Cover: David Lanier, Deep South Pointers. On loan from Russell and Ann Davis.
Pause. Breathe. Bepresent.
AndrewJamesWulf,Ph.D. ExecutiveDirector
Finding moments of stillness is a rarity in a world buzzing with noise and distractions. Yet, in these pauses, if we let it, the magic of life unfolds, where art whispers its truths and invites us to listen.
I recall a simple exchange in the mundane setting of a supermarket queue from a few weeks ago. A fellow shopper with a furrowed brow confessed her disinterest in art. But as I laid out the items on the conveyor belt—ordinary ingredients for a meal—I couldn’t help but smile. “Do you enjoy music, literature, dance?” I asked. And in her nods, I saw the recognition dawn. Art is not confined to galleries; it permeates every facet of our existence.
Yet, why do some shy away? Perhaps it’s the discomfort of pausing, of confronting oneself in the silence. In an art museum, we’re faced with the raw, unfiltered expressions of the human experience. It’s a sacred space where time slows, where the soul finds solace amidst the chaos of modern life.
This fall, we feature Rootwork, artist Jillian Marie Browning’s meditation on the Black Southern experience. Her work mines histories of Black hair practices and culture together with botany and vegetation. In Browning’s work, the rich traditions of healing
and spirituality in the customs and daily life of the enslaved are revealed, and how those customs resonate in Black communities today is conveyed.
We learn profound lessons through these works and in the safety of these halls. We engage in conversations that transcend the superficial and embrace the truths shared by all the artists we celebrate. Beyond these narratives, we immerse ourselves in the language of color, shape, and form. In these moments, we can, ever so briefly, relinquish the tyranny of the smartphone and embrace the rhythm of our own heartbeat.
But above all, we reclaim our authenticity. In the presence of art, there’s no need for pretense or masks. We’re free to be ourselves, to explore the depths of our emotions without fear of judgment.
This fall, we also feature the sublime landscape paintings and earlier works of Albany artist David Lanier. His images reimagine the natural world of Southwest Georgia, elevating the familiar to a profoundly intimate, mysterious, and open-ended experience. A dominant subject in his work is his inclusion of human figures and dogs within the popular sporting tradition of quail hunting in this region.
Lastly, we will conclude the celebration of the AMA’s 60th anniversary with an exhibition of works donated to the museum. This focused selection of our permanent collection symbolizes the grace and generosity of our donors, who proved instrumental in the museum’s launch and growth over the last six decades.
I invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Let us wander through these galleries with open hearts and receptive minds. Let us embrace the beauty of quiet contemplation and the richness of shared experiences.
The Albany Museum of Art Teen Art Board saw its 2023-24 year come to a satisfying, successful conclusion on May 23 with the final brushstrokes on its year-long project—the large-scale, colorful mural that now covers the north exterior wall of The Cookie Shoppe in downtown Albany.
“One of the highlights of the Teen Art Board program each year is the completion of a project that benefits the community,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem, who advises the group, said. “This year’s project is the most publicly visible one they have accomplished, but each year they have made positive impacts through art.”
Each fall, the AMA Teen Art Board (TAB) members decide on an art-related community project, and then work to bring it to fruition. Along the way, the teens learn leadership and fundraising skills that will be useful throughout their lives. They also end the school year with a sense of accomplishment. This year, they also got to work with artist Ramiro DavaroComas, who has painted numerous murals in the Northeast with his partner, Grace Lang, through their nonprofit organization Super-Stories. The teens met the New York artist during his exhibition last fall at the AMA.
The 2023-24 TAB wanted to create an uplifting, colorful mural in downtown Albany. “As a board, we decided to paint it down here
because we wanted to give something back to our community,” Brianna McCoy, president of the 2023-24 Teen Art Board and a junior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School, said at the mural site. “We wanted to help with the connotation of downtown, especially for the younger generation. We wanted to give something that would make a positive impact through art. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing people stop by saying, ‘Hey, I want to help, I want to volunteer. What can I do?’”
Davaro-Comas, who designed the mural from drawings by Albany area elementary schools students, came back to Albany the week of May 20 to lead the teens and community volunteers on the project. Originally expected to take at least four 10-hour days, they finished the work in less than three.
