Olana State Historic Site

SUNY ESF Students Launch Olana Nature Walks

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Olana State Historic Site interns Danielle and Jessica Zeller will launch three self-guided nature walks on Sunday, June 27th. Each of the three experiences will focus on a different part of Olana’s landscape- the lake, meadows and forests.

“Did you know Olana State Historic Site is one of only five known locations in the state where you can see Shrubby St. John’s Wort, a threatened species in New York? Or that Olana’s lake is home to invasive Chinese Mystery Snails?” ask the interns. “You can find out more about these species and others in the area on the nature walks.”

Starting on Sunday, visitors can pick up a map and guide in Olana’s Visitor Center or Wagon House Education Center, then venture out to learn more about the site’s natural history. On Sunday, June 27th, Danielle and Jessica will be at Olana’s Visitor Center between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. promoting the new guides and seeking feedback on their content.

Danielle and Jessica are 2006 alumni of Cairo-Durham High School and 2008 alumni of Columbia Greene Community College. Both are now enrolled in the Natural History and Interpretation program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse.

Olana, the home and studio of Hudson River School artist Frederic E. Church, is a New York State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark. It is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. Olana is one of six historic sites and 15 parks administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Taconic Region. The Olana Partnership is a private, not-for-profit organization, which works cooperatively with New York State to support the preservation, restoration, development, and improvement of Olana State Historic Site. Call 518-828-0135, visit www.nysparks.com or www.olana.org for further information.

Photo: Danielle and Jessica Zeller exploring Olana’s Lake Road, Image courtesy Olana State Historic Site, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Upcoming Events at Olana State Historic Site

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The Olana New York State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Hudson Valley and upstate New York has announced a series of upcoming events.

Named for a fortress treasure-house in ancient Persia, Olana was the home of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), one of America’s most important artists, a student of Thomas Cole, and a major figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Olana stands high on a hill near Hudson, New York and offers sweeping vistas of the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson River and the Taconic Hills.

Family Tour at Olana
Saturday, June 12, 11:30AM

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Take the family tour then stop by the Wagon House Education Center for Art in the Barn, or borrow a backpack full of activities to do on the grounds – a family day at Olana couldn’t be more perfect! Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.

Garden Walk
Monday, June 14, 4-5pm

Join Mary K. Hughes on an informational walk through Church’s flower garden. Learn a little history as well as new plant care and maintenance of perennial gardens. Bring questions on Heirloom annuals and perennials- stay for the Olana sunsets. Mary holds a degree in Horticulture as well as Floriculture has a floral design certificate from SUNY Cobleskill Agriculture College and has owned and operated her own business for 8 years. In addition, Mary runs a greenhouse that specializes in Heirloom plants, was on the board of trustees for the Hudson Valley Flower show as well as a ribbon holder for design and currently is a member of the New York in Bloom Flower Expo that raises money for after school activities in Albany County. Adults. Free. Meet at Olana’s Flower Garden at the top of the hill. Rain or shine.

First Day of Summer Hike
Monday, June 21, 9AM

Explore carriage drives and sweeping views as you learn a little more about the Olana landscape. Families welcome! Pre-registration required by 4PM the Wednesday preceding. Dress for the weather and meet in front of the Visitor Center. Free. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

Family Tour at Olana
Saturday, June 26, 11:30AM

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Take the family tour then stop by the Wagon House Education Center for Art in the Barn, or borrow a backpack full of activities to do on the grounds – a family day at Olana couldn’t be more perfect! Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.

Music at the Farm
Saturday, June 26, 4-6PM

Join us for a contemporary concert, interpreting the spirit of Olana with drums from around the world. Musician David Macejka, (http://www.davidmacejka.com/) will perform music influenced by Church’s admiration for Persian architecture and culture. An open drum circle (please bring your own drums if you’d like to participate) will follow. Rain or shine. Seats limited- register by the preceding Friday: 518.828.1872&#215-110. Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex. All ages. Free.

Garden Walk
Monday, July 5, 4-5pm

Join Mary K. Hughes on an informational walk through Church’s flower garden. Learn a little history as well as new plant care and maintenance of perennial gardens. Bring questions on Heirloom annuals and perennials- stay for the Olana sunsets. Mary holds a degree in Horticulture as well as Floriculture has a floral design certificate from SUNY Cobleskill Agriculture College and has owned and operated her own business for 8 years. In addition, Mary runs a greenhouse that specializes in Heirloom plants, was on the board of trustees for the Hudson Valley Flower show as well as a ribbon holder for design and currently is a member of the New York in Bloom Flower Expo that raises money for after school activities in Albany County. Adults. Free. Meet at Olana’s Flower Garden at the top of the hill. Rain or shine.

