Endorsements

Dear Melissa,

I am writing on behalf of Melissa McGill's vision for the transformation of Pollepel Island. When I first learned of her intentions, I was immediately hooked.

As President and Artistic Director of Creative Time, for nearly twenty years I have been working with artists to activate neglected, important landmarks. From the Tribute in Light that illuminates Lower Manhattan on each anniversary of 9/11 to projects from Coney Island to Grand Central, I know all too well just how meaningful public experiences with art can be. Melissa's project, in particular, will bring attention to the great treasures of the area, and recast our landscape into a dynamic setting to inspire broad audiences.

And as a long time resident of Putnam County, I am thrilled to see such an ambitious and beautiful plan for a public art project in our own community - one that will not only uplift this neglected site, but one that also will garner positive media attention to bring our community together and bolster local businesses.

I have long been a fan and advocate for Melissa's art. I am wowed that through Melissa's independent vision and personal tenacity she has undertaken this ambitious project. She is a true force. And it is exactly because of her conviction and vision that our community will benefit from this project. It is my honor to support her in her vision and it is my hope you will join me in this endeavor.

Anne Pasternak
Director,
The Brooklyn Museum

Dear Melissa,

Though we have been working together for a few months already, I want to formally document my strong support for your Bannerman's Island project. Constellation is a remarkable work-in-progress, an enormously imaginative site specific work of great significance and consequence. Dealing with issues of natural and cultural history, the ways in which the built environment returns to primordial landscape, notions of spectacle and sculpture, the specific history of how the Hudson Valley landscape was misused and abused for so many years, as well as the contemporary politics of land-use, conservation and architectural preservation, Constellation is one of the most complex site-specific undertaking I have come across in many years.

I have not only been impressed by your overall level of preparation, your professional presentations, and your careful study of the range of problems addressed in the project, but the ways in which you have found creative opportunities that are fully consistent with your project's essentially ethical core. I admire the way in which you have balanced the need for the work to engage a diverse set of narratives. I applaud your attempt to create a work that will make use of sophisticated technologies to minimize the work's actual impact on the land while at the same time exploiting its visual impact.

In short, I have unreserved support for Constellation, and hope to be able to be of help to you and your team as you continue to bring this work to life.

David Ross
Chair of MFA Art Practice,
School of Visual Arts

Dear Melissa,

On behalf of BeaconArts’ Membership of 200+ individuals, artists and businesses, I am writing this letter to enthusiastically endorse Melissa McGill’s Constellation project on Pollepel Island involving the ruins of Bannerman’s Castle and other island structures.

BeaconArts’ mission is to promote Beacon as an arts and cultural destination in the Hudson Valley. The evocative Constellation project will undoubtedly bring even more attention to our region and the vision of our citizen artists. Melissa, a BeaconArts member, has conceived of a public art project at the crossroads of history here in the Hudson Valley. Her work inspires memory of things past and visions of a possible future for the site, while remaining very much in the present drawing direct attention to the castle’s current ruined state, lifting it and transforming it into something new entirely. The project will inspire wonder in all who will see it on land, on water or just passing by in cars and trains on the east and west shores of our river. Commuters morning and evening will witness changing light and weather conditions over time, sparking new local interest in the site and its future, and discourse about its past.

BeaconArts is confident that this project will help increase arts tourism to Beacon, one of the traditional casting off points for tours of the island. Travelers to the area will be able to see the work from the train or car as they travel to other Hudson Valley sites such as Dia:Beacon, Manitoga, Storm King Art Center and more.

As an organization, BeaconArts is looking forward to working with Melissa McGill as the project progresses, providing what we can in promotional, volunteer and moral support for this ambitious installation. Her maverick creativity continues a great Hudson Valley tradition of remaking ourselves and our lives in an inspiration landscape. A vision so grand demands our community’s support; and we are here to provide it.

Dan Rigney,
President,
BeaconArts

Dear Melissa,

It is my pleasure to write this letter in support of the proposal set forth by artist Melissa McGill. Melissa’s project would create an inspiring major public artwork around the ruins of Bannerman’s Island Castle in the Hudson River.

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust’s mission is to protect the natural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands. We achieve this mission through land conservation, promotion of sound land use policy, and public education and outreach initiatives.

Supporting community-based projects that highlight the iconic aspects of the Hudson Highlands landscape, like Melissa’s, help further our mission. This public artwork has the potential to encourage residents and visitors to appreciate the unique qualities of the region and help foster growth for Hudson River Valley communities.

With these factors in mind, I endorse Melissa McGill’s initiative.

Andrew T. Chmar,
Executive Director,
Hudson Highlands Land Trust

Dear Melissa,

I am writing this letter in support of Melissa McGill’s Constellation project for Pollepel Island. Her project celebrates the exceptional natural beauty of the site, as it merges with the stars in the night sky and reflects in the river.

There is a Lenape story/belief that has been passed down in the oral tradition. It is said that the path of travel between here and the upper world is the Milky Way. My Mother often spoke of the “white road” as we children beheld the night sky.

