A stylized dove painted with sunburst-style geometric rays in bright red, yellow, green, blue, and purple converging toward a central peace symbol. The dove stands against a backdrop of grassy open land with scattered buildings and roadside features.

29. Town of Cochecton

Town: Cochecton

Artist: Juan Rigal

About: A vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and rural charm, this Cochecton dove sculpture brings dynamic energy to its surroundings. One side radiates with multicolored geometric patterns converging into a central peace symbol, while the reverse features bold abstract shapes and a colorful peace sign embedded within a flowing design. The dove’s placement in open fields conveys a spirit of harmony and connection to Cochecton’s serene landscapes and friendly, close-knit community.

Address: 1166 County Road 114
Cochecton, NY 12726

Directions
The dove sculpture displays flowing abstract shapes in bold swaths of yellow, blue, red, white, and green, centering around a peace symbol near the wing. The dove stands in a field with mixed rural structures and trees beyond.

Location: Town of Cochecton

Nestled along the Delaware River in west-central Sullivan County, Cochecton is a small, tranquil town of about 1,450 residents as of the 2020 census. The town’s name comes from the Lenape word “cushetunk,” meaning “place of red stone hills,” reflecting the region’s rich Indigenous heritage. Open farmland, lush forests, and river vistas define the local landscape—making it a steadfast favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Historical and Cultural Context
Cochecton is recognized as one of the earliest permanent settlements in Sullivan County, established along the fertile Delaware River flats that were prized for fish, game, and fur trade. The area played an early role in regional infrastructure; it was the terminus of the Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike, one of the first major toll roads opening in 1810, linking the town to broader settlements and fueling development.

Today, the community of Cochecton features historic structures like the Cochecton Railroad Station and picturesque hamlets such as Lake Huntington and Skinner’s Falls—offering public river access, parks, and recreational opportunities. Its peaceful, rural vibe draws visitors seeking nature, local events, and a sense of warmth and community.

Learn more about Cochecton at the official website: https://townofcochectonny.org/

Artist: Juan Rigal

Juan Rigal was born in Bogota, Colombia. When he was about 5 years old, he became fascinated by a picture of a country scene hanging in his family’s living room. He then started making drawings of trees, animals and even people. Juan remembers his grandfather showing his drawings to everyone with great pride. Juan also made masks using clay, newsprint and starch. Before he was 10 years old, he created sculptures using clay, bottle caps, wood scraps, etc. Later on he began to use regular sign oil paints to make pictures of Catholic religious figures and landscapes. The idea of being an artist was a foreign concept to him at that time. Juan’s family immigrated to the U.S. in the late fifties. He attended George Washington H.S in NYC. Here, the art department gave him high marks for his artwork. After high school, he attended Cooper Union School of Art and Architecture and graduated in 1968. He was awarded a scholarship to the Provincetown Workshop to study painting under Victor Candell and Leo Manso. In 1970, Juan had his first one-man art show at the Peter Cooper Gallery. After he graduated from Cooper Union, he joined a group of artists who went by the name of “Museum”, and he participated in a couple of their art exhibitions. During that period, he also became a computer systems programmer for several large corporations as his main career. He continued painting and exhibiting in various shows. After purchasing the old Nutshell building in Lake Huntington, NY, Juan and his wife fixed it up and established The Nutshell Arts Center. From 1993 to the present, The Nutshell Art Gallery has become the venue for many group and solo art exhibitions.

DOVE INSPIRATON: What inspired Juan to paint the Woodstock Dove was the COW PARADE sculptures exhibited in Stamford Conn. and in NYC back in the year 2000. The Dove Trail project excited him and provided him with the opportunity to display his work to a larger audience in a public environment.

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