Catskill's rich history as an arts center begins with Thomas Cole, the famous founder of the Hudson River School of Painting. His home and studio have been restored as the Cedar Grove National Historic Site.

On Main Street, the Greene County Council on the Arts is housed in a two-story gallery that displays local work. The architectural history of Catskill is evident on every street in every style, from the magnificent Greek Revival Beattie-Powers House (also a museum) to the Beaux Arts interior of the Community Theater.