Photos by D. Fenner

By Suzanne Davis, Co-Chair, The Bronxville Historical Conservancy

May 13, 2026: On Tuesday, April 28th, art historian and curator Jayne Warman delivered a lecture in celebration of the two Village art collections – one held by the Bronxville Historical Conservancy (BHC) and the other by the Bronxville Public Library. More than 140 guests attended the evening event in the Library’s Yeager Community Room. “The Village’s two public art collections represent a long-standing legacy of art patronage and dedication to a shared cultural history,” said Warman. “As a community, we should be proud of these two collections,” she added.

Warman began her presentation with a discussion of Bronxville’s early artists and showed a selection of BHC paintings, most of which hang in Village Hall. She also surprised the audience with news of the Conservancy’s latest acquisition – “The Spinet and the Harp” (Will Hicock Low, 1901). Low, an early Lawrence Park resident, painted the colorful composition in Giverny, France. It is noteworthy for its subject matter: Berte Low (Low’s first wife) and Mary MacMonnies (Low’s second wife). The BHC purchased the painting earlier in April through an online auction in Sarasota, Florida, and it is likely to be displayed in the library later this year.

Warman went on to tell the history of the library’s significant collection – an assemblage of late 19th- and early 20th-century American paintings, prints, and sculpture. Bronxville residents have generously donated many of the works and most are displayed throughout the library. She recounted how at the library opening in 1942, Library Board President Ernest Quantrell defined the new building’s mission: “’A library should not only be a storehouse for books, and a shelter for readers, but also an influence on the community in architecture, furnishings and art.’”

The BHC and the library partnered in sponsorship of the evening’s art event, which included a cocktail reception.

See more photos from the event below.