“This week, you showed you are dedicated and leaders of the community,” Davaro-Comas said during the 2023-24 Teen Art Board recognition ceremony that followed his Artist Talk on May 23 at the AMA. “To have young people show that kind of dedication and vision for their community is really, really important.”
The artist added that he hoped the teens saw that they could make things happen and overcome obstacles. “You just have to keep going, knowing some people are going to say no,” he said. “Whatever your dream or vision is, you can definitely do it.”
The 2024-25 Teen Art Board will begin its term on Sept 3.
COLLECTIONS STORAGE EXPANSION
Making needed storage room available for the Albany Museum of Art permanent collection is a major undertaking that includes the removal of old pedestals and other support pieces that are no longer functional. The project aims to improve and better utilize the AMA’s collections storage area.
Staff and interns volunteered to break down the materials that were to be discarded. Express Disposal was instrumental in the successful completion of this project.
AMA NEWS
INTERN SPOTLIGHT: KAITLYN SOKOLOWSKI
Since the end of summer 2023, the Albany Museum of Art Curatorial Department has enjoyed having Kaitlyn Sokolowski as our intern. Kaitlyn, who just completed her high school junior year at Georgia Cyber Academy, has been a hands-on learner.
She has assisted us with installations and de-installations of three seasons’ worth of exhibitions. That’s at least 10 exhibitions with which Kaitlyn has lent us a helping hand! In between exhibition seasons, Kaitlyn has assisted the department with careful, behind-the-scenes work centering on the permanent collection and archival exhibition records.
Earlier this year, Kaitlyn was accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) Rising Star Pre-College Program, a five-week program that SCAD hosts every summer for high school juniors entering their senior year. She plans to apply to SCAD to major in Illustration and minor in Sequential Art and Art History.
Many thanks for all your help and the joy you brought to the AMA, Kaitlyn!
The 60th anniversary of the Albany Museum of Art has been one to celebrate. Through the generous support of our donors and supporters, we are positioning our beloved institution for even greater heights over the next 60 years and more!
The admiration and appreciation that we have for our donors, supporters, volunteers, business partners, and supporting organizations cannot be overstated. Our mission of preserving and presenting important art so that it can speak to future generations would be difficult if not impossible without the fiscal and physical support you have provided. Those of you who joined us on July 24 for The Year in Art luncheon learned about the strong programming we had over the fiscal year and plans for this fiscal year and beyond.
This fall, we have two special events planned to show our thanks. In September, we will have something to show that we Heart our rock-star volunteers who donate their time to the Albany Museum of Art. The Volunteer Drop-In is 8:30 am – 2:30 pm on Friday, Sept 21, and 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday, Sept 22. Just come by anytime during those hours for your goodie bag.
On Thursday, Oct 10, we will have a special Business ShoutOut from 6:30-8:30 pm to celebrate our small business partners. These unsung heroes are the bedrock of the community, the folks who donate, discount goods and services, advertise,
and find other creative ways to help the AMA succeed in its mission. Come and enjoy an evening of art, handcrafted cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and mingling with others who are community-minded like you. Also, during October and November, we will highlight local businesses that support the museum ahead of Small Business Saturday.
I also have a couple of dates I hope you will keep in mind. The Heart of Albany Festival will return to the grounds of the AMA on Saturday, Nov 16. And for those looking further ahead, AMA Art Ball 2025 will be on Saturday, March 22. Details for both will be updated on the AMA website, www.albanymuseum.com.
Finally, as of June 30 we have fully converted our memberships to donorships, which may help you at income tax time. We hope the transition has been smooth for each of our donors, but feel free to contact me or Development Coordinator Mackenzie Strom if you have any questions.
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, and I hope to see you at the AMA soon!
—Chloe Hinton, Director of Development
FROM THE COLLECTION
Deformity or sickness masks depict what the Ibibio cultures thought to be physical signs of punishment by an evil entity.
DEFORMITY MASK: NIGERIAN ARTIST
This is one of two deformity or sickness masks in the AMA’s Permanent Sub-Saharan African collection. These masks, which originate within the Ibibio communities in Nigeria, are called Idiok Ekpo, meaning, “a doer of evil deeds will become an evil ghost or spirit.” The Idiok Ekpo masks are used specifically by the Ekpo, or the spirit society within the Ibibio community, during an annual ceremonial performance at the end of the harvest season. In this ceremonial performance, Idiok Ekpo acts as a warning; these evil spirits remind community members that their wrongdoings could bring them sickness and make them become evil ghosts in the afterlife stuck in a place of "limbo."
