Testimonials

“At Catwalk last summer, I planted the seeds for a new body of work exploring spatial relationships through use of ink, plexiglas and performance. I would like to return to Catwalk to advance this project I have been experimenting with this past year.” “
-Alexa Meade, Vassar Alum

 

“Catwalk is also holds a historically significant place in the history of American architecture. The grounds are tranquil and inspiring–this is a meditative place for creative work. Purcell is also beacon of knowledge and experience. ”
-Noe Kidder, SAIC and Vassar Alum

“Sitting on the banks of the Hudson River one is reminded of the convergence of art, natural, and political histories. Within a short driving distance residents can attend wonderful cultural spaces and events.”
–Dara Greenwald, SAIC Staff, 1998-2005; MFA, Writing, Alum 2003; SAIC Part-Time Faculty 2003-2005

“The month I spent at Catwalk during July 2005 was one of the most productive experiences of my life as a writer. I wrote 80 pages of my novel, The Heroines, which I sold a year later to Scribner and five foreign publishers. Aspects of the Catwalk scenery crept into my work: the thunderstorms, the heat, the cry of a catbird. I worked late into the night in the glorious tower, inspired by the artistic atmosphere provided by Jim and Purcell Palmer. They were both delightful companions, warm and welcoming, so generous to share their magical home and grounds with me, an SAIC faculty member. I cannot thank them enough.”
–  Eileen Favorite, Author

“… the landscape of course was incredibly inspiring and Purcell was a wonderful hostess offering to share her knowledge of beautiful little hidden alcoves.”
–. Sumakshi Singh, SAIC Faculty and Alum

“My time in Catwalk …was one of the most intensive  and inspiring time(s) that I had experienced, as I photographed few thousand images over 10 days. In result, Ex Post Facto series was exhibited in Chelsea, New York in May 2008 (solo show), and was published from Nazraeli Press as a newest edition to their famous “One Picture Book” series in May 2009.”
– Mayumi Lake, SAIC Alum and Photography Faculty

“As a plein air landscape painter, the landscape of the Hudson Valley has been an invaluable resource for my work.”
–Judy Koon Painting and Drawing Alum

“The residence is situated in an ideal location–secluded, ample work space, access and proximity to creative communities in the region.  The residency provided much needed space and time to pursue new ideas and work. It was enormously beneficial to my studio practice. Not only did the residency allow for a focused studio time, it also led me to experiment and take chances with the unfamiliar. ”
–Ann Chen, SAIC FYP Faculty and MFA Painting and Drawing Alum

“This program is designed as a private creative retreat for artists in the world famous Hudson River Valley, where the American art movement was born… In the course of five years, nearly one hundred artists resided at Catwalk and produced important new artwork that has been the stepping stone for many of them into the International spotlight…The Palmers have dedicated themselves physically, financially and spiritually to the success of Catwalk and to the creation of work made there..”
-- Merry-Beth Noble, SAIC Alum and CATWALK Program Coordinator

“The 65 acre estate has been a fertile ground for us to develop and research material and to make specific performance, writing texts, video, and creative dialogue and conversations between ourselves, Purcell and other artists whom we have connected and collaborated with on the estate.”
–Mark Jeffery and Judd Morrissey, SAIC Faculty Performance, and Art and Tech / Writing

“Without the time to explore imaginative impulses at Catwalk, I may not have reached the conclusion to expand beyond what was familiar and comfortable to me.  My example shows the critical contribution Catwalk makes in the support of developing artists such as myself..”
– Christine Taylor, SAIC BFA Alum

“Memories, images and objects…the mixing of all that in that privileged place of ‘following a wandering mind….. it was fun to look back …  and feel how ALIVE I was. thank you thank you thank you”
–Jane Beatrice Wegscheider

“I think about Catwalk all the time…it was inseparable to my growth as an artist and bringing me to an understanding of what an apotheosis of isolation demands of a person. The …drawing was by far the most important thing I had ever done artistically at the time. It was impossible to have made without Catwalk. And It opened a personal door that everything I have made since has come through. ”
–Matthew Woodward

“Catwalk allowed us the time and space to work independently and together, so as not to drive each other crazy… so as to actually get the project done.  The landscape surrounding Jim and Purcell’s home is nothing short of magical and renewed my connection to the daily practice of art-making…So to call the time there ‘productive’ is a major understatement.  It was a reminder of who I am and the astounding amount of work I am able to do, if only I find the time and space to do it.”
– Jeff Harms, Alumni, SAIC MFA Sculpture

“For me the catwalk residency in 2008 was a great opportunity to have dedicated time to work with my sister on a collaborative project. “
–  Rebecca and Emily Carter,  SAIC MFA and BFA Alumni

“The residency is an excellent resource for the school, a rare privilege, hosted by gracious patrons in an incredible locale.”
– Brian Torrey Scott,  SAIC Faculty and Alumni, Writing

“..my time at catwalk has been incredibly productive and the experience an absolutely positive one.”
–Judith Leemann, MFA Fiber and Material Studies Alum

“-catwalk offered me a space to break away from the grind of the everyday to stop, breathe, think, and create without interruption …-catwalk is in a prime location for artists…nestled in peace and quiet…and only a short time away from amazing AMAZING arts organizations, museums, theatre, music, writing, you name it…THE PLACE IS RICH”
– Dana Vinger, MFA Writing Alum

“Somehow time elongated there.”
–Kym Olsen and Trevor Martin Performance MFA Alums

“…it was a wonderful way to share ideas on process, art history, and current art practice. AND in a leisurely and friendly fashion, not standing in a gallery or a faculty/staff soiree, but rather over time, over lunch, during a hike, or as we worked side by side on a Catskills Mountain lookout.”
–Lori Felker MFA Film, Video and New Media Alum

“I have many fond memories of being at Catwalk, and whenever the hustle of the city gets to me I try to think of my long leafy walks down to the river…Thank you again for the opportunity to live and work on your beautiful property.”
– Natalie Beall