PANORAMA
SUMMER ART + NATURE PROGRAM
Dive into Frederic Church’s Olana this summer during PANORAMA: Summer Art + Nature Program. Back for its 16th annual season, The Olana Partnership will offer five weeks of hands-on exploration for children ages 6-11 from July to August at Olana State Historic Site. Experience art, science, architecture and nature through sketching, lake exploration, hiking, painting, play, and more, all while meeting new friends and learning from experts. The whole summer focuses on exploring art and nature with special guest visits and creative activities. Each week includes a visit to the historic house. You don’t want to miss this unforgettable summer adventure!
The program runs Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Secure your space! Early bird registration is available from January 1, 2025 through February 1, 2025. Registration will close on June 1, 2025. Space is limited.
Week 1: July 14-18, 2025
Week 2: July 21-25, 2025
Week 3: July 28-August 1, 2025
Week 4: August 4-8, 2025
Week 5: August 11-15, 2025
“It is one of the best camps in the area- varied activities and educational” – Panorama Parent
Week 1
Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Explore a science and nature filled week at OLANA! Get inspired by artist Frederic Church’s own passion for the natural world with hikes, science experiments, and observational studies and sketches in the landscape. You will discover Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape and learn all about habitats, animals, and ecosystems. Get to know the creatures of Olana by observing insects in the meadow, watching frogs and snails in the lake, and keeping an eye out for the birds and mammals that call the site home in addition to visiting the inside of Olana’s historic house.
Week 2
Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Create your own works of art in not one, not two, but THREE dimensions during this exciting fun-filled week! In this 3D art-focused week you will create your own sculptures, build your own architectural works, and dive into artistic traditions from around the world. Taught by local teaching artists and educators, you will learn to use professional art materials like clay, wire, papier mâché and more! Get inspired by Frederic Church’s works of art, historic house, and collections from around the world by playing games to get you thinking like an artist.
Week 3
Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dig in and discover the magic of Olana’s 250-acre landscape! Form your own special relationship with the insects, animals, and plants that call Olana home through hikes, art activities, and games with friends. Discover Olana’s history as a farm through explorations across the site’s habitats and climates. Guided by local environmental educators and landscape architects, you will learn what grew on Frederic Church’s farm and what existed at Olana before Church grew food for his family or designed his historic house.
Week 4
Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sketch, snip, and splatter with paint, collage, or charcoal during this art-filled week! Find artistic inspiration and make new friends as you spend time sketching at the tops of Olana’s hills, painting next to the pond, and creating collaborative artworks. Teaching artists and museum educators will help you discover your own artistic talents by experimenting with professional art materials like canvas, charcoal, acrylic paint, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the historic house during this special art-focused week!
Week 5
Monday, August 11 – Friday, August 15 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Explore Olana through the lens of architecture, learning more about what inspired Frederic Church’s unique design for his historic house. Learn more about how buildings and nature connect through sculpture exercises, building prompts, and by creating your own innovative designs. Make your own creations using blueprints, cardboard, and collaborative activities, connecting with other children and the natural environment at Olana. This week will include a special visit focused on Olana’s main house design.
Safety Guidelines:
Olana State Historic Site is a New York State Park and continues to adhere to CDC/NYS COVID-19 guidelines.
Location:
This program occurs in Olana’s indoor classroom space, outside the Wagon House Education Center, and throughout the site.
Cost:
The cost of attendance is $350 a week for dual members and above of The Olana Partnership or $450 a week for non-members. Early bird registration is $300 per week for members/$400 non-members. To become a member, visit OLANA.org/membership. If you are interested in a week that has sold out, please email education@olana.org to be added to the waitlist.
Full scholarships and financial support for transportation are available for students who attend Title 1 schools and/or receive SNAP and EBT benefits. To apply for funding or to learn more email education@olana.org.
This program is run by The Olana Partnership’s team of teaching artists and educators and occurs in Olana’s indoor classroom space, outside the Wagon House Education Center, and throughout the site. Olana State Historic Site is a New York State Park and continues to adhere to CDC/NYS COVID-19 guidelines. Each week will run Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Early bird registration is open January 1 through February 1. Registration will close on June 1, 2025. Space is limited.
To become a member, visit OLANA.org/membership.
Wagon House Education Center programming is made possible in part through support provided by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency; the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation; The William H. Pitt Foundation, Inc.; Stewart’s Shops; the Bank of Greene County; and the members of The Olana Partnership.
