Charles Birchfield Inspired Residential Mural

 

Haverstraw

Village of Haverstraw Mural Proposal – Concept Rendering #1

Location: Side façade of a commercial building with high visibility from the public parking lot

This rendering presents a vibrant, four-panel mural concept designed to celebrate the spirit, culture, and natural beauty of the Village of Haverstraw. Each mural panel offers a distinct visual vignette that, together, create a cohesive narrative highlighting the village’s identity and sense of place.

Panel 1 (far left):

A stylized forest and village scene in warm autumn tones reflects Haverstraw’s walkability and small-town charm, nestled among rolling hills.

Panel 2:

A golden sun sets over the Hudson River, bathing the riverfront village in light and color. This scene honors Haverstraw’s iconic waterfront views, evoking a sense of peace and connection to nature.

Panel 3:

A soaring hawk represents vision, freedom, and the village’s deep-rooted connection to its natural environment. Below, the clustered rooftops hint at the community’s historical architecture.

Panel 4 (far right):

A lively night scene captures Haverstraw’s bustling downtown with its restaurants, music, and nightlife, celebrating the community’s growing arts and entertainment district.

Rendered in a bold, graphic style with rich color blocking and simplified forms, the mural draws inspiration from vintage travel posters, WPA-era artwork, and folk art. This aesthetic ensures the design is both timeless and accessible to viewers of all ages.

The proposed mural invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on Haverstraw’s past, present, and future—its natural beauty, diverse community, and revitalized spirit.

Alternate Concept Board – Style & Theme Exploration

This board presents nine optional mural designs showcasing different stylistic directions and narrative themes the committee may wish to consider for the Village of Haverstraw project.

Each square represents a distinct visual approach—from stylized landscapes and vibrant townscapes to symbolic wildlife and iconic local landmarks. The styles range from geometric abstraction to richly atmospheric scenes, all unified by bold color palettes and simplified, readable forms.

Recurring themes include:

• Community and architecture (top left, bottom right)

• Nature and local wildlife (hawk, butterfly)

• Scenic riverfronts and small-town life (center row and bottom row)

• Human connection and wonder (stargazing silhouette)

These options demonstrate how the mural series could reflect Haverstraw’s identity—its history, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy—while maintaining visual cohesion and wide public appeal.

Top Row

1. Stylized Village Blocks
   A geometric composition evoking a tightly-knit village or downtown grid. Warm hues suggest community warmth and structure, possibly referencing Haverstraw’s historic architecture and brickyard roots.

2. Stargazing Silhouette
   A parent and child look up at the stars from a ridge, symbolizing wonder, guidance, and the future. This could represent the view from High Tor or emphasize themes of legacy and aspiration.

3. Night Market Scene
   A cozy evening village scene featuring illuminated homes and a central gathering space—ideal for capturing the vibrancy of Haverstraw’s main street life and cultural events.

---

Middle Row

4. Hawk in Flight Over the River
   A red-tailed hawk soars above a riverside town, referencing the Hudson River Valley’s wildlife and possibly nodding to the region’s indigenous symbolism and natural freedom.

5. Aerial View of Village and Landscape
   A panoramic perspective shows a green, rolling terrain with homes nestled among trees—ideal for portraying Haverstraw’s geography between Hi Tor Mountain and the Hudson River.

6. Ferry on the Hudson
   A stylized ferry glides across the water toward a village—possibly referencing Haverstraw’s Ossining ferry and maritime heritage as a river town with commuter connections.

---

Bottom Row

7. Night Harbor with Ships
   A nighttime riverfront scene shows lit buildings and a vessel at port—an atmospheric depiction that captures Haverstraw’s identity as a historical and modern riverside town.

8. Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly & Wildflowers
   A nod to New York State’s official butterfly, shown in a vibrant natural setting with rays of light and native flora—ideal for highlighting environmental pride and beauty from High Tor’s vantage point.

9. Church Tower & Patchwork Design
   A stylized depiction of a church or civic building with stained-glass–like patterning. This design could represent cultural diversity and the spiritual or architectural heart of the village.

 Haverstraw Riverwide Arts Mural Proposal

Submitted by: J. Kenneth Leap

Proposal Date: May 23, 2025

Location: 61 Maple Ave, Haverstraw, NY 10927

Contact:

J. Kenneth Leap

The Painted Window Studio

109 N. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, NJ 08078

Email: paintedwindow@comcast.net

Phone: 609-682-0456

---

Project Overview

Haverstraw Riverwide Arts is seeking to commission a public mural to enhance the visual identity of

the village and celebrate its culture, community, and revitalization. Artist J. Kenneth Leap proposes

a community-engaged mural painted across four recessed panels on the exterior wall of 61 Maple

Avenue, with a portion of the work painted during the Haverstraw Food Crawl on September 13,

2025.

---

Site Description & Panel Dimensions

The mural will span four inset wall panels:

- Three large panels: 144" wide x 104" high (12 ft x 8.67 ft)

- One smaller panel: 74" wide x 72" high (6.17 ft x 6 ft)

- Total paintable area: ~349 square feet

- Primary viewing distance: ~50 feet, pedestrian-focused

---

Conceptual Approach

The mural will explore a layered narrative that honors Haverstraw's waterfront identity, historic

brickmaking legacy, and dynamic multicultural community. Design will be guided by feedback from

the "Who Is Haverstraw" branding survey.

Working Theme Directions:

1. "River & Ridge"

- Celebrates Haverstraw's geography between the Hudson River and the Palisades

- Organic flowing forms and bold color inspired by land and water

2. "Brick & Spirit"

- References Haverstraw's industrial and architectural legacy

- Stylized illustrations of historic kilns, structures, and local textures

3. "Faces of the Future"

- Reflects the town's vibrant and diverse residents

- Portraits, symbols, and abstract motifs co-created with the community

---

Title Panel Use

The smaller panel (74" x 72") will serve as a title/introduction panel, potentially featuring:

- Bilingual mural title (e.g. "River & Ridge: The Story of Haverstraw" / "La historia de Haverstraw")

- Stylized typography and decorative compass rose or historic motif

- Optional QR code linking to mural process, community voices, or oral histories

---

Community Engagement & Participation

The mural will feature a Community Paint Day on September 13, 2025 as part of the Haverstraw

Food Crawl. Festival attendees will be invited to paint designated sections under artist guidance,

enhancing civic pride and ownership.

Additional community interaction options:

- Invite local students/youth groups to design small details within the mural

- Include multilingual phrases submitted by community members

- Develop a digital storytelling platform linked by QR code

---

Concept Development | June 2025

Final Design Approval | July 2025

Wall Preparation and Install start | September 12,  2025

Community Paint Day | September 14, 2025

Mural Completion | September/October 2025

---

Next Steps

Upon board approval, the artist will begin design development informed by branding feedback and

community insights. Stakeholders will be consulted to refine visual language and ensure alignment

with the village's evolving identity.

---

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the cultural landscape of Haverstraw.