Do I need to reserve a spot for the roundtable?

Yes, advance registration is recommended as seating may be limited.

Is the event suitable for children?

While designed for adults, some children interested in art and history may enjoy the experience.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are often available but should be booked in advance.

Can I visit the estate outside of the event?

Absolutely, the estate and gardens are open to the public year-round.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, ample parking is available at the estate.

Are refreshments provided?

Light refreshments may be available; check the event details beforehand.

Art and Nature at Thomas Cole National Historic Site | Events

Located in the scenic Hudson River Valley, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site offers more than just a window into American landscape painting—it’s a hub for contemporary artistic dialogue. The recent Artist & Curator Roundtable titled "Emily Cole: Ceramics, Flora & Contemporary Practices" elevates the site’s reputation as a meeting ground for innovation and cultural exchange. This engaging event brings together curators, renowned ceramicists, and art enthusiasts to discuss the groundbreaking exhibition showcasing Emily Cole’s work, along with contributions from feminist ceramicists Ann Agee, Francesca DiMattio, and Valerie Hegarty. These artists push boundaries by blending traditional ceramics with contemporary themes rooted in flora and identity, challenging viewers to reconsider the role of craft within fine art. The site itself, once the home of painter Thomas Cole—the founder of the Hudson River School—serves as an inspiring backdrop that celebrates both natural beauty and creative expression. Visitors can stroll through the historic estate, which features meticulously preserved architecture and lush surroundings, making it a vibrant location for discovering art that bridges historical beauty with forward-thinking practice. The roundtable event adds a vibrant layer of cultural relevance, making this site a standout destination for those interested in the confluence of nature, history, and modern art. Whether you're a fan of ceramics, history, or innovation in contemporary practices, this event underscores the Thomas Cole site’s unique place in fostering artistic dialogue and community engagement. It’s a perfect addition to your cultural itinerary, offering enriching perspectives on art that redefines traditional narratives while surrounded by the scenic allure of the Hudson River Valley.

About Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, New York preserves the home, studio, and landscape associated with Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School. The site presents guided and self-guided visits, rotating exhibitions, hands-on workshops, seasonal festivals, and group tour packages for diverse audiences.

Programs include curator-led tours, Sunday Salon talks, artist and curator roundtables, craft workshops such as needle-felting and pressed-flower making, plant-dyeing classes, educational teacher workshops, and family events tied to harvest celebrations. The site also interprets Emily Cole’s legacy through exhibitions that feature painted porcelain, works on paper, and contemporary responses to her art.

Museum educators and trained Museum Guides lead visits and workshops, and collaborating historians, curators, and artists contribute expertise to public programs. Group visits accommodate 12 to 40 participants with guided experiences up to seventy-five minutes, followed by access to the on-site gift shop. Special events have included partnerships with local organizations such as Wild Hudson Valley and Arm-of-the-Sea Theater, highlighting regional ecology, agricultural history, and community creativity.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site operates as a steward of historic architecture, landscape, and artistic legacy, offering accessible educational programming for families, students, art lovers, and historians. Visitors to the site encounter curated exhibitions, interactive activities, and opportunities to learn about early nineteenth-century American art and environmental ideas that informed Thomas Cole’s work. Trained Museum Guides answer questions and enhance interpretation for visitors; special exhibitions, rotating programs, and partnerships connect Cole’s art to landscape, regional history, ecological themes, and contemporary artistic practice and education.