WELCOME TO CATWALK

We are excited to welcome you to the Catwalk Art Residency in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Our goal is to provide an inspiring, functional, and peaceful environment for your creative work.

Chuck Irwin (917-885-9727) is our Property Manager. He knows every corner of the property and is on-site Monday through Friday, 10AM to 5PM. He can assist with workspace setup, equipment, and any building or land-related questions.

On the day after arrival, Chuck will give residents a walking tour of the property. During this tour, he will point out important property lines and boundaries. Please pay close attention to these areas to ensure everyone remains within permitted spaces throughout the residency.

  • Shiela Henderson, Executive Director: On-site Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

  • Victoria Meguin, Residency Director: On-site Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays

Your workspace may include: - The studio above the garage - The Carriage House - The Garden House - Outdoor areas around the property.

Catwalk offers a variety of workspaces across the property during each residency, including writing desks, the sunroom, the tower, and other dedicated work areas. These spaces are shared communal resources.

There is no reservation system for workspaces. Residents are encouraged to communicate with one another and be attentive if someone else is interested in using a space. Please be mindful, flexible, and generous in sharing these environments so everyone has the opportunity to work comfortably.

Let us know what setup will best support your work—we’re here to help.

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HOUSEKEEPING, WASTE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

  • Residences are fully stocked with linens, towels, pillows, and blankets.

  • Please remember to turn off all interior and exterior lights at night when you are finished using a space. Even though most windows have screens, very small gnats can be attracted to light and may enter the house and die overnight.

  • Cleaning supplies are located under each sink. Please keep your space tidy.

  • A shared supply closet is located at the top of the stairs in the garage. If you need something specific during your residency, please feel free to ask Victoria.

  • Laundry for Caretaker’s Cottage: enter through the door to the left of the front entrance.

  • Do not put any food waste or grease down the drain. Use compost bins provided.

  • Trash and compost: bag and place in the garage by the pond-facing door.

  • Septic system: Only flush toilet paper and human waste—no wipes, tissues, or feminine products.

  • Spare bedding is in bedroom closets.

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SAFETY & NATURE AWARENESS

  • Ticks & Lyme disease: Use Deet before hiking. Check for ticks daily. Do not spray indoors.

  • Close all windows before leaving the lounge or studio areas—sudden storms are common.

  • Trails to the river start behind the Carriage House.

    When walking the nature trail toward the waterfront, please stay to the left of the neighbor’s posted sign and obey all posted signage.

    Do not cross beyond posted boundaries or enter neighboring property, even if the path appears inviting. Entering restricted areas is considered trespassing.

  • Bicycles are available for resident use and are stored in the main house garage. Please return bikes to the garage after use and use at your own risk — helmets recommended.

  • The driveway gate should remain closed at all times.

    The only exceptions are during resident arrival days (Wednesdays) or when contractors are scheduled and do not have gate access.

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 ARTS, CULTURE & PERFORMANCE NEAR CATWALK

These local and regional cultural destinations are great for studio breaks, quiet inspiration, performances, and exhibitions.

Cultural Sites & Arts Organizations

  • Thomas Cole National Historic Site – Historic home and studios of the founder of the Hudson River School, with exhibitions, tours, and programs about landscape art and history.

  • Olana State Historic Site – The Persian-inspired estate and studio of Frederic Church overlooking the Hudson River Valley; tours and landscape views weave art with nature.

  • CREATE Council on the Arts – Regional arts service organization fostering exhibitions, workshops, events, and community arts engagement in Greene County and beyond.

  • Bridge Street Theatre – Intimate Catskill theater presenting new plays, revivals, and experimental productions in a small professional venue.

  • Beattie-Powers Place – Historic house and arts site with concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and community programming in Catskill.

Performance Venues

  • Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center – Historic theater in Great Barrington, MA offering year-round performances, films, music, dance, and events (including programs by Close Encounters With Music).

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WRAPPING UP YOUR RESIDENCY

Check-out is by 12 PM on Sunday. Before you leave:

Residents who arrive via train must make their own arrangements for transportation back to the train station at check-out. Please note that there are no staff on site during weekends, so advance planning is essential.

  • Leave keys and any remotes on the dining table

  • Bag and dispose of all trash and compost in the garage

  • Please leave bed linens on the floor at the foot of the bed. This helps staff keep track of which linens belong to each room and place towels in the laundry area

  • Wash and put away all dishes

  • Leave unopened food in the fridge (or compost if needed)

  • Please remember to sign the Catwalk Legacy Book before departing. It is an important part of our residency tradition. Just ask us when you are ready.