The artist’s call for a Lenape dimension to her work is impressive. As a registered member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and Founding Executive Director of the Lenape Center, I am impressed by the sensitivity she has demonstrated by including a Native perspective in her work.

This project will be among the first in the region to honor an Indigenous perspective, illuminating a part of American history that has been sadly overlooked. The Hudson Valley has many contemporary assets, but few that celebrate first person voice. By calling attention to this rich legacy, Melissa McGill will build a bridge to a more complete history.

I give this project my highest endorsement.

Joe Baker,
Co-Founder and Executive Director,
the Lenape Center, Tribal Member #03897

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I am writing this letter of support for “Constellation”, a public work of art by Melissa McGill, to be installed on Bannerman’s Island. She is an internationally known artist, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Project Team.

As the owner of Storm King Adventure Tours, and having been involved with the Hudson River Valley in many different aspects over the last 12 years, I can envision what Constellation will bring to our area. I have seen a steady increase in visitors to our area every year. The Walkway Over the Hudson comes to mind as an example of what this project can bring to the Hudson Valley. Visible from both the Eastern and Western shorelines, and the Newburgh Beacon Bridge, it will bring even more curious visitors to what is becoming a premier getaway destination.

My business attracts hikers and kayakers from all over the tri-state area, and beyond. They, too, will benefit from Melissa’s project. We can’t wait for Constellation to be another wonderful addition to our Hudson Valley experience.

Sincerely,

Kris Seiz (Owner: Storm King Adventure Tours)

I am writing to express my support for Melissa McGill’s Constellation.

I have had the pleasure of discussing Melissa’s project with her for quite some time. She reached out when she was just beginning to develop Constellation, seeking feedback and suggestions and recommendations as to who else she should contact to make sure that her project was in compliance with environmental standards. I appreciate the fact that Melissa responded to our suggestions and made extensive efforts to address our concerns with her design.

Constellation is a project that honors the history and landscape of the Hudson River in a way that is minimally invasive, thoughtfully constructed, deeply respectful, and accessible to all. It will be a point of pride for all of us who care for the river, and we look forward to sharing news about it with our members.

Sincerely,

Paul Gallay

Riverkeeper President/Hudson Riverkeeper

Dear Chairman Shigekawa, Senior Deputy Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the Constellation project ArtWorks grant application, which will transform the abandoned and neglected Pollepel Island in the stretch of the Hudson River that lies adjacent to the Highlands State Park.

Constellation has great potential to reach a broad audience; transcending political, socioeconomic, and ethnic boundaries. As a large scale public artwork, it will be free and accessible to all.  It will also provide an economic boost for our district, driving tourism dollars to the riverside towns of Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam Counties. Last but not least, it will connect everyone who experiences it with the forgotten history- and limitless potential – of the Hudson River Valley, forging connections and memories that will last a life time.

This large-scale sculptural installation, installed around the ruins of Bannerman’s Castle on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, will bring new energy to this majestic part of the Hudson River and the Hudson Highlands State Park. You can be assured that my office is prepared to do whatever it can to make Constellation a reality, and we look forward to experiencing this inspirational installation for ourselves.

Once again, I am proud to support this important project and want to thank you in advance for your consideration of this application.

Sincerely,

Sean Patrick Maloney

Member of Congress

As the Executive Director and founder of the Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc., I am enthusiastic about Melissa McGill’s thought provoking new art installation scheduled to premiere on Bannerman Island in June. Bannerman Castle Trust, whole heartedly endorses this project. As the official New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) “Friends Organization”, we are dedicated to the preservation of Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island ( internationally known as Bannerman Island), as an Educational, Cultural and Historic site in the Mid Hudson Valley.

When I started the Bannerman Castle Trust in 1993, I dreamed of presenting theater and art on the island. In order to do that, the buildings needed to be stabilized, the historic paths cleared and safe access be made to the Island. Thus, the Bannerman Castle Trust was created. Over the years we have embraced the arts through photographers and Hudson Valley painters who have captured the essence of the island and helped to open the site and to preserve the majestic ruins. For the last four years, my dream to present theater at Bannerman Castle-Hudson Highlands State Park, has become a reality.

Now, with Melissa McGill’s Constellation, the dream of bringing art to Bannerman Island, rises to new heights. Towering over the iconic ruins, Constellation is both innovative and poetic, and will rank high as one of this country’ s outstanding public artworks, taking its place with renowned artist like Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates.

Visible from various viewing areas, Constellation furthers the mystery and history of Bannerman Castle and its ruins by creating a modern landscape of stars floating above the remains of Francis Bannerman’s castle, asking new questions and revealing untold history Melissa’s brilliant interweaving of past and present using aluminum, glass and light, transcends all expectations. It is an exciting public artwork project that is bound to captivate all who see it, while it brings attention to the need to help preserve and save Bannerman Castle in Hudson Highlands State Park.