MURAL PROJECT
CHANGING
HAVERSTRAW
Haverstraw Riverwide Arts is creating a growing collection of outdoor murals throughout the village—celebrating Haverstraw’s people, history, culture and connection to the Hudson River.
“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.
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.
“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.”
— Sitki Dogan
Video by Jesse Strauch. Contact Jesse for video work: FB: @jesse.strauch, IG: @jessestrauch
THE STORY
“Haverstraw Taking Flight” is a mural by Sitki Dogan located at 21 Broadway in Haverstraw.
The mural brings an eagle into flight above a Hudson River landscape, connecting Haverstraw's waterfront setting with the Village's distinctive architectural character.
THE STORY
Inspired by weeks spent exploring the village—walking its historic streets, dining in local restaurants, studying its architecture, and hiking High Tor—J. Kenneth Leap created a colorful portrait celebrating 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.
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.
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.
THE ARTIST'S WORDS
“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.”
— MANUEL “MANOLO” SANTANA
Each letter of HAVERSTRAW celebrates a part of the village—from its brickmaking history and Hudson River roots to hometown pride, community and the dreams of its young people.
HAVERSTRAW'S ORIGINS
Oatstraw pays tribute to the Dutch origins of the village's name.
HENRY HUDSON
A ship honors the Hudson River and the exploration that shaped the region.
BRICK INDUSTRY
A tribute to the brickmaking industry that helped build Haverstraw and New York City.
NEW YORK CITY
The skyline reflects Haverstraw's enduring connection to the city and the bricks that helped construct it.
RED RAIDERS
A symbol of hometown pride, school spirit and generations of Haverstraw families.
SPORTS & COMMUNITY
Celebrating friendship, competition and the connections built through sports.
REACH FOR THE STARS
A reminder to dream big and believe in what is possible.
EDWARD HOPPER
A tribute to the celebrated artist and his connection to Haverstraw, including the house that inspired House by the Railroad.
LOVE
A celebration of love for Haverstraw's people, families, culture and neighborhoods.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE
A message of possibility, perseverance and hope—especially for the next generation.
THE STORY
Born on a family farm in upstate New York, Justin Suarez is an artist, educator, and conservationist with two decades of experience in creating public art. He has painted murals throughout much of the United States, with a particular emphasis on showcasing wildlife and natural species. Through his mural work, Justin aims to engage communities and inspire a greater commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship.
