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The HVAA Story |
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HUDSON VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION THEN AND NOW Purpose - The Hudson Valley Art Association preserves and encourages traditional form, color and design which distinguishes fine painting and sculpture. HVAA accepts no forms of distorted painting. The Board of Directors serve as Jury of Selection; nationally-known artists comprise the Jury of Awards Each spring HVAA holds an annual exhibition of oils, aqua media, pastels, graphics and sculpture in the Exhibition Galleries of the Newington-Cropsey Foundation, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. This exhibit is open to non-members and members. Each year awards totaling approximately $11,000 are given for meritorious works History - Steeped in the history of the Hudson River School of Painting, a small group of local artists came together in the Victorian drawing room-studio of the late Jasper Cropsey (1863-1900) at Ever Rest in 1928. As they continued meeting at each other's studios, their shared dreams and plans gradually evolved. During the winter months these sessions gathered around the warmth of an old pot-bellied stove. Thorough the support of Mayor and Mrs. Isabel Steinschneider, Cropsey's grand- daughter, open HVAA exhibitions were held annually at the County Center in White Plains, New York in 1934. One of the earliest catalogs--1931 listed 76 painters and 13 sculptors. The club was incorporated April, 1934 to promote sales of work by the membership. In 1935 the constitution was reorganized and dues were reduced to 81. In 1954, an amendment changed the purpose of HVAA to a commitment to charitable and educational functions, including art exhibitions free to the public, accompanied by demonstrations by leading artists. Commissions on sales \were used to fund art scholarships. A resurgence in the late 1950's and early 1960's engendered a golden era for HVAA. During the early years, the Association functioned as a local art society. It soon began attracting regional artists and exhibitors from New England, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania . Over the years, HVAA grew in strength and importance until it is now a national organization with tax exempt status. HVAA celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1979 by honoring Donald DeLue of New Jersey. He created The Rocket Thrower for the 1964-65 New York Word's Fair. Also honored was Rosetta Bohnert of Hastings-on-Hudson, who as President during the war years, is credited with urging the club to find a permanent residence. Her lovely home, Oakledge, became the gracious meeting place and the permanent address of HVAA for many years. Recognition of service was also presented to Barbara Newington (a sculpture member) from Greenwich for her generous support throughout the years of HVAA. The center closed in 1987 for renovations and reopened in 1988. In 1992, HVAA temporarily suspended operations. In keeping with its heritage, HVAA was highly honored when Cropsey's great-granddaughter, Mrs. John Newington, invited Hudson Valley Art Association to exhibit at the Foundation's Gallery. Exhibitions reopened May 29, 1994 Exhibition - One annual exhibition is mounted at the Newington - Cropsey Foundation Gallery, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. The exhibition pieces are selected by the Board of Directors through submitted slides. Membership - Artist members of the Board of Directors select from non-member exhibitors whose work is outstanding and extends an invitation for membership. Original work in the current exhibition is judged. Patrons - For over 70 years the H.VA.A. has been actively engaged in advancing the fine arts through exhibiting works of the highest quality and demonstrations by fine artists. At our show at Newington-Cropsey Foundation Gallery, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, over 1,000 people have attended on opening day. Throughout the week, demonstrations are open to the public to promote better understanding and appreciation of the museum quality standards of art. Our scholarship program emphasizes good craftsmanship and appreciation of true beauty. |
