HUDSON, NY.- The Olana Partnership announced the launch of all-new Family Explorer Tours and a Distanced Learning plan to engage schools across the region. Carolyn Keogh will lead these initiatives as Olana’s new Director of Education & Public Programs. TOP welcomes Carolyn as she works to realize its shared vision to make Frederic Church’s OLANA the most widely recognized artist’s home and studio in the world, vibrant with the activity of visitors, students, scholars, and artists.
“We are thrilled to have Carolyn Keogh join our team at Olana at a time when, more than ever, teachers and families are in need of robust and engaging programs,” says Sean Sawyer, The Olana Partnership’s Washburn and Susan Oberwager President. “Education and public programs are at the core of our mission, and Carolyn brings a dynamic, inclusive approach to her work that will ensure that Olana’s rich educational resources are brought forward to communities near and far.”
Carolyn Keogh comes to Olana from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, where she worked the Manager of School, Youth, and Teen Programs since 2012. In her previous role, Carolyn oversaw gallery and studio programs, coordinated professional development for educators and assisted with teaching and curriculum development. Carolyn received her MA in Art History with a focus on Art Museum Education at City College and graduated with honors from New York University with a BA degree in Art History. She is passionate about making cultural sites welcoming, accessible places for diverse learners of all ages. Her research on the connections between empathy-building and art museum education was recently published in Theory and Practice: The Emerging Museum Professionals Journal. Carolyn has family roots in the Capital Region, and she and her partner, Lakshmi Subramanian, are excited come to Hudson. Carolyn says, “Moving to the Hudson Valley simultaneously feels like a new adventure and a homecoming. I’m looking forward to learning more about the local community and engaging a range of audiences in Frederic Church and Olana’s legacy.”
Beginning in August, Family Explorer Tours at Olana will introduce families to the artistic adventures of Frederic Church on an easy, ¼ mile walk exploring Olana’s historic landscape. This tour series, designed for families with children ages 5 and older, promotes discovery of Olana’s designed landscape and unique architecture on an outdoor walk filled with a family-friendly discussion and activities.
"In addition to providing families with an opportunity to explore Olana's unique landscape and views, this program will give adults and children a chance to learn alongside one another,” says Carolyn. “I'm excited to showcase how Olana can inspire creativity and exploration for families of all kinds and for multiple generations."
Family Explorer Tours will be held August 1, 8, 22 and 29 from 10AM-11AM. Tickets cost $25 for a family of up to 4 people and $15 for a family of up to 4 for Olana members. Due to limited availability, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. If you have more than four people in your family or would like further information, please contact education@olana.org or call (518) 751-6938.
The introduction of live, virtual “field trips” for K-12 students was one of Carolyn’s first projects at Olana. While current COVID-19 restrictions make visiting on-site more difficult for groups of students, Olana’s launch of virtual field trips, will help expose students to the history and legacy of Olana in a safe, distanced way while also bolstering teachers’ developing digital curriculum. Olana’s Education Department led a needs assessment which surveyed over thirty teachers throughout New York State and 100% responded that they would be interested in live virtual instruction for their students.
