Noel Hefele’s “Daylighting Tibbetts Brook en Plein Air” series offers a poignant exploration of the Bronx landscape, interweaving personal history, community connections, and environmental resilience. These paintings transcend mere visual representation, embodying a narrative deeply rooted in generational ties—the artist’s family once traveled the very railroads now depicted in his work, set against the backdrop of a pressing call for ecological revival.
Inspiration and Artistic Journey
Sparked by the aftermath of Hurricane Ida’s devastation, this series underscores the immediate challenges of climate change and urban adaptation. Hefele’s brushstrokes, informed by on-site conversations and shared community experiences, capture both the Bronx’s inherent beauty and the urgent need for sustainable coexistence with our environment.
Accompanying each painting are journal entries that provide a window into Hefele’s creative process, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the artwork’s context and the artist’s journey.
From Canvas to Reality
Since the creation of this series, the Tibbetts Brook daylighting project has made significant strides towards realization. These paintings now stand as both a catalyst for change and a historical record of a community on the brink of transformation, capturing a pivotal moment in the Bronx’s environmental history.
Exhibitions and Impact
This powerful series has already touched many lives through exhibitions at the KRVC gallery and as part of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s spring benefit. As the project continues to percolate into the community, there are plans to showcase some works at the local councilman’s office, further extending its reach and impact.
A Living Dialogue
“Daylighting Tibbetts Brook en Plein Air” is more than a series of paintings—it’s an evolving dialogue where each brushstroke, captured light, and shared story becomes a step toward collective environmental stewardship. As the actual daylighting of Tibbetts Brook progresses, these paintings serve as a beautiful reminder of the vision, community effort, and artistic inspiration that helped bring this environmental transformation to life.
Experience the Flow
Above this text, viewers can experience an animation created by the artist, depicting water flowing down the waterway over the original watercolors. This dynamic visual element brings an additional layer of life to the project, illustrating the potential future of Tibbetts Brook.
Acquire a Piece of History
Of the 15 original works in this series, 3 have already found new homes. The remaining pieces are available for $250 each, with $50 from each sale being donated to the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance—the organization that will oversee this transformative land project.
Learn More and Get Involved
To learn more about the ongoing Tibbetts Brook daylighting project and its impact on the Bronx community, we encourage you to search for “Daylighting Tibbetts Brook” online. Your interest and support can contribute to the continued success of this vital environmental initiative.
Special thanks to the Kingsbridge Historical Society for their invaluable contribution of maps and historical documentation of the area.