Windham Arts Alliance

Mission
To develop the Windham, New York area as a cultural center and artistic destination for residents and visitors by coordinating and promoting the visual, performing, and literary arts as well as other cultural activities.

About The Area
The Town of Windham, located in Greene County in the northern Catskill Mountains, is a delightfully curious mixture of cultures, set amidst some of the finest scenic beauty found anywhere. A leisurely drive from either Boston or New York brings you to roads that wander amidst forest, flowers and fields, with views that bring peace and joy to the inner soul. Wandering any back road affords solitude and a feast for the senses. Streams, waterfalls, mountains, farms all compete for your attention. Perhaps, at this time of the year, this poem, penned by an Alliance member, says it all……

Is it any wonder that art thrives in such an environment? Come and find out why so many visitors are so enchanted that they return again and again.

OLDE CATSKILLS

original poem by Robert Cepale

Oh those days gone by when people worked hard and long,
They lived their lives more right than wrong.
Life in the Catskills surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks Kaaterskill Falls, rivers, lakes     and creeks is a joy to behold as horse and buggy roamed the  countryside.
The laughter of a family and kids enjoying a relaxing hayride.
The sounds of the country was like a symphony of its own.
The moos of the cows, the oinks  and chirps would set the tone.
The sound of the anvil from the village blacksmith shop.
Birds in the trees singing their songs way up on top.
A Ferry boat cruising along the Hudson River and  honking it's foghorn.
An unwelcome rooster's awakening call so early in  the morn.
Hush a minute. Listen. Can you hear the train whistle from afar?
And then it is suddenly upon you, roaring by car by car.
The seasons in the country responding to nature's call.
The glistening yellow-orange, red and bronze  leaves of Fall.
The young buds on the trees announcing the start  of Spring.
Winter sleigh rides. Hear the jingle bells ring.
Hot summers sitting on the front porch hoping for a breeze.
Sharing cold lemonade with neighbors that mom would fresh squeeze.
This was the country for sunrises, sunsets, and heavy windy rain.
Not easy for wagons to make it through the muddy terrain.
Towns and villages had identity and soul before strip malls took their toll.
I would like to pull myself away from the conveniences of today,
if it's an adventure I could bear and journey back in time wandering through the old Catskills of yesteryear.