination Period Open
Timber Ridge School is proud to announce the 2026 Ring of Honor nomination period is now open during the month of September. This event honors past Timber Ridge School athletes, managers, coaches, athletic directors, donors, and others who contributed to or supported the TRS Athletic program in some way. The ceremony is scheduled for May 2026.
Don’t delay, get your nominations in by September 30, 2025.
Completed nomination forms can be completed online, emailed to in**@******ol.org or mailed to Timber Ridge School, Attn: ROH Committee, PO Box 3160, Winchester, VA 22604-2360.
Help us spread the word to TRS student alumni, their families and staff alumni. Share on social media with friends.
Criteria and Selection Process with Timeline for TRS Ring of Honor
Online Registration
Nomination submission for Ring of Honor candidate.
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Continue readingWhat are Individual Service Plans (ISPs) at Timber Ridge School?
Nestled in the heart of Frederick County, Virginia, there is a smattering of rustic wooden buildings set against sprawling fields. The cacophony of boys’ voices can be heard in the distance, on their way to a counseling session, where they will review their progress individually with a licensed counselor.
This is Timber Ridge School, a residential treatment center for serving adolescent boys with mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues, and at the heart of our mission to empower these boys exists one term: Individual Service Plan (ISP).
At Timber Ridge School, ISP is developed with specific objectives initiated on the basis of specific needs demonstrated by students and families. Here are a few examples of the types of services that TRS provides students as a part of their ISP:
1. Developmental-behavioral support program
This program provides a structured environment where students receive individualized support in order to develop essential life skills, self-regulation techniques, and positive behavioral patterns.
2. Trauma-informed care
Traditionally, residential care has been characterized as a points-and-level system. However, Timber Ridge is making an intentional shift toward a fully trauma-informed approach.
As CEO Derek Unger explains, “One of the goals for a trauma-informed approach is to support kids, adolescents and their caregivers through active engagement in the world, through empowering and a positive future versus living in survival mode.”
This program helps recognize triggers and fosters the youth’s awareness and skill in identifying, understanding, tolerating, and managing their internal experience.
3. Family engagement to build healthy, supportive relationships and improve family function
One of the first priorities Timber Ridge implements is to establish a connection with the child’s home community. We believe family engagement begins before a child steps foot on campus. Interviews are held with family members during the pre-placement assessment and we even invite families to come and tour the facility.
Weekly family sessions are also put in place to help facilitate open communication. Unger says, “One of the good things that came out of the pandemic was Zoom. So if parents live far away, then at a minimum they are going to get a weekly Zoom family session. We want to get them back into their home and get them back into their community.”
4. Clinical services providing individual and group counseling and if appropriate, substance abuse groups
Counseling sessions are implemented based on the individual needs of the student. For students requiring additional support, specialized substance abuse groups are also available. These targeted interventions help them overcome addiction and develop strategies for long-term recovery.
Learn more about this program here.
5. Educational services in a supportive, structured setting
Our educational services provide a supportive, structured setting designed to help students thrive academically.
Serving grades six through twelve, all of our teachers are licensed and often have dual endorsements in special education and their core field. We take pride in our rigorous program, which boasts a 94% graduation rate. Our year-round, block schedule allows students to earn eight credits annually, compared to the typical seven, with additional opportunities over the summer.
We tailor education to each student’s individual needs, helping them stay on track to graduate, whether through traditional coursework or our federally mandated GED program.
With personalized support, tutoring services, and access to learning resources, we help students reach their academic potential and move forward with confidence. In addition to academics, we also have a well-established athletics program that allows students to participate in interscholastic athletics such as football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, track, and cross country.
Learn more about our Academic Day School here.
6. Medication management
In some cases, medication management is a necessary part of a student’s program and well-being.
Our professionals work closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure medications are safely administered, monitored, and adjusted as needed. Registered and licensed practical nurses are on campus or on-call, providing 24/7 support to our students. Our Health Services department maintains records, administers medication, assesses medical needs, and schedules necessary medical and dental appointments.
Our nurses arrange a psychiatrist for a student’s medication management. The psychiatrist provides an initial evaluation for psychotropic medications, makes provisions for prescriptions, and monitors ongoing medication use.
7. Transitional services for continued success post-discharge
The My Next Step transitional living program at Timber Ridge School is designed for youth who may be wards of the state or lack a clear discharge destination.
This program helps students build independence and prepare for adulthood by engaging them with the community through part-time jobs or college enrollment. Students learn essential life skills such as budgeting, opening checking accounts, and obtaining driver’s licenses.
For high school graduates, the program also offers access to the Career Tech and Education Trades Academy, providing hands-on training and job placement assistance to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce or further education.
8. Aftercare recommendations.
When it comes time for a student to leave, we take great care in curating a personalized aftercare plan to support their long-term success.
By working with their family and community, as well as setting them up with resources, our goal is to ensure they continue to build on the progress they achieved during their time in our program.
Learn more about our Transitional Living Services program here.
Providing a Supportive Environment is the Key to Success
At Timber Ridge, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and supportive environment that promotes both academic and personal growth. From our trauma-informed approach and specialized services to our individualized educational programs and aftercare support, we focus on equipping each student with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in the next phase of their lives. Learn more about our admissions process here.