Artists Announced for Open Gallery Public Art Project
13 regional artists contributed work to the new program, transforming Downtown's alleyways into a vibrant outdoor gallery
Editors: click here for a Dropbox folder of high-res images of artwork and a map of locations
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) and Albany Center Gallery have announced the slate of artists participating in the 2019 outdoor public Placemaking exhibit Open Gallery. The public art project activates downtown Albany's side streets and alleyways into a vibrant, colorful, outdoor gallery featuring the work of a diverse range of talented artists. The exhibition invites community members and visitors to explore new paths and find beauty in unexpected places.
Existing artwork in various mediums was photographed in high resolution and printed on durable vinyl wraps by local printer One Day Signs. The wraps were then installed on 14 doors throughout Downtown, focused in and around the "Convention Center District" roughly defined as the area between the Albany Capital Center and the Times Union Center. Inspired by Louisville, Kentucky's highly successful Alley Gallery program, Open Gallery creatively reframes underutilized and overlooked spaces through the use of artwork.
The artists participating in the project are:
- Pilar Arthur-Snead
- Wayne Duffy
- Arzu Fallahi
- Jenny Hutchinson
- Richard Lovrich
- Jamel Mosely
- Adriano Rodrigues
- Tom Roland
- Jae Schalekamp
- Mike Schinnerer
- Terry Slade
- Leo Valenchis
- Takeyce Walter
"With more than $256 million invested in Downtown in just two years, and another $212 million in the pipeline, development is occurring in areas that have typically served as side streets or loading docks," said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID. "Open Gallery activates these spaces into bright, attractive, connective corridors, and we are thrilled to partner with Albany Center Gallery and regional talent on this free, outdoor public art project."
“Having talented artists be part of reimagining what the city can be is very exciting. This diverse group of artists really speaks to the level of art in our region and bringing people from neighboring towns and cities to unite in downtown Albany," said Albany Center Gallery director Tony Iadicicco. "Each piece gives a unique insight into the artist's style and voice, which allows art access for all, 24/7. Open Gallery has the potential to expand around and beyond downtown Albany in years to come.”
In 2005, the outdoor Placemaking program (formerly “Sculpture in the Streets”) was established to connect Downtown employees, residents and visitors with the places they share by reinventing public spaces with free, outdoor artwork. From regional creators to world-renowned artists like Seward Johnson and George Rickey, the exhibits have attracted thousands annually. Past projects included the popular Nipper the Dog-inspired Downtown is Pawsome program, the installation of customized pianos as part of Luke Jerram’s internationally touring Play Me, I’m Yours series in 2014 and giant Dutch clogs celebrating Albany’s history in 2012, all enhanced by the Capital Region’s local art community. Walking tour maps of the Open Gallery exhibit are available on the BID’s website at downtownalbany.org/opengallery.
The Open Gallery program is made possible in part by the Amplify Albany Grant Program, a program supported by the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation and Capitalize Albany Corporation, as well as by the Fairgame for the Theater Arts Grants. The project is sponsored by the Albany Parking Authority, Gordon Companies, Omni Development Company, Inc., and the Renaissance Albany Hotel.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Jason Bonafide at jbonafide@downtownalbany.org or 518.465.2143 x111.
Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York’s Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. For more information about Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org or call 518.465.2143.
Click here to see pictures of completed Open Gallery projects!
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