Catwalk Institute Welcomes Scholars for Olana Exhibition Opening

Catwalk Institute is honored to host visiting curators and distinguished art historians from The Olana Partnership this weekend in celebration of the opening of Frederic Church: Global Artist at Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York.

We are especially pleased to welcome Dr. Tim Barringer and Dr. Jennifer Raab of Yale University, who co-curated the exhibition together with Elizabeth Kornhauser, as well as Dr. Mary Roberts of the University of Sydney. Barringer, Raab, and Kornhauser also co-edited the accompanying publication released through Yale University Press in conjunction with the exhibition.

This gathering reflects the continuing cultural and artistic dialogue rooted in the Hudson Valley landscape. Included here are two intimate paintings by Frederic Edwin Church.


Clouds Over Olana, 1872

Sunset from Olana,1870

These together create a quiet visual exchange across the Hudson River between Olana and the landscape surrounding the Catwalk property. Seen together, the works evoke the enduring relationship between art, atmosphere, history, and place that continues to inspire artists, scholars, and visitors today.

Catwalk Institute is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with The Olana Partnership and to support conversations that connect contemporary artistic practice with the rich cultural history of the Hudson Valley.

Artwork Credits:

Frederic Edwin Church, Clouds Over Olana, August 1872. Oil on paper. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Olana State Historic Site. Gift of Olana Preservation, Inc. and Museum Purchase, OL.1976.1

Frederic Edwin Church, Sunset from Olana, July 2, 1870. Oil on academy board. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Olana State Historic Site. Gift of Olana Preservation, Inc. and Museum Purchase, OL.1976.8

What a meaningful day at Catwalk Institute, celebrating trees, creativity, and community.

This year’s gathering brought together students, artists, educators, and local leaders—with a strong presence from the Village of Catskill Tree Council and Catskill Central School District, including members of the Catskill Elementary Student Council. It was especially powerful to see young voices actively shaping the moment.

A highlight was a beautiful piece by Catwalk artist Jean Zimmerman, read by students Katie Henderson and Brynn Jordan—grounding the event in reflection and hope for the future.

We also shared music, student presentations, and remarks from community members, creating a space that felt both thoughtful and alive.

Huge thanks to Malcarne Tree Services for donating and planting a Swamp Oak, and to everyone who helped make the day so special.

Marion Spencer Premieres h o r i z o n in NYC

photos by Carey Kirk, Anna Maynard & Dylan Angell

Catwalk Institute proudly celebrates Marion Spencer as she presents the NYC premiere of her new evening-length interdisciplinary dance work h o r i z o n, running May 13–15 at Target Margin Theater. The project brings together a dynamic ensemble of performers, sound and lighting designers, and collaborators in an ambitious exploration of movement, presence, and collective experience.

Ahead of the premiere, Spencer will present h o r i z o n tentacle, an experimental gallery iteration on May 3 at Fridman Gallery, offering audiences an intimate entry point into the evolving work.

In addition, Spencer recently shared her developing solo project ecdysis in Durham, following her residency with the American Dance Festival. Presented across multiple venues, the work continues to expand through performance and collaboration.

EVENT DETAILS

h o r i z o n
May 13–15, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Target Margin Theater

TICKETS

h o r i z o n tentacle
May 3, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Fridman Gallery

TICKETS

http://www.marion-spencer.com/

Monica Ferrell’s Spring 2026 reading series in New York.

Monica Ferrell will appear in the Poetry Society of America Reading Series with Joshua Bennett on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (7:00 p.m.) in Brooklyn, followed by a reading as part of Four Way Books’ Spring 2026 celebration on Tuesday, March 31 (7:00 p.m.) in New York City. She will also participate in a triple book launch at Books Are Magic (Brooklyn) on Friday, April 10, 2026, marking a vibrant season of literary events.

Jacinta Clusellas Continues Development of AZUL

Jacinta Clusellas

Catwalk Institute proudly shares that composer and guitarist Jacinta Clusellas (Catwalk 2019 collaborator) continues the journey of her celebrated project AZUL, developed through institutions including Goodman Theatre and Goodspeed Musicals’ New Works programs, alongside ongoing work as a teaching artist and composer for stage and media.

https://playbill.com/article/songwriter-series-aker-clusellas-pandiani