These deformity masks depict what the Ibibio cultures thought to be physical signs of punishment by an evil entity, though these signs were actual forms of sickness that could happen to any community member. Sicknesses and diseases like leprosy, which have been curable since the 1980s, were once seen as signs of divine punishment dealt by evil spirits. In the Ekpo Society, this ceremony was meant to maintain order in their communities, instilling fear of what may happen to them if they commit wrongdoings. In the ceremonial performance by the Ekpo society, evil spirits were always trapped and sent back into the underworld. Alternatively, the Mfon Ekpo, or the good spirits and ancestors, were free to roam and positively interact with the community. While the Idiok Ekpo manipulates features most likely focused around the nose and mouth area, imitating the facial deformities caused by sickness, the Mfon Ekpo usually have smooth, doll-like faces creating positive associations with beauty and healthiness.
It is important to note that these ceremonial performances still occur in Ibibio communities. Though their belief systems have developed similarly to any prospering society, ceremonial performance still holds great significance in cultural tradition and ritual practice. Even though it was once believed that these ceremonies were necessary to warn people that disease would be brought upon someone who offended the evil spirits or committed an evil act, they continue with respect to traditions, ancestry, and ritual practice upon which these communities are built.
Opposite page: Nigerian Artist, Deformity Mask, 20th century, wood, gift of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schlossberg. 92.005.002
This series of five Biblical paintings on vellum, or animal skin, were created in the distinctly traditional pictorial art style of Orthodox Ethiopia, most likely in the 20th century. All these scenes are depictions of events described in the Book of Genesis.
In our collection, there are a number of Ethiopian-made, Biblically themed and inspired paintings and drawings of both large and small scale. These known works were gifted to the AMA by either Ms. Stella E. Davis or Ms. Marguerite L. Burt.
This set of five, however, is undocumented. The only information we have about these works exists on the back of one of the pieces—a small handwritten note that reads: “Genesis.” There are writings on each piece, inscribed in Amharic, the most widely spoken language in Ethiopia. Translation, even with the given context, is proving difficult.
With this small amount of context, we presume that these works may have come from one of these two major donors to the Sub-Saharan African art collection, and each one depicts an individual story from Genesis—Noah’s Ark, Noah and his family after the flood, Jacob’s Ladder, Cain and Abel, and Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac.
Ethiopian artist(s), Scenes from Genesis, 20th century, ink and gouache on vellum.
Aug 29, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
Haley Gallery
Beauty in the Humble Places
A David Lanier Retrospective
This fall, the Albany Museum of Art has the distinct pleasure of hosting a unique large-scale retrospective of Albany artist David Lanier’s work. This is a comprehensive exhibition highlighting some of Lanier’s earliest works as a young artist, the works he made during his college years, and the foundational work that set him up for a successful artistic career throughout his life.
Lanier is one of the preeminent contemporary artists working in the sporting and wildlife art genre, but his work goes beyond that of traditional sporting and wildlife depictions. His paintings immerse the viewer in the wildness of Southwest Georgia, a premier destination for many practiced hunters and sporting dog own-
ers. The precision of his painting strokes dwells in the same territory as those of classical naturalists, documenting flora and fauna to preserve them in their perfect states, but there is also a clear fondness for life in the present tense.
“The beauty of the natural world fascinates me,” Lanier said. “From early childhood to the present day, nature and the beauty of Creation have been a constant source of inspiration and I long to immerse myself in it. I find calm, healing and wonder all around me when I’m surrounded by the natural world. As a child, I collected feathers and butterflies and studied the world outside with a magnifying glass. The harmony of color and the intricacies of design are flawlessly stunning."