Family Tour at Olana
Saturday, July 10, 11:30AM

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Take the family tour then stop by the Wagon House Education Center for Art in the Barn, or borrow a backpack full of activities to do on the grounds – a family day at Olana couldn’t be more perfect! Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.

The Journey Summer Arts Program: Session I
Monday, July 12 &#8211 Friday, July 16, 9AM-2PM

Children ages 6-12 work in small groups at the picturesque estate of Frederic Church, renowned Hudson River School artist, as they journey to one of the locales visited by Church in the 19th century. Through art, music, movement, history, nature walks, poetry and other hands-on activities in the Wagon House Education Center, children experience the life and travels of this landmark artist. Call (518) 828-1872&#215-110 for more info. Ages 6-12, $165/child- $125 members of The Olana Partnership. Click here for application.

ONGOING EVENTS

Fern Hunting among These Picturesque Mountains:
Frederic Edwin Church in Jamaica
Evelyn & Maurice Sharp Gallery
Thursday &#8211 Sunday, June 6 – October 31, 11AM-4PM

In 1865, Frederic Church, an avid traveler with a special passion for the tropics, journeyed to Jamaica. This was unlike his previous expeditions, as he and his wife, Isabel, were escaping from intense personal grief: the loss of their two young children. Throwing himself into the exploration and documentation of the island, the renowned artist produced a variety of works ranging from delicate pen sketches of palm trees to oil sketches of the atmospheric Blue Mountains and brilliant sunsets. The importance of the trip is reflected in the number of studies Church chose to mount, frame, and display at Olana, which became a major attraction for visitors to his home. The best of the related sketches and paintings from Jamaica comprise the exhibit. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

In the Footsteps of Frederic Church: Photos by Larry Lederman
Tuesday &#8211 Sunday, June 6 –October 31, 10am-4pm

Larry Lederman is a photographer and writer who has traveled to many of the locations Frederic Church visited. This exhibition displays photographs of a number of sites that Frederic Church painted and seek to evoke his artistic vision and explore his art. The photographs affirm that many of the wilderness enclaves Church painted still exist, preserved as part of our heritage because of the beauty that he and other nineteenth century painters captured. Copies of the photos will be available for sale in the Olana museum shop. Olana Coachman’s House, All ages, included with grounds fee.

Art in the Barn
Saturdays, 12-4PM, April 3 -December 4

Young artists (ages 3-5) and their caregivers/friends are welcome to the Wagon House Education Center for their first exposures to art! Let Olana inspire your little one- meet new fri
ends, get messy, and discover art together. Come promptly at 12pm to participate in the 12-1pm music, story-telling, dance and movement portion- 1-4pm is drop-in open art studio time to unleash the creativity. Themes: Architecture- Farm History- The Hudson River. Free. Vehicle fee applies though October. Call (518) 828-1872 for information.

Olana on the Move Backpacks
Thursdays-Sundays, 12-4PM, April 4 through December 5

Families are welcome to borrow a backpack to explore the Olana landscape! Backpacks can be signed out at the Olana Visitor Center (and the Wagon House Education Center on Saturdays and Sundays) and contain trail maps and self-guided activities to enrich family visits. Two themed backpacks are available: ‘Exploration Today: Discover Olana’ and ‘View it Like an Artist’. Take your sketches home, or donate them to our ongoing public exhibit in the Wagon House Education Center! Please be prepared to leave a driver’s license or other photo ID until backpack is returned. Free. Vehicle fee applies Saturday/Sunday through October. Not available July 4. Call (518) 828-1872 for information.

ARTlandish!
Sundays, 1-4PM, April 4 &#8211 December 5

Create art in the landscape – not such an outlandish idea! Frederic Church sketched outside noting the details in nature and then went back to the studio to paint. Drop in at the Education Center for sketch paper, pencils and clipboards. Then head out into Olana’s picturesque landscape to sketch your very own view. Come back to the “studio” (Education Center) to use colored pencils, oil pastels and watercolors to finish your artwork. Please be prepared to leave a photo ID until all sketch materials are returned. Not available July 4. Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex. All ages. Free.

Olana State Historic Site to Open, Events Announced

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Olana State Historic Site will return to a summer schedule this Friday, April 2, 2010. As always, the Olana landscape remains open daily from 8 am until sunset for hiking, dog-walking, picnicking or just enjoying the view. All pets must be on leashes. The spring tour season kicks off with April Fools Olana! tours available Friday, April 2 – Saturday, April 3 at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Objects that just don’t belong are scattered throughout the house. See how many you can find! Standard tour fees apply.

