Can I bring my own flowers?

Yes, bringing your own seasonal flowers is encouraged to personalize your project.

Is this activity suitable for children?

Absolutely, kids love working with flowers, and the process is simple enough for young crafters.

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary; all supplies and instructions are provided.

What if the weather is bad?

The workshop is indoors, so weather does not affect participation.

How many flowers can I press?

Typically, you can press several small flowers or one larger bloom per session.

Can I take my project home?

Yes, your pressed-flower candle jar will be ready to take home after the workshop.

Nature-Inspired Craft at Thomas Cole National Historic Site

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, New York, offers an inspiring backdrop for creative pursuits rooted in nature. The Sunday Salon: Pressed-Flower Workshop, led by artist Julie Goon, transforms the natural environment into handcrafted art. Participants collect and press local flowers, which then become the centerpiece of personalized glass candle jars. This hands-on activity marries botanical beauty with functional artistry, making it a standout experience for visitors to the Catskill region.

Situated amidst the rolling hills and lush landscape of the Hudson River School, the Thomas Cole site is a treasure for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. The workshop emphasizes sustainability and local flora, connecting participants with the region's rich natural diversity. The pressed flowers used in the activity showcase the seasonal blooms of the area: delicate spring wildflowers, vibrant summer blossoms, falling leaves in autumn, and hardy winter flora.

This experience is perfect for those looking to craft meaningful keepsakes while immersing themselves in the region’s botanical charm. It also provides insight into ecological practices, as the use of locally-sourced plants highlights sustainable resource use. The workshop environment encourages mindful connection to nature through artistry, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo explorers.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or trying your hand at botanical art for the first time, this workshop fits all skill levels. Plus, the setting at the historic site offers ample inspiration alongside the creative process, making each piece a reflection of the surrounding landscape’s seasonal palette. Overall, the Thomas Cole site’s pressed-flower workshop stands out as a unique way to engage with the natural beauty of the Catskills while creating a memorable piece of handmade decor.

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.