New Essay Published by Catwalk Alum Francesca Spiegel

We are thrilled to share that one of our Catwalk alumni, Francesca Spiegel, has just had a new essay titled "Prozac Nation, Revisited," published in the literary magazine Hobart. This insightful piece, which began taking shape during her residency at Catwalk, explores the profound impact of a brief acquaintance with the late Elizabeth Wurtzel, author of Prozac Nation, and reflects on the butterfly effect such encounters can have on our lives.

The essay delves into the complexities of adjusting to life in America, the ongoing struggles many face with Prozac, and the significance of Wurtzel's memoir as it marks its 30th anniversary. Francesca has graciously acknowledged Catwalk Institute in a note at the end of the essay, and we are honored to have played a small role in the creative process behind this work.

You can read the full essay [here].

A Quiet Man of Immeasurable Beauty

Jess Keyt at Catwalk

Playwright, Jess Keyt, completed a draft for her full-length play, A Quiet Man of Immeasurable Beauty, while in residence in January 2019. The play has been a four-year work-in-progress and Jess anticipates another two years of editing before a final script. Jess works as a screenwriter and used this time to reconnect with her love of writing for the stage.

Jess’ piece explores the burden of the American Dream, the exploitation of indigenous people and the environment, cults, homemade space ships, and the need for escape. The play follows a father and son across the Northwest Territories and Jess used the winter setting at Catwalk as inspiration for her character’s environment.

Jess returns to NYU Tisch’s teaching faculty in dramatic writing. Following her residency at Catwalk, Jess was accepted for a 5-month residency at Woodstock Brydcliffe Guild’s Residency Program to continue her play.

Interactive Narratives

Drawing by Owen Roberts

Multimedia artist, Owen Roberts worked on a multi-user website platform prototype while in-residence at Catwalk this January. Owen’s work incorporates drawings, animations, avatars, and voice recordings. He specifically worked on coding the logic of the interactions between multiple people entering a site.

Before arriving to Catwalk, Owen’s project was well-underway and he dedicated his time to drawing and developing narratives for user interactions. Owen completed 4-5 narratives for this prototype which included animated sketches and voice recordings. Owen made many drawings during his time in Catslair and found himself spending time doing research on presenting and distributing interactive art.  

Since new media art isn’t always a conventional way to interact with art pieces, Owen’s ultimate goal is to present this project in a physical space.

Lightning Bugs in a Jar

Catwalk, an inspiration for many independent art projects, is again poised for international exposure.  Our excitement is generated by a talented group of Vassar filmmakers who graduated in 2005. Their project, “Lightning Bugs in a Jar”, which was filmed over a four week residency at Catwalk in 2014, has just been accepted for presentation at Cannes! Ian Simpson, Sophia Betz, and Sara Wolkowitz learned the good news just recently and plans are already in the works for a Catskill premiere, so stay tuned!   In the meantime, to learn more about *Lightning Bugs in a Jar, please visit their website; http://lightningbugsinajarfilm.com/