Come celebrate the changing of the seasons during this special community day at Olana! Join us for an afternoon of free activities to celebrate the season.

Did you know the artist Frederic Church was inspired by the Hudson Valley’s beautiful winter landscape? Welcome winter by learning more about the science of snow, exploring Olana’s historic house, participating in seasonal artmaking, and visiting with everyone’s favorite miniature donkey, Hank!

Events throughout the day include:

– An afternoon bonfire
– Free access to Olana’s historic interiors
– Seasonal Storytelling for Families
– Workshops and Walks on the Science of Snow with “Nature Sarah”
– Winter Choir Performance by Catskill High School Musicians at 2pm
– Refreshments for purchase provided by Citiot and others
– Artmaking activities led by The Olana Partnership Educators
– Hank, the miniature donkey, and friends!
– And more!

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Walks and Workshops on the Science of Snow with Nature Sarah
• Artmaking Activities Led by The Olana Partnership Educators
• Visits with Hank, The Miniature Donkey, and Friends
• Free Photobooth
• Free Historic Interiors Access: 
  Discover the global treasures of Olana’s Main House interior in your own time for free during this special community event. Enjoy free access to Olana’s historic interiors during this self-guided opportunity. House entry will be available on a first come first served basis. 

1:00 PM & 3:00 PM

Seasonal Storytelling for Families 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Winter Choir & Jazz Performance by Catskill Highschool Students

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Winter Solstice Ritual with Hilma’s Ghost:
Artist Dannielle Tegeder of Hilma’s Ghost (https://www.hilmasghost.com/) will be leading a participatory winter solstice ritual with Ellen Harvey at Ellen Harvey’s installation Winter in the Summer House. Together we will perform rituals with lanterns and mirrors and writing spells to reflect on the year behind us and look forward to sunnier days ahead. This contemplative ceremony uses the winter landscape and Harvey’s reflective pagoda as a threshold for release and renewal. Space is limited; first come first served. 

Frederic Edwin Church, Winter Twilight from Olana, c. 1871-1872. Oil on academy board, 10 1/16 x 13 inches. New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Olana State Historic Site, OL.1976.4

Images: Jonathan Palmer and Mike Lawrie