Here is an list of upcoming events at Olana State Historic Site:

April Fools Olana!
Friday, April 2 – Saturday, April 3
Tours at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM daily

Olana’s been pranked! Objects that just don’t fit in are scattered throughout the house, some better hidden than others. Bring the family and see who has the sharpest eye. Admission is free for members of The Olana Partnership. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12. Standard tours available on the hour and half hour except for the times listed above. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

FIRST FRIDAYS SERIES: April 2 (Also May 7, June 4)

Easy Tai chi (10:00 AM &#8211 12 PM)

Tap into the spirituality of nature (like a Hudson River School artist but without the paint)! Tai chi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. The body moves slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating. Many practitioners believe that Tai chi helps the flow throughout the body of a proposed vital energy called qi, increasing our wellness. Join John Middlebrooks (Omega Institute) as he guides you in this intro class. Classes will meet at the education center- if weather permits we will practice out in the landscape that day. Please attend all three classes as they go in sequence and allow time for practice. Space is limited- register by the preceding Thursday: [email protected] (518)828- 1872&#215-110. Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex. Adults. Free.

Visual Arts Workshop (1-3 PM)

Retired? Ready to finally explore your love of art? It is never too late! Adults with little or no formal art training will realize that creating art can be accomplished through a variety of materials and techniques. Create a work of art in a safe setting with new friends, providing a personal sense of accomplishment and ownership. Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex. Adults (50+). Free. Register: [email protected] or (518) 828-1872 x110.

MyStory in History: Contemporary Art in a Historical World (4-5 PM)

Use the life of Frederic Church and his home, Olana, as inspiration, to take a new look at the world. In this mixed media after school drop-off art class lead by local art teacher Claudia Brehse, you will begin to think about the importance of art as a form of communication, about the “message of the medium” and why people collect and create art. Students will work in the studio to create the newest history- the history of you. Great for homeschoolers or teen art club members. Register: [email protected] or (518) 828-1872 x110.

Landscape Yoga (5:30-6:30 PM)

This gentle yoga class will bring the inspiring picturesque landscape views inside. Celebrate the spirituality of nature with yoga instructor Ed Sisk from the Yoga With Ed studio in Hudson, NY. Mats and modification tools will be provided- you are welcome to bring your own. Space is limited. Free. Register: [email protected] or (518).828.1872&#215-110.

Educator Tour
Tuesday, April 6, 10am

Join area educators for a tour with Olana’s Director of Education. Discussion will include history as well as practical application, and participants are invited to sit down together after the tour to discuss content and classroom applications. Educator resources will be available. Reservations are required by 4pm Monday, April 5th. Regular tour rates apply, $9/adult, $8 student/senior. Call 518.828.0135 to reserve a space.

Family Tour at Olana
Saturday, April 10, 11:30 AM

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Take the family tour then stop by the Wagon House Education Center for Art in the Barn, or borrow a backpack full of activities to do on the grounds – a family day at Olana couldn’t be more perfect! Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.

An Historian’s Look at Victorian Flower Arranging: Lecture and Demonstration
Sunday, April 11, 1-3PM

Floral Decorations played an important role in 19th century interiors and entertaining. As one looks at the second half of the 19th century, each decade is distinguished by the type of flowers used and the style of floral arrangement &#8212- it is not all baby’s breath and lace! An illustrated lecture will show how flowers were used in arrangements, how flowers looked in the early 19th century, and how their appearance has changed through years of hybridizing and selection. Ellen McClelland Lesser’s demonstration will show how to create authentic arrangements using correct plant materials and containers. Ellen has done arrangements in the main house at Olana including the dining table arrangement for the annual holiday reception in the past. Ellen holds a Certificate in Commercial Floral Design from the New York Botanical Garden and a First Level Certificate from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana (Japanese floral design). Seating is limited- register by the preceding Friday: [email protected] (518) 828.1872&#215-110.

Upcoming Events at Olana State Historic Site

admin

The Olana New York State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Hudson Valley and upstate New York has announced a series of upcoming events.

Named for a fortress treasure-house in ancient Persia, Olana was the home of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), one of America’s most important artists, a student of Thomas Cole, and a major figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Olana stands high on a hill near Hudson, New York and offers sweeping vistas of the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson River and the Taconic Hills.

Family Tour at Olana
Saturday, March 13, 11:30AM

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.