His current body of work speaks volumes of his love for this environment in Southwest Georgia and the traditions that are tied to these lands. His upbringing included hunting and fishing trips, sometimes with his father. Mostly, he ventured out into the wilderness solo, learning from the land and living self-sustainably. These early experiences reinforced his appreciation
Opposite page: David Lanier, Under the Tall Pines, 2015, acrylic on linen. On loan from Mr. Ted Turner.
for nature and wildlife, which later translated into a skill that he honed at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla. Even now, he enjoys his “self-imposed solitary confinement” to create works steeped in the beauty of the artistic process.
The AMA also is proud to share Lanier’s artwork from a time when he was learning, experimenting, and expanding his skill set. Some artworks on exhibit will underscore the importance of process in art— how things do not magically appear on the canvas right away, but undergo revisions and additions, even destructions, before the final work is produced. This monumental exhibition will share the journey of an artist in a way that the AMA hopes many others will be able to identify with and learn from.
“As an artist, I simply paint in an attempt to understand this beauty and to share it with others,” Lanier said. “I take great
pleasure in painting the humble and seemingly ordinary places and things that are too often overlooked. Whether my subjects are dogs, landscapes or people, there is a uniqueness worthy of exploration in each subject. The warmth of sunlight illuminating the branches of a tree, the sparkle of life in a dog’s eye, the intricate patterns of grass in a field and the softness of a feather are just a few of the mysteries that fill my thoughts and bring me tremendous pleasure.
“There is beauty to be discovered in every created thing if we will only take the time to observe things unhurriedly. My role on this earth is simply to remind the viewers of my paintings to slow down and study and preserve nature. The French painter Camille Pissarro stated it best: ̒Blessed are those who see beauty in the humble places where others see nothing.’”
I find calm, healing and wonder all around me when I’m surrounded by the natural world.
—David Lanier
Above: David Lanier, Best Day Ever, 2024, acrylic on linen. On loan from Rock House Farm.
Opposite page: David Lanier, Side by Side, giclee on canvas. On loan from David and Cathy Lynn Lanier.
ON VIEW
Aug 29, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
East Gallery
Rootwork
Recent works by Jillian Marie Browning
In the East Gallery, Rootwork, an exhibition of works by Jillian Marie Browning, presents a selection of Browning’s works that create intersections between Black hair practices and culture with botany and vegetation.
Born in Ocala, Fla., the self-declared portrait artist thinks through the unique Black Southern experience. Rootwork not only refers to the roots of the hair—which in their own right are deeply connected to spirituality—but also to the Southern healing tradition. Rootwork is a practice of healing and protection interwoven with hoodoo and the practice of conjuring, originating in Southern enslaved customs, still practiced and carried through generations today. Southern rootworkers find themselves deeply connected to botany, vegetation, and the environment around them.
Similarly, Browning’s works on exhibit share these deep connections to Southern home spaces and vegetation native to the South. Often featuring the artist and representations of Browning’s family members, the works highlight the nuance that has become the contemporary Black experience.
Along with capturing an alternative form of self-portraiture, the artist utilizes the familiarity of hair culture and practices of Black childhood. Referencing Blue Magic Hair Grease in particular, a familiar feel and smell to many, Rootwork aims to highlight this deep relationship with the practice of doing hair, while also taking into consideration the histories and connections to the environment that Black Southern communities hold dear. Browning is currently based in Birmingham, Ala., working as the assistant professor of
photography at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Browning earned a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Central Florida and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Arts from Florida State University. Browning’s work has been exhibited across the Eastern region. This is the artist’s first solo exhibition in Georgia.
Jillian Marie Browning, The Root, 2022 Cyanotype on cotton.
ON VIEW
Aug 29, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
Hodges Gallery
Aug 29, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
McCormack Gallery
Old Master Drawings
From the Shaffer Collection
This is the third and final iteration of the year-long Old Master Drawings exhibition, highlighting works donated by Randolph Shaffer, Jr. These works originate from Western Europe during the 15th to 18th centuries, and are some of the oldest works in the AMA’s permanent collection.
This exhibition provided museum donors with a special opportunity to leave a lasting impression on this collection and to conserve these works, allowing them to be displayed, possibly for the first time. The AMA would like to
thank the anonymous donors for their generous contribution, which allowed one artwork to be framed and preserved for many more years to come. This exhibition marks the first time this unique interpretation of Adam and Eve, a remarkably well-preserved ink and wash drawing by Salvator Rosa, has been publicly displayed at the AMA.
