Haverstraw Riverwide Arts Mural Project
“Freedom Colors” Mural #1
May 2024
"Freedom Colors," by Turkish muralist Sitki Dogan, is the first of four murals commissioned by Haverstraw Riverwide Arts as part of a public art initiative funded by New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Selected through a statewide Call for Artists in 2023, the mural is located in the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park at 41 Clinton Street. Created in partnership with the Haverstraw African American Connection and the Village of Haverstraw, the mural celebrates the African American community's lasting contributions to the history and development of Haverstraw. Dogan, whose work appears in cities around the world, said, "My goal was to tell the story of the African American connection to the development and history of Haverstraw. I hope the art speaks to that."
Follow Sitki: @st.doan and stworksdesign.us
Video by Jesse Strauch. Contact Jesse for video work: FB: @jesse.strauch, IG: @jessestrauch
“Haverstraw Taking Flight” Mural #2
November 2024
“Haverstraw Taking Flight,” by Muralist Sitki Dogan is located at 21 Broadway.
“Haverstraw: River to Ridge” Mural #3
December 2025
“Haverstraw: River to Ridge,” by Muralist J. Kenneth Leap is located at 61 Maple Ave., across from Cosgriff Fire Station.
Inspired by weeks spent exploring the village—walking its historic streets, dining in local restaurants, studying its architecture, and hiking High Tor—Leap created a colorful portrait that celebrates Haverstraw's history, community, landmarks, and spectacular landscape stretching from the Hudson River to the ridge of High Tor. Leap is a nationally recognized muralist and stained-glass artist with more than 35 years of experience creating public art.
The mural is composed of four connected panels featuring:
Historic Fire Station No. 3 – Honoring Haverstraw's proud volunteer firefighting tradition.
Hudson River & High Tor – Celebrating the village's iconic riverfront and dramatic natural landscape.
Community & Local Restaurants – Capturing the energy, culture, and gathering places that make downtown Haverstraw unique.
The Haverstraw–Ossining Ferry at Night – A tribute to the village's enduring connection to the Hudson River, with shimmering reflections and the ferry crossing the evening water.
Follow the artist: @j.kennethleap
Mural #4 “A Love Letter to Haverstraw”
“A Love Letter to Haverstraw,” by Muralist Manuel Santana is located at 57 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY.
Follow @manolowuzhere
“My inspiration for this mural was simple: to bring pride back to Haverstraw. Our community is rich in history, culture, and people who care deeply about where they come from. Growing up here and now having the opportunity to leave my mark on the place I call home is a full-circle moment. This mural reminds us to be proud of where we come from and to dream big—because dreams really do come true.” – Manolo Santana
The Story Behind the Mural
Each letter of HAVERSTRAW tells a story about the people, history, culture, and spirit of our community:
H — Haverstraw’s Origins
Oatstraw represents the Dutch origins of Haverstraw’s name.
A — Henry Hudson
Henry Hudson’s ship represents the exploration of the Hudson River and the region’s early history.
V — The Brick Industry
A tribute to Haverstraw’s legendary brick-making industry and its role in shaping the community.
E — New York City
The NYC skyline reflects Haverstraw’s connection to the city, where Haverstraw-made bricks helped build countless structures.
R — Red Raiders
A celebration of hometown pride, school spirit, and generations of Haverstraw residents.
S — Sports & Community
Sports represent the friendships, competition, opportunities, and community pride that bring people together.
T — Reach for the Stars
An encouragement to dream big and believe that where you come from doesn't determine how far you can go.
R — Edward Hopper
A tribute to Edward Hopper and his connection to Haverstraw, including House by the Railroad, inspired by a Victorian home here.
A — Love
Love for our neighbors, families, culture, and the place we call home.
W — Dreams Do Come True
The mural's final message: dreams are possible. With belief, hard work, and perseverance, especially for Haverstraw's youth, big dreams can become reality.