With deep sadness, we share the news that our beloved founder, Curt Stewart, passed away on February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love and care of his family. For more than two decades, Curt served as the visionary founder of the Calliope Creative Foundation, with the purpose of establishing an annual Summer Stock Festival. Earlier in his remarkable career, he founded the Hudson Valley Freedom Theater in Newburgh, New York, where his collaborations with renowned artists—including the late Ossie Davis, Harry Belafonte, and jazz legend Max Roach—helped bring powerful, high-quality theater to the stage and enrich the cultural life of the community.
A steadfast champion of emerging artists, Curt believed deeply in the power of storytelling to inspire dialogue, broaden perspectives, and spark meaningful change. Through his leadership, countless young playwrights, actors, directors,
and producers found a place to develop their talents and share their voices. His influence reached far beyond the theater, touching communities across New York City and the Hudson Valley, as well as audiences, educators, industry
professionals, public servants, philanthropic partners, and colleges and universities. Over the years, he cultivated enduring partnerships with organizations including Riverside Church and youth-serving organizations throughout Westchester County and New York City, collaborations that were instrumental in bringing relevant, compelling stories to the stage.
The Calliope family was deeply grateful to be able to celebrate Curt's 80th birthday during last September's Annual Apprentice Playwriting production, a joyful occasion that reflected his lifelong commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a legacy that will endure through every young artist he encouraged, every story he helped bring to life, and every audience inspired by his unwavering belief in the transformative power of
theater. His vision, generosity, and dedication will continue to guide the Calliope Creative Foundation for generations to come.
As the legacy of our founder, Curt Stewart continues, Calliope would like to extend an invitation to an intimate gathering and fundraiser to support arts education. On August 16, 2026, please join us at the Arturo Art Gallery, 43 Dey Street, Jersey City, NJ. The event will feature limited pieces by the up and coming artist, Yazmeena Bosch (https://thecraftypinkbear.carrd.co). If you can not attend this event, please consider using our donation link below to support.
A steadfast champion of emerging artists, Curt believed deeply in the power of storytelling to inspire dialogue, broaden perspectives, and spark meaningful change. Through his leadership, countless young playwrights, actors, directors,
and producers found a place to develop their talents and share their voices. His influence reached far beyond the theater, touching communities across New York City and the Hudson Valley, as well as audiences, educators, industry
professionals, public servants, philanthropic partners, and colleges and universities. Over the years, he cultivated enduring partnerships with organizations including Riverside Church and youth-serving organizations throughout Westchester County and New York City, collaborations that were instrumental in bringing relevant, compelling stories to the stage.
The Calliope family was deeply grateful to be able to celebrate Curt's 80th birthday during last September's Annual Apprentice Playwriting production, a joyful occasion that reflected his lifelong commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a legacy that will endure through every young artist he encouraged, every story he helped bring to life, and every audience inspired by his unwavering belief in the transformative power of
theater. His vision, generosity, and dedication will continue to guide the Calliope Creative Foundation for generations to come.
As the legacy of our founder, Curt Stewart continues, Calliope would like to extend an invitation to an intimate gathering and fundraiser to support arts education. On August 16, 2026, please join us at the Arturo Art Gallery, 43 Dey Street, Jersey City, NJ. The event will feature limited pieces by the up and coming artist, Yazmeena Bosch (https://thecraftypinkbear.carrd.co). If you can not attend this event, please consider using our donation link below to support.