Salvator Rosa, The Death of Adam and Eve, 17th Century, Italy, brown ink and wash on paper, gift of Mr. Randolph Shaffer, Jr. and sponsored by an anonymous donor. 88.001.194
Sixty Years of Masterpieces and Memories
Highlights from the Permanent Collection
To close out the 60th anniversary year in style, a focused selection of the Albany Museum of Art’s permanent collection has been curated to highlight some of the many donors who helped to launch this museum. Without their generosity and aid in growing its collection, the AMA would not be where it is today.
These donors represent those who have donated a multitude of works to the collection and/or provided generous funding to allow the museum’s collection to grow in breadth and quality that befits this regional community.
The AMA intends to continue this path of growth and expand the permanent collection, bringing in artworks that represent our contemporary culture and reflect on the creative and inspiring aspects of artists worldwide.
This exhibition is a warm and sincere thank-you to all staff and board members, both past and present, the AMA’s partners, and the many visitors who have made it a wonderful 60 years.
Harvey K Littleton, Curvilinear Form, 1984, glass, gift of Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Schuman, 99.004.010
PROGRAMS
FOR KIDS
TODDLER TAKEOVER
Tuesdays | Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3 | 10:30-11 AM
Designed for our youngest museum visitors, Toddler Takeover is a monthly program that introduces children ages 15 months to 5 years to art. Toddler Takeover is sibling friendly, so parents are welcome to bring brother and sister along too.
This program facilitates creative play, fosters friendships and social skills, and helps littles develop their cognitive and visual skills through colors, shapes, and textures. Sessions include creative playtime in AMAzing Space, storytime, a gallery visit, and a hands-on art project. After the session, families are welcome to stay and spend some quality time together in AMAzing Space.
Cost: Free for Reciprocal and higher donors, $5 for Artist Guild donors, and $7 for non-donors.
FOR K-12
AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUBS
Middle & High School Students:
Mondays | Aug 26, Sept 30, Oct 28, Nov 18 | 4-5:30 PM
Elementary School Students:
Tuesdays | Aug 27, Sept 24, Oct 29, Nov 19 | 3:30-5 PM
Students get creative after school each month at the Albany Museum of Art when the After School Art Clubs meet. Monday’s club meeting is for middle and high school students, and Tuesday’s meeting is for elementary school students.
In each club, students learn the basics and hone their fundamental art skills. Each session explores a different area as the students learn techniques and are introduced to various media and materials. Online registration links may be found at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/art-club.
Cost per class: $12 for AMA donors, and $15 for non-donors.
HOMESCHOOL DAY
Thursdays | Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12 | 10-11:30 AM
K-5th grade homeschool students learn together in the gallery and work together on a take-home project in the AMA Classroom. Homeschooled students benefit immensely from visiting the AMA, which provides a rich visual environment to address a wide range of topics such as cultural awareness and understanding, critical thinking skills, and practical real-life application of literature, history, mathematics, language arts, and science.
In the classroom, students practice new artistic techniques, grow social skills, improve fine motor skills, and foster creativity. This in-gallery and hands-on exposure complements traditional homeschooling methods, enhancing their understanding of various subjects.
Cost: $10 for AMA donors, and $15 for non-donors.
COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE
Friday | Oct 4 | 9 AM-3 PM
This session of Courageous Conversations About Race is for high school students. The program recognizes that arts play an instrumental role in promoting commentary about pressing social issues, informing and shaping the consciousness of its audiences, both globally and locally. The Albany Museum of Art conducts this series of conversations to promote an understanding of the impact of colorblind attitudes and policies can have on student outcomes and the community.
Art education scholars have pressed these issues by including critical analysis and discussion about both traditional and contemporary art practices and the ways the arts have played a pivotal role in imagining alternative ways to comprehend and transform racial understanding, bias, and equitable practices. As a means of addressing these concerns, this session aims to facilitate navigating brave discussions, placing race at the center, by using contemporary works of art as catalysts toward a deeper understanding of the intersection of racial identity, politics, and social outcomes.
An online registration link may be found at www. albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/courageous-conversationsabout-race.