First Spring Weekend Hike
Sunday, March 21, 1PM

Celebrate the first weekend of spring (and the Vernal Equinox) by getting outside for a little fresh air. Pre-registration required by 4PM the Wednesday preceding. Dress for the weather and meet in front of the Visitor Center.

Local Flora and Fauna: Nature Photography
Monday, March 22, 10AM-12PM

Larry Federman, Assistant Warden/Educator for Audubon New York’s Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries offers this exciting lecture on the flora and fauna of our community. In the course of daily routines, Larry always has a camera with him at Audubon sites- now you can too discover the plants and animals that call these sanctuaries home through his incidental photos. After the presentation we’ll head out for a landscape walk- bring your binoculars and cameras! Children sized binoculars and sketch pads will be available for borrow. Come out and capture the first of spring. All ages. Free. Meet at Olana’s Wagon House Education Center. Register: [email protected] or (518) 828-1872 ext. 110.

Green Gardening
Friday, March 26, 2-4PM

Spring is almost here! Watch your own kitchen garden grow: come to Olana’s farm complex to create your own fairy garden to bring home. Plant herb, vegetable and/or flower seeds in recyclable/re-used containers and then decorate your garden pots with art supplies inspired by Olana. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Free. Register: [email protected] or call (518) 828-1872 x110.

Family Tour at Olana
Saturday, March 27, 11:30AM

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.

Landscape Yoga
Sunday, March 28, 3-4PM

Does your New Year’s resolution include time for well-being? Nourish body and soul this winter in our education center that has radiant floor heating! This gentle yoga class will bring the inspiring picturesque landscape views inside, celebrating the spirituality of nature. Yoga instructor Ed Sisk from the Yoga With Ed studio in Hudson, NY will provide mats and modification tools, or you are welcome to bring your own. $10/adult- $5/member. Space is limited. Register: (518).828.1872 x110.

April Fools Olana!
Thursday, April 1 – Sunday, April 4

Tours at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM daily

Olana’s been pranked! Objects that just don’t fit in are scattered throughout the house, some better hidden than others. Bring the family and see who has the sharpest eye. Admission is free for members of The Olana Partnership. $9/adult- $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12. Standard tours available on the hour and half hour except for the times listed above. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

FIRST FRIDAYS SERIES:

April 2 (Also May 7, June 4)

Easy Tai chi, 10:00AM-12PM
Tap into the spirituality of nature (like a Hudson River School artist but without the paint)! Tai chi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. The body moves slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating. Many practitioners believe that Tai chi helps the flow throughout the body of a proposed vital energy called qi, increasing our wellness. Join John Middlebrooks (Omega Institute) as he guides you in this intro class. Classes will meet at the education center- if weather permits we will practice out in the landscape that day. Please attend all three classes as they go in sequence and allow time for practice. Space is limited- register by the preceding Thursday: [email protected] (518)828- 1872&#215-110. Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex. Adults. Free.

Visual Arts Workshop, 1-3PM

Retired? Ready to finally explore your love of art? It is never too late! Adults with little or no formal art training will realize that creating art can be accomplished through a variety of materials and techniques. Create a work of art in a safe setting with new friends, providing a personal sense of accomplishment and ownership. Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex. Adults (50+). Free. Register: [email protected] or (518) 828-1872 x110.

MyStory in History: Contemporary Art in a Historical World, 4-5PM

Use the life of Frederic Church and his home, Olana, as inspiration, to take a new look at the world. In this mixed media after school drop-off art class lead by local art teacher Claudia Brehse, you will begin to think about the importance of art as a form of communication, about the “message of the medium” and why people collect and create art. Students will work in the studio to create the newest history- the history of you. Great for homeschoolers or teen art club members. Register: [email protected] or (518) 828-1872 x110.

Landscape Yoga, 5:30-6:30PM

This gentle yoga class will bring the inspiring picturesque landscape views inside. Celebrate the spirituality of nature with yoga instructor Ed Sisk from the Yoga With Ed studio in Hudson, NY. Mats and modification tools will be provided- you are welcome to bring your own. Space is limited. Free. Register: [email protected] or (518).828.1872&#215-110.

Educator Tour
Tuesday, April 6, 10am

Join area educators for a tour with Olana’s Director of Education. Discussion will include history as well as practical application, and participants are invited to sit down together after the tour to discuss content and classroom applications. Educator resources will be available. Reservations are required by 4pm Monday, April 5th. Regular tour rates apply, $9/adult, $8 student/senior. Call 518.828.0135 to reserve a space.