The Hudson Valley Art Association preserves and encourages the character, knowledge, craftsmanship and respect for traditional form, color, and design which distinguishes fine painting and sculpting. HVAA accepts no forms of distorted painting.The Board of Directors serves as Jury of Selection: artists with a national reputation compromise the Jury of Awards.

Each Spring HVAA holds an annual exhibition of oils, aqua media, pastels, graphics, and sculpture.This exhibit is open to members and nonmembers. Each year awards totaling approximately $10,000 are given for meritorious works.

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 (1823-1900) 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.

Through 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. An early catalog - 1931 listed 756 painters and 12 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 $1.00.. In 1954, an amendment changed the purpose of HVAA to a commitment to charitable and educational function, including art exhibitions free to the public, accompanied by demonstrations by leading artists. Commissions on sales to fund art scholarships. A resurgence in the late 1950's and early 1960's characterized 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 is is now a national orgnization with tax exempt status.

HVAA celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 1974 by honoring Henry Ballinger, NA. Recognition of service was also presented to Barbara Newington (sculpture member) from Greenwich for her generous support of HVAA throughout the years. The center closed in 1987 for rennovations and reopened in 1988. In 1992, HVAA temporarily suspended operations. In keeping with its heritage, HVAA was honored when Cropsey's great grandaughjter, Mrs. John Newington, invited the Association to exhibit at the Newington-Cropsey Foundation Gallery.

When the exhibitions reopened May 29, 1994, HVAA enjoyed 11 years exhibiting the annual show in the Foundation Gallery at Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Mid-summer O. Alden James, President of the National Arts Club, invited HVAA to celebrate its 75th Anniversary Exhibition in the Grand Gallery and sculpture in the Gregg Gallery of the National Arts Club in the Tilden Mansion across from the only private park in New York City.

Artworks for the HVAA Annual Exhibition are selected by the Board of Directors from slides and the award winners are selected by nationally known artist judges. Prize money donated by patrons and sustaining lay member exceeds $10,000.

Membership is by invitation from the Board of Directors to nonmember exhibitors whose work is considered outstanding.

For over 70 years, the HVAA has been actively engaged in advancing the fine arts through exhibiting work of the highest quality and though demonstrations by fine artists. Over 1000 visitors attend the HVAA opening. Throughout the exhibition week, fine art demonstrations are open to the public to promote better understanding and appreciation of museum quality fine art. Our scholarship program emphasizes good craftsmanship an appreciation of true beauty.

The coveted HVAA Gold Medal was designed by Pietro Montano. Awarded at the descretion of the Board of Directors, the HVAA Gold Medal was first awarded in 1952.

"The Torchbearers" sculpture by Anna Hyatt Huntington which is featured on our online homepage and exhibition catalogs, was first used as the HVAA logo by Fred Stadelman in 1972. In 1956, Anna Hyatt Huntington, the HVAA"s first "Artist in Special Tribute", was presented a medal and scroll at the annual exhibition at the age of 80. HVAA awards special tribute to a nationally recognized artist at each annual exhibition.

The Torchbearers continues to exemplify the high ideals of the Hudson Valley Art Association.