Edward Hopper House Honors Longtime Benefactor

From The Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center : The Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center honored long-time benefactor and Photographer Raymond F. Wright, and Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty during the Annual Spring Benefit held on June 1.

Over 160 attendees gathered in the garden to celebrate the honorees. Guests were invited to participate in the silent auction, including an original pastel piece by James Kimak called Refuge. The John Malino Band and light refreshments from Mimi’s Plate set the event’s vibrant ambiance.

“As with all Hopper House fundraisers, this was a fantastic celebration and the second year celebrating in our glorious garden," said Jennifer Patton, executive director. "What made the event such a pleasure was the warmth our honorees exuded when they were presented with the Key to the Edward Hopper House.”

Pictured left to right: Executive Director, Jennifer Patton and Honorees Raymond F. Wright and Richard Ellis

Honored at the event was Richard Ellis, real estate broker, exclusive owner and managing member of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Ellis Realty Commercial. As an active and connected community volunteer, Ellis has collaborated with Patton, to develop and fund an arts education program for public schools in Rockland, Orange and Westchester counties. The program aims to give students the opportunity to learn about the realist painter Hopper, to develop art skills, to grow emotionally and to build their self-esteem.

Also honored was Raymond F. Wright, son of the co-founder of Wright Brothers Real Estate and Insurance. He has long been a booster of the community, promoting music, the arts and the village's enchanting quality of living. About 40 years ago, Wright was elected to the Edward Hopper House board. As a fund-raiser, he suggested that the museum offer summer music in the garden-like backyard of the Broadway home, convincing musician Bert Hughes to join him in the effort. As a result, Jazz Music in the Garden has been a village delight for decades.

Wright is a true "Nyacker" who includes the village, its residents, its businesses, its history and community groups such as the Edward Hopper House in every facet of his life. (The Edward Hopper House is especially grateful for Wright's donation of $250,000, which will continue the legacy he and his wife Barbara have helped guarantee.)