Upstate Now: Art, Design, and Rural Life in the Hudson Valley and Catskills

A gorgeous coffee table book rich with photographs and stories about place, community, and living a creative life in the singular world of New York's Hudson Valley.

Today, the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains are home not only to once-harried Brooklynites adapting to small-town living or West Coasters living a Hollywood version of American country life but also to locals who grew up in the region and are committed to new ventures. Each demographic and generation--from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Gen Xers--brings its own perspective, redefining old ideas and creating exciting new spaces, lifestyles, and destinations. Upstate Now offers an immersive snapshot of the people living in and their impact on this historic and enchantingly beautiful region, exploring:

• Cultural institutions, including The Iroquois Museum and the Shaker Settlement
• Art destinations such as Bill Arning Exhibitions and the sprawling non-profit Art Omi center
• Designers and design landmarks, including the Deer Mountain Inn and architect Steven Holl's "T" Space for art, music, and performance
• Daily pleasures in food, flowers, and farms at places like Silver Brothers Distillery and the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

While some of the region's architecture dates to early American history, new designs range from restorations and renovations to modernizations and innovations. What links them all is an appreciation of the natural beauty and resources of the surroundings. Upstate Now interweaves short reports with full feature-length stories, all beautifully photographed by the author.

A FRESH TAKE ON THE HUDSON VALLEY: Collectible books about the region generally focus on residential design and interiors. This book takes a unique perspective, sharing the stories of the people who have made their homes here--including designers, artists, farmers, and entrepreneurs--and explores their creative lives in text and photos.

STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY: Author and photographer Michel Arnaud is renowned for his portraiture, lifestyle, and interiors work. His previous books include Detroit: The Dream Is Now and Cool Is Everywhere: New and Adaptive Design Across America, and his images have been featured regularly in the pages of Vogue, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, Harper's Bazaar, and Town & Country.

Perfect for:

• Collectors of architecture, design, and décor books
• Architectural and regional history buffs
• Hudson Valley and Catskill region residents
• Lifelong, former, and future New Yorkers
• Photography fans and armchair travelers
• Host/hostess or housewarming gift

Author: Michel Arnaud,Jane Creech
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
Published: 09/16/2025
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 3.70lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.80w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781797231587


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/28/2025

About the Author
Michel Arnaud is an internationally recognized photographer whose work has appeared in publications such as Vogue, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, and Harper's Bazaar. He is the principal photographer of more than twenty design and lifestyle books, as well as the author of Detroit: The Dream Is Now and Cool Is Everywhere: New and Adaptive Design Across America. He and his family live in Upstate New York.

Jane Creech is an agent, artist, editor, and writer living in upstate New York with her husband and son. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, she attended the Rhode Island School of Design, then moved to New York City, where she lived for almost thirty years. In 1999, she began an over twenty-five-year career in publishing.