History

James and Purcell Palmer created the Catwalk Artist Residency in 2004. The Palmers were drawn to the Hudson Valley by the region’s rich artistic legacy and proximity to New York City’s contemporary art scene. Once they settled on the historic Catwalk estate, a 70-acre property on the Hudson River, they felt it was too special not to share. To that end, they created the Catwalk Artist Residency to support emerging and established artists working across all media.

Catwalk and the Arts in the Hudson Valley

Catwalk was originally the home of Hudson River School painter Charles Herbert Moore. It sits directly across the river from Olana, home of Frederick Church, and directly north of Cedar Grove, home of Thomas Cole. They and their Hudson River School colleagues laid a foundation that catalyzed the visual arts in 19th century America and is still intact today.

For more on the subject: "Catskill's Economic and Cultural Past" by Purcell Palmer.