Documents › Board of Trustees Work Session, 2025-11-12

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Proposal for Second Installment: Croton-on-Hudson Artist Banners Submitted to: The Village Trustees, Village of Croton-on-Hudson Submitted by: Arts and Humanities Advisory Council Date: October 24th, 2025 Overview Following the success of the Croton Artists Banner Project—the first installation of artist banners along Maple Avenue—the community has expressed great enthusiasm for a second installment. The initial project celebrated Croton’s rich cultural history through portraits of artists who lived or worked in the village, culminating in a well-attended community gathering and a companion exhibition of the artwork at the Black Cow Cafe. The banners have since become a source of civic pride and a daily reminder of the creative legacy embedded in Croton’s identity. This proposal presents the second set of twelve Croton artists to be honored with banners. As with the first phase, the project will celebrate artists across disciplines—music, film, sculpture, painting, literature, and design—who have contributed to the cultural fabric of both Croton-on-Hudson and the wider world. The banners will be designed and printed in the same manner as before by the village, with installation by the Village Department of Public Works. Project Goals ●​ Celebrate the artistic heritage of Croton-on-Hudson. ●​ Inspire residents and visitors through public art that honors creativity and community. ●​ Strengthen Croton’s identity as a home for artists and innovators. ●​ Create opportunities for community engagement through exhibitions, talks, and walking tours. Proposed Artists for the Second Installment Aaron Copland (1900–1990)​ Composer, Conductor, and Teacher​ Often called the Dean of American Composers, Copland captured the spirit of the American landscape through works such as Appalachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common Man. For over 30 years, he lived and composed at Rock Hill near Croton-on-Hudson, mentoring generations of American musicians. George Biddle (1885–1973)​ Painter, Printmaker, and Advocate for Public Art​ Biddle’s socially conscious art inspired the creation of the WPA arts programs. He lived and worked in Croton-on-Hudson with his wife, sculptor Hélène Sardeau, continuing his lifelong advocacy for art in public life. Fay Bainter (1893–1968)​ Actor of Stage and Screen​ Bainter brought warmth and authenticity to her performances, becoming the first woman nominated for two Oscars in the same year. She made her home in Croton-on-Hudson, enjoying a quiet life away from Hollywood. Jackie Gleason (1916–1987)​ Comedian, Actor, and Entertainer​ Creator of The Honeymooners, Gleason was one of America’s most beloved entertainers. In Croton-on-Hudson, he found respite from fame along the Hudson River while continuing to shape early American television. Gloria Swanson (1899–1983)​ Actor, Producer, and Hollywood Icon​ A pioneer of early Hollywood and star of Sunset Boulevard, Swanson lived in Croton-on-Hudson in her later years, where she focused on art, gardening, and reflection away from the spotlight. Hananiah Harari (1912–2000)​ Painter, Illustrator, and Teacher​ An artist of remarkable range, Harari’s portraits and abstract works appeared in major publications including Time and The New Yorker. He lived and worked in Croton-on-Hudson, mentoring local artists. Hélène Sardeau (1899–1967)​ Sculptor​ Known for expressive sculptures exploring struggle and resilience, Sardeau created The Slave for the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. She lived in Croton-on-Hudson with her husband, George Biddle, both central figures in the local arts community. Jessye Norman (1945–2019)​ Operatic Soprano​ One of the most commanding voices of the 20th century, Norman’s home “White Gates” in Croton-on-Hudson was her “grand mansion of sound,” where music and artistry filled every room. James Karales (1930–2002)​ Photographer and Photojournalist​ Karales documented the Civil Rights Movement, capturing the iconic Selma to Montgomery march. In Croton-on-Hudson, he continued to photograph American life with compassion and purpose. Ricardo Scofidio (1935-2025)​ Architect, Educator, and Visionary Designer​ Co-founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Scofidio helped create the High Line and Lincoln Center’s renovation. He maintains deep roots in Croton-on-Hudson while shaping landmark public spaces worldwide. James Stevenson (1929–2017)​ Author, Illustrator, and Cartoonist​ A prolific New Yorker cartoonist and children’s book author, Stevenson’s warm and witty art often drew inspiration from the Hudson Valley landscape surrounding his Croton home. Leonore Doskow (1913–2008)​ Silversmith and Designer​ A pioneering craftswoman, Doskow’s elegant silverwork combined simplicity and craftsmanship. From her Croton studio, she created timeless designs sold in leading stores across the country. Implementation Plan ●​ Design & Production: High-quality vinyl banners featuring artist portraits and biographical text. Produced by the same company that made the first set of portraits. ●​ Installation: Coordinated by the Department of Public Works ●​ Community Engagement: Public gathering and exhibition at the Black Cow Cafe or a similar venue to celebrate the unveiling. ●​ Timeline: Production and installation to be completed within 8–10 weeks of project approval. Conclusion The Croton Artists Banner Project has proven to be a powerful and uplifting celebration of Croton’s creative spirit. With this second installment, we continue to honor the artists who have shaped both our community and the broader world of art. We respectfully request the Village Trustees’ approval to move forward with production and installation.