Free First Friday Events at the Edward Hopper House to Begin May 2

First Niagara Foundation Donates $2,000 to Underwrite Admission to Public

The Edward Hopper House, a non-profit art center and museum with a mission to preserve artist Edward Hopper’s (1882-1967) birthplace and childhood home and foster community engagement with the arts, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a $2,000 grant from First Niagara Foundation, the philanthropic arm of First Niagara Bank to underwrite ‘Free First Fridays’ beginning Friday, May 2.  This program ensures that all members of the community can have access to its programs by allowing the public to visit the museum for free. Edward Hopper will be able to reach out to an audience that might not otherwise have access.

“The Edward Hopper House is one of the best New York art spots and it continues to serve as a resource for art lovers not only in Rockland County, but state-wide” said Sara Tucker, First Vice President, Regional Team Leader, Hudson Valley Business Banking for First Niagara. “First Niagara is thrilled to make it possible for the public to view such magnificent pieces of art and help support the rich cultural landscape that exists in our county.”

Hopper is one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.   His work was featured in numerous prominent museum exhibitions during his lifetime and his popularity has continued to soar in recent years, with major exhibitions in New York, Paris, and Madrid seeing record attendance.

Art-lovers from all over the world visit the Edward Hopper House to see the home and village where the artist first drew inspiration.  At the same time, the Center provides a place for today’s artists to show their work, and encourages young artists with Artistic Curiosity Scholarships for high school students.   Lectures, tours, and concerts are also regularly presented.

"The Edward Hopper House Art Center is not only a destination for Hopper admirers from around the world, it is also a thriving, vibrant cultural hub in Rockland County.,” said Victoria Hertz, Executive Director, Edward Hopper House. “We are delighted to partner with First Niagara and offer free admission to the Art Center the first Friday of each month."  

Recently, the Edward Hopper House was named one of Huffington Post’s ’13 Of The Best New York Art Spots That Aren’t in NYC.”

Upcoming events at the Edward Hopper House include Curator’s Talk: Josephine Nivison Hopper on Friday, May 2 at 7 PM.

Please visit the Edward Hopper House website for more information on exhibits and programming, edwardhopperhouse.org.

About First Niagara Foundation

First Niagara Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable foundation and the philanthropic arm of First Niagara Bank, NA.  A  multi-state community-oriented bank with approximately 420 branches, $38 billion in assets, $27 billion in deposits, and approximately 5,800 employees providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Founded in 1998, First Niagara Foundation is committed to supporting organizations in the communities in which we live and work with specific focus on youth and education, community development and neighborhood revitalization. In 2013 the Foundation contributed more than $9.0 million in charitable grants to community partners. For more information, visit www.firstniagara.com/community.