Afterglow: Frederic Church and the Landscape of Memory, on view at Olana State Historic Site through October 27, shows how art and the natural world can be a source of reflection, peace, and beauty. Olana is both a family home and an artist’s creation, made up of 250 acres of designed landscape that frame breathtaking views. As you explore Olana State Historic Site’s landscape, listen to Olana’s community members share memories of Olana’s landscape and hear how this place is connected to meaningful recollections, memories of loved ones, and important milestones.
To learn more about the exhibition, visit OLANA.org/AFTERGLOW
While the mid-19th century is characterized by Frederic Church’s creation of his artist-designed landscape and studio, Olana, it was also a fraught period in American life. The Civil War, high infant mortality, the dangers of childbirth, and numerous infectious diseases all kept death in the forefront of American consciousness during the 1800s. Mourning jewelry, post-mortem photography, memorial portraits, and landscape paintings sought to give solace to the living.
Presented in conjunction with Afterglow: Frederic Church and the Landscape of Memory, this talk will focus on memorial paintings and objects associated with Frederic Church’s family. During this virtual webinar, Professor Susan L. Aberth will frame these practices within a wider context of American art history.
Susan L. Aberth is the Edith C. Blum Professor in the Art History and Visual Culture Program at Bard College where she teaches a number of courses that deal with death, art and spirituality in the Americas. In addition to publications on the surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, her work has also appeared in Artforum, Journal of Surrealism of the Americas, Abraxas: International Journal of Esoteric Studies, and Black Mirror.
Olana’s Free Community Day at Olana State Historic Site, the Third Thursday of every month, organized by The Olana Partnership.
Dia Comunitario Gratuito al Sitio Estatal Histórico Olana cada tercer jueves del mes, organizado por La Asociación Olana.
Third Thursday: Make Your Own Medicine Workshop
Learn more about plants and their power to heal during this FREE workshop with Community Organizer/bridge, Psycho-spiritual, Embodiment and Medicine Guide, and founder of Casa Finca, Suanny Ugegui. Create your own piece of herbal medicine to take home and practice slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world. Program will end with an invitation to watch the sunset, weather permitting. Open to all ages; offered in English and Spanish. FREE: meet at the Wagon House Education Center.
Spend your evening looking up at the cosmos in the spirit of Frederic Church’s celestial-inspired paintings! During this free, drop-in program, learn more about the night sky and when viewable planets and deep-sky objects are visible from Olana State Historic Site. Members of the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will project real-time astro-images of galaxies and nebulae inside while Saturn, Jupiter, and other objects will be visible with the aid of additional powerful telescopes outdoors. Special star-tours will be held at 7 PM and 9 PM, where an expert guide will point out the evening’s visible constellations. This program is offered in conjunction with A Closer Look.
Light refreshments will be served. FREE; drop-in anytime during the duration of the program. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure up to date info on viewing conditions. Rain and/or cloud date will be on Saturday, November 23.
Artmaking in the Afternoon
Join The Olana Partnership educators for hands-on artmaking using professional materials and a series of prompts to get your creativity flowing.
Drop in program; FREE. All materials provided. All ages welcome. Located in the Wagon House Education Center.
OLANA Winter Solstice Celebration
Celebrate the changing of the seasons during this special community day! Join a series of free opportunities and experience Olana’s beautiful winter landscape! Did you know Frederic Church was a star gazer, often including cosmic elements in his landscape paintings? Welcome the winter season by learning more about the way celestial bodies influenced Church. Join sun-gazing with Mid Hudson Astronomical Association, get a personal astrology reading with Constellation Catskill, and participate in fun sky-centric activities and games. Other events throughout the day include:
- Free access to Olana’s historic interiors.
- Refreshments for purchase.
- Free activities and games led by Olana educators and partners.
- Live set with DJ Jared.
- Visit with everyone’s favorite miniature donkey, Hank, back by popular demand!
Sun Gazing
View the sun directly through specially equipped solar telescopes from 1:00 PM until sunset (around 4:00 PM). Amateur astronomers from the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will help point out sunspots and other solar features using specially designed filters.
Astrology Readings
Derek James Smith of Constellation in Catskill will share a presentation and discussion around the Astrology of Frederic Church and Olana to kick off the afternoon at 1:00 PM. This introduction will study Church’s natal chart to provide an introduction to Astrology’s possibilities for aficionados and beginners alike. From 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Derek will offer interactive outdoor Astrological readings for those curious to learn more about the craft.
Event Sponsored By:
The Olana Partnership programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