Cost: Free for students
LIBBY WOMACK HOLIDAY WORKSHOP
Friday | Dec 20 | 9 AM-4 PM Monday | Dec 23 | 9 AM-4 PM
WINTER WONDERS ART CAMP
Thursday-Friday | Dec 26-27 | 9 AM-4 PM
Thursday-Friday | Jan 2-3 | 9 AM-4 PM
With Christmas in the middle of the week, the schedule for the winter art camps at the Albany Museum of Art is a little unusual, but the art, creativity, and fun that will take place over the six days of these two camps will be what campers have come to expect over the years.
The Libby Womack Holiday Workshop, named in memory of the beloved educator, is a Christmastime tradition for students in grades K-7 as they begin their winter school break. It is followed by Winter Wonders, which provides kids with art-centric fun in the time between Christmas and the return to school.
These camps traditionally sell out weeks in advance, so register early.
Cost: Pricing and a registration link are available at www. albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/winter-holiday-camp.
PROGRAMS
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
YOGA IN THE GALLERY
Saturdays | Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7 | 10-11 AM
Yoga in the Gallery, which mixes yoga with an art-filled environment to create a unique experience for participants, is now monthly at the Albany Museum of Art. Renea Miller instructs the Saturday morning classes.
Each exhibition ignites something new in a person’s meditation. The sessions allow participants to unplug from the distractions of the internet and other intrusive media as they look within to find balance and new energy while experiencing art in an intentional way.
No yoga experience is needed. Participants should dress comfortably and bring a mat.
Online registration may be found at www.albanymuseum.com/ ama_programs/yoga.
Cost: $5 for AMA donors, and $10 for non-donors.
FOR ADULTS
CORKS & CANVASES PAINTING PARTIES
Thursdays | Oct 17, Dec 5 | 5:30-7:30 PM
No painting experience is needed to fully enjoy this workshop where participants return home with paintings they are proud to show. It’s a low-pressure, high-satisfaction evening with step-by-step instructions. Registration covers the cost of all materials, including the canvas.
The October workshop will explore one of Vincent van Gogh’s most unusual paintings, the 1886 work Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette.
In December, the group will get into the spirit of the season with Thomas Kinkade’s 2010 Winter Snow Scene
Online registration links may be found at www.albanymuseum. com/ama_programs/corks-and-canvases.
Cost: $30 for AMA donors; $35 for non-donors.
AMA ART LOVERS BOOK CLUB
Tuesdays | Sept 17, Nov 19 | 6 PM
Enjoy a glass of wine and dive into the discussion about an art-inspired novel or biography with the AMA Art Lover Book Club. The group meets every other month at the AMA so that members have plenty of time to read and offer their thoughts. Meetings are on the third Tuesday evening of the month in the Willson Auditorium.
There is no formal club membership, and the meetings are free and open to the public. A love for art, reading, and good company are all that is needed to join in the discussion.
At the September meeting, the book club will explore The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
In November, the group members will share their thoughts on The Life & Art of Athos Menaboni by Barbara C Taylor and Athos Menaboni.
Organizers ask that participants register online before each meeting so that adequate seating and refreshments can be arranged. The registration link may be found at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/book-club.
Cost: Free for everyone.
EVENTS
FALL EXHIBITIONS OPENING RECEPTION
Thursday | Aug 29 | 5:30 – 7 PM
Join in the celebration of the opening of the fall exhibitions Beauty in the Humble Places, a David Lanier Retrospective; Rootwork, recent works by Jillian Marie Browning; Old Master Drawings from the Shaffer Collection, and Sixty Years of Masterpieces and Memories, Highlights from the Permanent Collection.
Support for this event is provided by Rio Piedra Plantation and Bryson Wealth Strategies.
RSVP online with the link at www.albanymuseum.com/event/ fall-2024-reception
Cost: Free for AMA donors at the Reciprocal Level or higher. Tickets are $10 for Artist Guild donors and $15 for non-donors.
FAMILY OPENING DAY
Saturday | Aug 31 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Families can engage in art-centered fun while enjoying the four new fall exhibitions at the Albany Museum of Art. Special activities include winning a prize for completing the scavenger hunt in the galleries, and a take-home art project in the AMA Classroom.
Cost: The event and admission to the museum are free for everyone.