  • Complete the post-residency evaluation (sent via email)

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WIFI


- Catwalk: Catwalk-Guest / Password: resident
- Catslair: Catslair1_5GHZ / Password: Catslair12414

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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Location:
- Catwalk: 4 NY-385, Catskill, NY 12414
- Catslair: 403 Hamburg Road, Catskill, NY 12414

IMPORTANT: Do not enter “Catwalk Institute” directly into map applications. This often directs visitors to an incorrect location.

Please use the exact address provided below when navigating to Catwalk.

Contacts:
- Shiela Henderson – 518-653-7715
- Victoria Meguin – 518-488-2658
- Chuck Irwin – 917-885-9727 (cell) / 518-731-8793 (home)
Alarm Password: Catwalk

Emergency: Dial 911
- Fire: 518-943-2520
- Police: 518-943-2244
- Ambulance: 518-943-2901
- Urgent Care: Catskill Urgent Care – 518-943-9100
- Hospital: Columbia Memorial – 518-828-7601

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TRANSPORTATION, GROCERIES, AND LOCAL SERVICES

Taxis:
- Pronto Taxi: 518-822-9500
- McManns Transportation: 518-610-0071

Car Rentals:
- Enterprise – Hudson: 518-828-5492
- Hertz – Hudson: 845-338-6929
- Hertz – Catskill: 518-678-3125

Train: Hudson Amtrak – 69 S Front St, Hudson, NY

Bus: Greyhound – 370 NY-23, Catskill

Groceries:
• Hannaford – 223 Main St, Cairo
• Price Chopper – 320 W Bridge St, Catskill (ask to use the store discount for sale prices)
• Walmart – 30 Catskill Commons (Walmart delivers)
• Delivery: Instacart is available for grocery delivery.

Delivery: Instacart is available for grocery delivery.

Shared SUV may be available for resident use. Residents interested in using the vehicle must contact Victoria in advance.

Use of the SUV is limited to local travel only (within 30 miles of Catwalk). The vehicle must be returned with a full tank of gas.

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FARMER’S MARKETS AND RESTAURANTS

Markets:
- Catskill Farmers Market
- Hudson Farmers Market

Restaurants and Cafés:

  • Citiot – Seasonal, chef-driven cuisine with a refined but approachable atmosphere; a standout dining destination in downtown Catskill.

  • Café Joust – Coffee, brunch, sandwiches, and light meals; a favorite local daytime spot.

  • 27 Café – Relaxed, community-oriented café with coffee, light meals, and a local vibe — perfect for an intentional break or meet-up.

  • Willa’s Bakery – Coffee, pastries, baked goods, and simple bites; ideal for mornings or an easy stop.

  • Angel’s Latin Restaurant – Latin-inspired cuisine with bold flavors and generous portions.

  • Phōs My Greek American Kitchen – Greek-American dishes, mezze, grilled items, and fresh flavors.

  • Village Pizza II – Pizza and Italian comfort food; good for quick dinners or take-out.

  • A & G Texas Weiners – Classic diner-style breakfast and lunch; long-running local staple.

  • The Salad Bar – Fresh salads and sandwiches for lighter meals.

  • Creekside Restaurant – Casual American fare with a bar; walkable from Main Street with seasonal outdoor seating.

    Many residents enjoy treating the walk or bike ride into town as part of their daily practice — a chance to stretch, think, and explore the area between studio time.

    For a wider range of dining options, nearby towns such as Hudson, Saugerties, and Athens are easily reached by car and are popular evening destinations for residents.

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CATWALK – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Catwalk?
A residency founded by Jim and Purcell Palmer in Catskill, NY. Artists stay at Catwalk or Catslair and work in the studios or surrounding land. Participants are nominated through partner institutions.

Do I need to bring anything?
All basic linens, towels, and kitchen supplies are provided. Bring clothing appropriate for outdoor weather, your art materials, and any medication. Treat outdoor shoes for ticks.

Are meals provided?
No. You’ll cook for yourself. Kitchens are fully equipped. Grocery delivery is available. Purcell may host an informal dinner for new arrivals.

What about transportation?
You’re encouraged to have a car. Taxis and bikes are options, but local public transport is limited.

Can I bring a pet?
No. For the safety of wildlife and artists, pets are not allowed. Service animals require advance approval.

Can I return?
Yes. Many alumni have attended multiple times. Contact your original partner institution.

What if I get sick?
Contact Shiela. Visit Catskill Urgent Care or Columbia Memorial Hospital for emergencies.

How should I prepare?
Review Lyme disease prevention on the CDC website. Bring proper clothing, repellents, and supplies for your practice.

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