A large, yellow dove sculpture with a beak and tail featuring geometric patterns in red, white, blue, and black. It is positioned in a grassy field with yellow wildflowers in the foreground. In the background, a white house and a road can be seen under a clear blue sky.

30. Cochecton Fire Station

Town: Cochecton

Artist: André Shank

About: In the town of Cochecton, New York, a distinctive and colorful dove sculpture stands as a local landmark. This piece of public art is located around the corner from the Cochecton Fire Station, a central point within the community. The sculpture is predominantly yellow and features bold geometric designs in blue, red, white, and black on its wings and body. Hand-painted by a local professional artist, it serves as a tribute to peace, nature, and music.

Address: 54 County Road 114
Cochecton, NY 12726

Directions
A view of a yellow dove sculpture. The dove's wing has a large blue section with a red triangle and white and black patterns. The sculpture is in a grassy field with a building and trees in the background.

Location: Cochecton Fire Station

The Cochecton Fire Station, located at 1 Depot Rd, Cochecton, NY, is a community bar and restaurant that has transformed a former firehouse into a popular local gathering spot. Originally a place for town celebrations, the building was renovated by owners Josiah Early and Ezekiel Miller to restore its role as a community hub. The restaurant is celebrated for its warm atmosphere and unique menu, which features wood-fired American comfort food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Cochecton Fire Station has received praise for its expertly crafted cocktails and house-made sodas, along with creative dishes like Cedar Plank Trout and Skirt Steak. The establishment also offers a variety of smaller, shareable plates. The venue is not just a place to eat and drink; it is a space that embraces the local history of the building and the community, with a friendly staff that makes guests feel at home. It was voted #1 Best Backcountry Bar in America for 2024 by Men’s Journal.

For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.cochectonfirestation.com/.

Artist: André Shank

André Shank likes to create large-scale work with bright colors and dramatic contrast that become the property of a community or city. While the majority of his work contains narratives, he doesn’t typically create with specific intention but likes to leave the interpretation up to the individual viewer to navigate and decide their own particular meanings. He is very interested in creating dialogue with the viewer, in whatever shape that may take. His Commissioned works include:

1. Endless Summer , 2D mural-acrylic on brick wall , 25’ x 60’, May 2018, Richmond, VA; commissioned by Bon Air Hearth, Porch & Patio

2-4. André Shank, The Diamond/Richmond Flying Squirrels Stadium , 2D mural-acrylic paint on concrete, 620’ x 10’, September 2017, Richmond, VA; commissioned by the RVA Street Art Festival, designed by André Shank, painted by André Shank and Zéh Palito (completed in six days using a 125‘ boom lift)

5. André Shank, Peace Dove , 2D mural-acrylic paint on concrete, 20’ x 20’, April 2017, Charlottesville,, VA; commissioned by the Tom Tom Festival, designed by André Shank

6. André Shank, Irisdale Living Room , 2D mural-acrylic paint on drywall, 8’ x 20’, July 2016, Richmond, VA; designed by André Shank, painted by André Shank and Zéh Palito

7. Andre Shank, Lucy Simms Mural , 2D mural-acrylic paint on concrete parking deck, 3’-16’ x 230’, Spring 2015, Harrisonburg, VA; winning design in open competition commissioned by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance

8,9. André Shank, Wurth Wall , 2D mural-acrylic on CMU wall, 25’ x 200’, Spring 2016, Richmond, VA; commissioned by Welcoming Walls RVA, designed and painted collaboratively with Michael Broth

10. André Shank, Charlotte, NC Benny’s Pizza Mural, 2D mural-acrylic on drywall, 25’ x 60’, Spring 2015, Charlotte, NC; commissioned by restaurant, designed and painted collaboratively with Michael Broth supervisor@townofcochectonny.org, Gary Maas 845-932-8360 Ext. 15 & Ezekiel Miller, Cochecton Fire Station.

Places to Eat

  • Annie’s Ruff Cut – A cozy local spot known for its comfort food, hearty portions, and warm atmosphere.
  • The Local Table and Tap – A farm-to-table restaurant offering seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Peppino’s Family Restaurant & Pizzeria – A casual eatery serving Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, and classic entrees.
  • Stickett Inn Cider Café – A unique café offering craft cider and a variety of small plates, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.

Places to Stay

  • Stickett Inn – A stylish boutique inn with modern amenities and a rustic vibe, offering a unique stay in Cochecton.
  • Kenoza Hall – A historic hotel with luxurious accommodations, a spa, and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
  • Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center – A nearby resort offering a wide range of activities, dining options, and comfortable rooms.
  • Reynolds House Inn & Motel – A charming inn and motel with a friendly atmosphere and convenient location.

Places to Explore

  • Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River – A beautiful river offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and enjoying nature.
  • Skinners Falls – A popular spot for tubing, swimming, and picnicking along the Delaware River.
  • Cochecton Pump House – A historic site featuring the remains of a 19th-century pump house and picturesque views.
  • Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Located nearby, this cultural center offers concerts, exhibits, and a museum on the Woodstock festival.

Dove photos by Paul Henshaw