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. Enjoy free access to Olana’s historic interiors, take part in free activities and games led by Olana educators and partners, listen to live music from DJ Jared, and 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.