The Bridge Art Reveal
What started as an idea from a brainstorming session among the New Castle Arts and Culture Committee (NCACC) is now becoming a reality as an addition to the downtown Chappaqua landscape. The newly named "Bridge Gallery" will transform what was once a blank slate into a vibrant space for art installations. The gallery will feature murals by local artists in the cement arches that have already been built into the construction under the Route 120 overpass.
In February 2024, the NCACC was reinstated under the advisement of Jennifer Naparstek Klein, Town Council Member. As a committee, we sought something meaningful to contribute to the community, whether it be an event, an art installation, or a performance. The more we discussed the possibilities of showcasing talent within our community through a mural installation, the more we rallied around the idea. We explored various places within the downtown area and settled on what we believe is the ideal location. A space begging to be creatively reimagined and invigorated; a connector from our restaurants and shops to the Chappaqua train station, where many of our residents commute each day, and visible to all farmers market shoppers. The murals will be sure to make a statement with their vibrant colors and interpretation of the main theme: Community.
Murals have become a popular addition to small and large communities worldwide. They are often the backdrop for pictures taken while exploring new places, or just for a fun selfie.
Sometimes, people even make special trips to view the murals; we hope the same for our art installations. Of course, we want the local residents to enjoy the incredible talent within our community, too! We hope the art will create a buzz in downtown Chappaqua and even more foot traffic to our local merchants in the area.
We discovered our first adult artists through an open submission process, in which we invited local residents to submit renderings for the mural space. The NCACC was impressed by two applications, so we asked each to produce a final product, which was presented and approved by the Town Board. We have been working with each artist over the past several months, finalizing the mural designs and supporting their creations. The town's resident artists are Tom Quaranta and Jessie Rubin.
The third mural space was designated for a Senior Capstone project, where we worked with the Art Department at Horace Greeley High School through a similar submission process to select a proposed rendering for a community-themed mural.
Sophia Kong’s submission instantly won the hearts of our committee; she was allowed to have one friend assist with the mural creation; Rowan Hillard joined Sophia with her artistic talents.
We are thrilled to present these amazing works of art for all to enjoy. The Bridge Gallery will brighten up the landscape, draw people to downtown, and put a smile on your face!
This is just the beginning. NCACC hopes to continue filling the Bridge Gallery with local talent, so keep an eye on these arches!
The New Castle Arts and Culture Committee consists of Co-Chairs Marc Lowenstein and Joan Schildkraut and Committee Members: Lori Chlapowski, Roberta Lasky, Jessica Meyrowitz, Lisa Nissman, Carolyn Simpson, Rachel Szymanski.
Thomas G. Quaranta
Just Bee, 2025
Acrylic on aluminum composite panels
Theme: Collaboration & Unity
Artist Statement:
The Honey Bee, as a symbol of Collaboration and Unity:
The honeybee has always held a very special place in my heart for many reasons. Since childhood, the bee has resonated as a symbol of teamwork, goodwill, spirituality, and strength. For these reasons, I have chosen the honeybee as a vehicle to express what collaboration and unity mean to me.
Jessie Rubin
Memory Lane, 2025
Acrylic, aerosol spray paint & oil sticks on aluminum composite panels
Theme: Generations & Traditions
Artist Statement:
“Memory Lane” is a mural consisting of a patchwork of symbols, words and icons reflecting some of the themes I love about this community; a community I was raised in and now raise my own children here. I grew up in New Castle (Westorchard Elementary School, Robert E. Bell Middle School and Horace Greeley High School grad ‘99). Lots of amazing memories from my childhood; and new ones I’m creating with my family. I hope the mural speaks for itself and you recognize some of what you love about living here!
Sophia Kong and Rowan Hillard
The Lunch Table, 2025
Acrylic on aluminum composite panels
Theme: Support
HGHS Senior Capstone
Artist Statement (Sophia):
“The Lunch Table” captures the quiet threads of support present within everyday life. A high school lunch table is a space of routine chaos, where students not just eat but also scramble to study for a math test next period, scattering old worksheets and notes across the table, or play video games, with fries forgotten on the side. Some may take the time to knit a scarf for their mom, fold origami dinosaurs, or play music. Debates, inside jokes, plans, dreams, and rants about Formula 1 overlap across the table. Each object around the table represents individual pursuits and interests, yet they coexist, connected by underlying support. This lunch table embodies the unique personalities of my friends and the joy of sharing our hobbies and passions. Throughout my high school years, my friends have taught me that support comes in many forms, such as working together on a complex math problem, huddling around a screen as we try to pass level 8, helping pick the perfect color of yarn, or rummaging through bags to dig up old post-its and contribute to the growing paper dinosaur collection. Our definition of support is to encourage individuality, collaborate, learn, and grow with each other.
Artist Statement (Rowan):
“The Lunch Table” shows the invisible support you carry with you. In the chaos of high school and just growing up in general. Our lunch table has been a constant positive force that brings a smile to my day, even when no one is talking. I know that they always stop whatever math work they are doing, or origami they are folding to help me, and they know that I’ll do the same for them. The objects represent each person's interest, and the bigger picture shows how they all harmoniously come together. The Lunch Table shows how different individuals support each other and how that invisible support is crucial in everyday life. I think everyone has some story that can attest to how their friends have helped them grow as a person and member of this community and this is ours.
Sophia Kong
Artist Bio: Sophia Kong has been drawing since she was a kid, first drawing art academically in 2020 for the Scholastic Art Contest at the age of 13. Since then, she has participated every year, getting a collective 1 gold key and 2 silver keys. Nowadays, she spends most of her time researching her passion for materials science, which she has combined with her love of art.
This is especially true in the AP art portfolio, where she examined the impact of technology on society through her art. Sophia has also used her art to draw the covers for the Greeley Science Magazine: Science Greeley, which she co-founded in her freshman year, hoping to spread the joy she found in science to others. Next year, Sophia will be attending the Cornell School of Engineering, where she will continue to create art as a means of relaxation and inspiration for others.
Rowan Hillard
Artist Bio: Rowan Hillard has always enjoyed art since she was very young. Today, she continues these endeavors through a myriad of crafts, including crochet, jewelry making, painting, drawing, pottery, photography, and even painting Warhammer Figurines. This culminated in her AP art portfolio, where she utilized many of these skills to create a nuanced set of pieces centered on her theme of Love. She has also expressed her creativity through more active endeavors such as dance and singing, which have landed her a key role in this year’s senior musical, Footloose, as Urleen. Throughout her life, she has dedicated herself to various sports, ranging from archery to throwing events (Javelin, Shot Put, Discus). The latter of which she dominates, as a captain of the Greeley Track and Field team. Rowan will be attending The College of the Holy Cross next year, where she is a biochemistry major, but will continue to participate in activities that bring her joy, from art to athletics.