The Daily Gazette: On Exhibit: American Girl illustrations find institute spotlight

The Albany Center Gallery packs a lot in with its 2017 Members’ Show.

Works from more than 150 artists are on display, from sculptures to photorealistic paintings to photography and everything in between. It’s a feast for the eyes and one that requires a leisurely walk through the gallery space.

The show is surprising in scale, featuring large works and miniatures such as Stephanie Levay’s mixed-media piece called “The Sheriff” that fits into a container the size of an Altoids tin.

With a large show it can be difficult to come away with just a few standout pieces, but “Round Up” by Niki Haynes is one that stood out from the others. It’s a mixed-media collage in which products such as shaving cream and canned goods are given faces and anthropomorphic qualities. It’s a surreal piece that asks more questions than it answers.

“Opus 40,” is another eye-catching work, literally jutting out from the wall. Artist Sean Stewart created a windy sculpture of a winding path with intricate stonework and trees. It looks like the stones would be cool to the touch and the trees would actually blow in the wind, although Stewart used only paper and paint to create the work.

The President’s Choice Award went to Emily Dorr’s watercolor-and-ink piece “Preserved.” No wonder, as Dorr depicts an elk crying out as it’s becoming engulfed in an icy blue color.

The Members’ Show will be up until Jan. 12. To learn more, visit albanycentergallery.org or stop by the gallery at 488 Broadway, Albany.