Mary Calvi—the celebrated historian, best-selling novelist, and “First Lady of Yonkers”—will be the recipient of ArtsWestchester’s prestigious President’s Award at the 2026 Arts Awards.
The annual ceremony, held on March 13 at the Brae Burn Country Club, honors the visionaries who define the cultural landscape of Westchester County.
This year, the spotlight shines brightly on Yonkers, with Calvi leading a distinguished group of honorees that also includes the Yonkers-based We Art One: Artist Collective, Inc. (WAO).
A Literary and Historical Powerhouse: While known to many as a mainstay of CBS News New York, Calvi has earned this year’s President’s Award for her profound contributions to American historical literature and her commitment to the arts. Her “Club Calvi” book club and her meticulously researched novels,
such as Dear George, Dear Mary, have brought national attention to the rich, often untold histories of the region.
“The 2026 Arts Award honorees embody the extraordinary depth and diversity of Westchester’s cultural spirit,” said Kathleen Reckling, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “From reclaiming long-silenced histories to fostering radical inclusivity, these visionaries remind us that the arts are the foundation of a vibrant
community.”
Yonkers Excellence on the rise: Calvi is not the only local name being celebrated. The Sophia Abeles Arts Education Award will be presented to We Art One: Artist Collective, Inc. (WAO). Based in Yonkers, WAO has become a vital pillar of the community, transforming public spaces into hubs for intergenerational healing and providing arts programming for hundreds of local youth and seniors.
2026 Arts Award Honorees: In addition to the Yonkers winners, the 2026 roster includes:
Joseph Squillante: 50-year Hudson River photographer (Arts Award).
Chioma Nwana: Pulitzer fellow and documentarian (Larry Salley Photography Award).
Joyce Sharrock Cole & Christina Picciano: Local leaders recognized for Advancing Equity.
White Plains Puerto Rican Cultural Committee, Inc.: (Advancing Equity Organization Award).
KinoSaito: Interdisciplinary art center in Verplanck (Arts Organization
Award).
Event Details: Friday, March 13, 2026,11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Brae Burn Country Club, Purchase. Tickets: $175 (Individual) | $125 (Cultural Org Members)
Deadline: Registration must be completed by 2:00 PM on March 12th.
For tickets and more information, visit https://artswestchester.org/
