Is any prior experience needed?

No, the workshop is suitable for beginners and all skill levels.

All materials are provided, but bringing an apron, notebook, and comfortable clothes is recommended.

Can children participate?

Yes, children over age 8 can join, but adult supervision is advised.

How long is the workshop?

The session lasts approximately 2 hours.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, workshops tend to fill quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is ample parking at the historic site.

Land Adventures at Thomas Cole National Historic Site with Grey Fox Felting

Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site offers an inspiring backdrop for creative outdoor-inspired activities. Known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, this site becomes an unexpected hub for craft and connection during Grey Fox Felting’s Second Saturday workshop. Led by Erin from Grey Fox Felting, participants are invited to immerse themselves in the tactile world of needle felting, a process that transforms soft wool into charming, festive figurines. This workshop is a perfect blend of art, nature, and hands-on fun, making it a standout experience in the region.

The session guides you through the step-by-step process of needle felting, culminating in a delightful felted cat inspired by the themes of Emily Cole and her historic surroundings. The activity is beginner-friendly but also offers plenty of room for creativity, allowing visitors to craft their own unique designs while enjoying the inspiring views of the Catskill Mountains. The workshop’s setting—just a short drive from Albany and New York City—makes it accessible for a weekend getaway focused on outdoor adventure and cultural discovery.

The historic site itself, established in 1842, is renowned for its connection to the Hudson River School of art and offers beautiful gardens and scenic vistas that enrich the creative experience. Beyond the craft, visitors can explore the surrounding landscapes, with opportunities for gentle walks that showcase the area's natural beauty. This blend of history, art, and nature makes Grey Fox Felting’s workshop an extraordinary outdoor activity that combines the best of the Hudson Valley’s outdoors and cultural heritage.

Perfect for those seeking a relaxing yet engaging outdoor activity, this workshop fosters connection with nature through art, making it an ideal addition to a day of outdoor adventure in the region.

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.