December Programs

Friday-Sunday, December 3- January 2, 2011, 11am-4pm Last tour starts promptly at 3pm, House closed December 25 and January 1
Holiday House Tours
Visitors Center
All Ages
$9/adult; $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 or members of The Olana Partnership.
Visit for Christmas with the Churches; learn how the family spent the holiday at home. Hear oldest son Frederic Joseph's letter to Santa Claus, and hear what other family and visitors wrote about the experience. Call (518) 828-0135 for info.

Saturdays, 12-4PM
Art in the Barn
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Ages 3-8 (caregivers)
Free *Vehicle use fee applies
Join our open art studio every Saturday with teaching artist Jill Ann Schwartz. Begin with the expressive art of dance and story-telling, then "get messy" with hands-on projects such as mural painting, print-making, collage, and sculpture. Monthly themes include: Art & Nature, The Farm, Architecture, The River. Come meet friends and have fun.

Sunday, December 5, 1-4pm
Victorian Wreaths & Kissing Balls
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Adults
$10/adult; $5/member
Mary K. Hughes, Olana Flower Garden Caretaker, will teach the art of creating Victorian wreaths and kissing balls in this hands-on workshop. Exquisite natural materials will be provided as well as artistic add-ons. Mary holds degrees in Horticulture and Floriculture and has a floral design certificate from SUNY Cobleskill Agriculture. Space is limited; register by preceding Friday: (518) 828-1872 x 109.

Sunday, December 5, 2-4pm
The Merry Minstrels and Olana's Annual Holiday Bonfire
Visitors Center
All Ages
Free
Take a late afternoon holiday tour, then warm up at the bonfire while enjoying the sounds of traditional Victorian caroling performed by The Merry Minstrels. Caroling from 2-4pm, bonfire from 3-4pm. Call (518) 828-0135 for info.

Saturday, December 11, 11:30am
Family Tour at Olana
Visitors Center
Families
$9/adult; $8/students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership.
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.