Yankee Enterprise: Finances and Fine Art in Church’s “Heart of the Andes” One of America’s most renowned landscapists, the New England-born Frederic Church, based his large-scale Heart of the Andes (1859) on his two trips to South America in 1853 and 1857. After the 5 x 10 ft. canvas left the artist’s studio, it went on a single-picture exhibition tour from 1859 to 1861, during which it was arguably seen by more people than any other painting of its day. Church’s pay-per-view audiences came away sure they had enjoyed an authentic glimpse of the tropical landscape of South America that …Read More

From Meteors to Auroras: Frederic Church Looks to the Skies American landscape painter Frederic Church is known for his vibrant sunsets and glorious daytime skies. Church’s paintings of night skies highlight the artist’s lifelong fascination with the intersection of art and science, focusing on breathtaking atmospheric phenomena. The artist made a point of scientific accuracy in his paintings, and took particular interest in meteorological events. In this talk, Eleanor Harvey takes us on a nocturnal voyage of discovery through some of Church’s most significant paintings. Central to this talk will be a close look at Church’s painting, The Meteor …Read More

Before Olana, The Original New Yorkers

Ever wondered who lived in the Hudson Valley long before Frederic Church and his family? During this on-site talk, join historian Heather Bruegl to learn more about the Native Nations that called New York State home long before colonization. This program will touch on the Haudenosaunee, the Lenape and the Mohicans and will discuss history and land loss. This lecture is the first in a three-part series of talks at Olana’s Wagon House by Heather Bruegl focusing on topics related to American history, legacies of colonization, and indigenous histories.

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Walking in Wonder with The Outside Institute

A walk and discussion about how human hands shape the landscape and how the land transforms us. During this program, Laura Chávez Silverman, founding naturalist of The Outside Institute, guides participants in accessing their curiosity and sense of awe in nature.

Laura Chávez Silverman is the Founding Naturalist of The Outside Institute, where she shares her deep love of Nature. Laura frequently speaks on topics including the psychic and health benefits of engaging with Nature, sustainable foraging and how interconnected systems inspire better living. From 2010-17, Laura wrote “Glutton for Life,” a blog that explored …Read More

Bring the World Home: Collecting Photography in the Nineteenth Century

As an artist who was enormously curious and keenly attuned to the issues of his time, it is not surprising that Frederic Edwin Church was interested in photography. This art form revolutionized picture-making in the nineteenth century. Church’s collection of travel photography provides a new perspective on his work as a landscape painter and sheds light on the 19th century philosophical outlook that the world was collectible and, consequently, knowable. During this webinar with independent photo historian Corey Keller, considers how making and collecting photographs offered a medium through which …Read More

Turning to the Plants: A Guided Plant Walk through Olana with Antonia Pérez of Herban Cura

Event recorded: September 15| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

During this workshop guided by herbalist, educator and founder of Herban Cura, Antonia Estela Pérez, participants will learn about several medicinal and food plants growing in Olana and how we can build mutually regenerative relationships. During this walk through Olana’s artist-designed landscape, Antonia will discuss basic frameworks for how to begin building relationships with the plants. Participants will turn to the plants to learn some of the stories of the land, how they got there, and …Read More

Excavating Art and Empire: An Artist Talk with David Hartt (Audio only) Guest curator David Hartt discusses his artistic process and vision for Terraforming: Olana’s Historic Photography Collection Unearthed. Learn more about how Hartt was inspired by Olana’s collection of nearly 2,000 19th century international photographic prints to reflect on the ways in which human culture and activity shape our land.

This program is presented on occasion of the publication of the Terraforming catalog, which explores the politics of landscape, photography and empire. Watch

Moving and Healing with Mother Earth: A Sunset Walk and Workshop

Event recorded: Saturday, August 26 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

This program was offered in connection with this season’s exhibition, Terraforming: Olana’s Historic Photography Collection Unearthed. Lean into late summer, discover common plant allies at Olana, and learn more about their medicinal benefits and natural wisdom. During this nature walk and workshop, Nkoula Badila, founder of Grow Black Hudson, guided participants through Olana’s landscape, discussing the health benefits of regional species and the ways we can connect with nature through …Read More

23rd Annual Frederic Church Award Gala Live Broadcast

Recorded broadcast of the 23rd Annual Frederic Church Award Gala held at the Rainbow Room in New York City, Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Honoring

PATRON Kelly M. Williams     

CURATOR Sarah D. Coffin 

ARTIST Lynn Davis Watch

Perspectives on Landscape, Language, and Indigeneity: A Conversation With Artist Mark Igloliorte

March 23, 2023

During this virtual webinar, learn more about the work of contemporary artist Mark Igloliorte, who is included in Olana’s current exhibition, Chasing Icebergs: Art and a Disappearing Landscape, on view until March 26. Mark Igloliorte (Inuk, Nunatsiavut) is an artist, essayist and educator whose work explores Indigenous futures and identity. During this presentation, he will track the ways language, landscape, and personal perspectives inform his work. A conversation with curator and scholar Franchesca Hebert-Spence will follow.

Mark Igloliorte is …Read More