On June 17, 2025, the Historic Districts Council (HDC) recognized the International Hildreth Meière Association (IHMA) with a 2025 Grassroots Preservation Award at a celebratory ceremony held at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery in New York City.
The Grassroots Preservation Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that advance the preservation of New York City’s architectural and cultural heritage through passion, collaboration, and community engagement. IHMA was honored for its longstanding efforts to elevate the legacy of muralist Hildreth Meière, one of the 20th century’s most accomplished and versatile decorative artists. These efforts include education, public programming, preservation work, and advocacy, most notably the interior landmark designation and restoration of Meière’s 1931 “Red Room” at One Wall Street.
Who Was Hildreth Meière?
Hildreth Meière (1892–1961) was best known for her work in decorative architecture and design. Over a career spanning four decades, she completed more than 100 commissions for churches, synagogues, corporate headquarters, and public buildings.
A few of her signature works in New York City include:
- The glittering glass mosaics of the “Red Room” at One Wall Street
- The iconic roundels of Dance, Drama, and Song on the facade of Radio City Music Hall
- Mosaics at St. Bartholomew’s Church and Temple Emanu-El
- Narrative silhouette ceiling mosaics at 32 Avenue of the Americas
At a time when few women were invited into architectural collaborations, Meière carved out a place for herself and became the first woman awarded the Fine Arts Medal by the American Institute of Architects in 1956.
Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer in both mural art and architectural design.
IHMA’s Recognition and Remarks
IHMA President Anna Kupik, one of Hildreth’s great-granddaughters, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. In her remarks, she reflected on the power of legacy and community:
“Preservation work is never solo work. It is collective, creative, and community-powered, and I’m lucky to be part of a community as passionate as this one,” Kupik said. “We’ll keep working to ensure Hildreth’s legacy not only endures, but continues to inspire generations to come.”
She also recognized the intergenerational leadership that makes IHMA possible, including those present at the award ceremony:
- Louise Meière Dunn, Founder and President Emerita of IHMA, who just turned 95 and is Hildreth’s daughter
- Hilly Dunn, IHMA Vice President, Hildreth’s granddaughter and a driving force behind much of the organization’s day-to-day work
- Kathleen Willsey, IHMA Treasurer
- Joseph LoSchiavo, IHMA Board Member
- Roxanne Bachana, great-great niece of Hildreth Meière
The award also celebrated IHMA’s recent advocacy that led to the interior landmark designation of the “Red Room” at One Wall Street, done in collaboration with Macklowe Properties and Printemps New York, ensuring this iconic space is preserved and reintroduced to the public.
Continuing the Legacy
We are grateful to the Historic Districts Council for this recognition and to the many advocates, institutions, and community members who make our work possible. IHMA remains dedicated to advancing preservation, education, and inspiration through Hildreth’s story. From community tours and lectures to archival research and conservation advocacy, we aim to keep Hildreth’s voice and her art alive.
Here's to preserving the past—and inspiring the future.
Explore Hildreth’s work: hildrethmeiere.org/commissions
Support our mission: hildrethmeiere.org/donate
The landmarked Art Deco “Red Room” at One Wall Street, designed by Hildreth Meière in 1931—now home to Printemps’ designer shoe collection.
Photo credit: International Hildreth Meière Association
Back Row Left to Right: Roxanne Bachana, Great-Great-Niece of Hildreth Meière, Frampton Tolbert, HDC Executive Director, Anna Kupik, IHMA President, Hilly Dunn, IHMA Vice President, Kathleen Willsey, IHMA Treasurer, Eve Kahn, HDC Board of Advisers, Joseph LoSchiavo, IHMA Board Member.
Front Row: Louise Meière Dunn, IHMA President Emerita, and daughter of Hildreth Meière
Photo credit: International Hildreth Meière Association
About the International Hildreth Meière Association
Founded in 2004, the International Hildreth Meière Association (IHMA) inspires, educates, and preserves the legacy and works of artist Hildreth Meière. As the primary source for information on Meière’s life and art, IHMA has created exhibitions, publications, documentaries, tours, and lectures for the general public, educators, and the stewards of Hildreth’s commissions.
Explore more: hildrethmeiere.org
Follow along on Instagram: @hildrethmeiere
Join us on Facebook: International Hildreth Meière Association
Connect on LinkedIn: International Hildreth Meière Association
Press/collaboration inquiries: info@hildrethmeiere.org