ARTIST TALK: JILLIAN MARIE BROWNING
Thursday | Sept 12 | 5:30 PM
Jillian Marie Browning, whose recent work is on display in the exhibition Rootwork at the Albany Museum of Art through Jan 4, will speak in the East Gallery. Browning, an interdisciplinary artist pursuing themes of feminism, identity, and the contemporary black experience, is an assistant professor of photography at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
This is a celebration of the rock stars who make our organization shine. We couldn’t accomplish half of what we do without your support, and we have a little something for you. Drop by the AMA 8:30 am-2:30 pm on Sept 20 or 10 am-1 pm on Sept 21 to pick up your goodies. We heart our volunteers!
ARTIST TALK: DAVID LANIER
Thursday | Oct 3 | 5:30 PM
Albany artist David Lanier will talk about his work and career in the Haley Gallery, where Beauty in the Humble Places, a retrospective of his career from his formative college days to his establishment as one of the nation’s most prominent contemporary sporting and wildlife artists, is on view.
Cost: Free for everyone.
SMALL BUSINESS SHOUT-OUT
Thursday | Oct 10 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
We are inviting our small business partners to a cocktail party, where we will raise our glasses to celebrate the owners and staff who are the backbone of our nonprofit’s success. Every year, small businesses donate, discount, advertise, and help us fulfill our mission. Guests will sip on handcrafted cocktails and indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres while mingling amidst the vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and collaboration. Let the AMA treat you ahead of the holiday rush. Also, during October and November in preparation for Small Business Saturday, we will highlight local businesses that support the AMA.
AMA SPOOKTACULAR
Thursday | Oct 31 | 3 – 5 PM
Enjoy a dressed-up rehearsal for Halloween night at the afternoon Spooktacular at the Albany Museum of Art. Bring your little ghouls and goblins for an afternoon of creativity, costumes, and candy from 3-5 pm. This kid-friendly event is perfect for getting into the spooky spirit of trick-or-treating.
The Spooktacular starts at 3 pm with face-painting and a costume contest where Halloween-themed prizes will be awarded for the best overall, most creative, scariest, and best group costumes. From 3:30-4 pm, kids unleash their lurking inner artist with a haunting art project. All materials will be provided, and our friendly staff will be on hand to guide and assist.
From 4-5 pm, embark on a sweet adventure—an indoor candy hunt. Kids can search for treats hidden throughout the museum. It will be a hauntingly good time, especially for children ages 3-10. Bring friends and family for an afternoon of spooky fun!
Cost: The event and museum admission are free for everyone.
THE HEART OF ALBANY FESTIVAL
Saturday | Nov 16 | 10 AM – 5 PM
The Heart of Albany Festival will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Albany Museum of Art with art and art demonstrations, live music and entertainment, activities and games, food trucks, libation stations, and vendors. The AMA’s 7th annual fall art festival will again be held on the museum grounds at 311 Meadowlark Drive.
The festival began in 2018 as ChalkFest before its rechristening last year, but art is still at the heart of the event. Professional chalk artists will again create huge masterpieces on the pavement while guests watch. Amateur chalk artists also will compete in school and community categories. The types of art visitors can enjoy will continue to expand, as it has in past years with the incorporation of other disciplines such as glassblowing and steamroller printmaking.
Information about the festival lineup and opportunities to participate as an artist or sponsor will be updated regularly online at www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/.
Cost: Admission is free for everyone.
BECOME A DONOR
DONOR LEVELS
A non-profit organization cannot fulfill its mission without operational support. The funds raised through the Annual Fund directly support staff, programming, infrastructure, and building needs. There are tiered levels starting at $1, with giving circles that suit the donor’s level of engagement. The AMA is deeply grateful for all our donors, whose contributions are 100% tax-deductible within the limits permitted by law.
This donorship program replaces the AMA’s traditional paid membership program, which will be fully converted by June 30, 2024. Any legacy membership that was renewed before June 30, 2023, will keep its traditional benefits through the expiration date.
To become an Annual Fund donor online, visit www.albanymuseum.com/support/annual-fund and choose the level you find comfortable. If you have questions, please contact AMA Director of Development and Membership Chloe Hinton at chloe.hinton@albanymuseum.com or at 229.439.8400.
Artist Guild — <$125/year
• Attend one (1) opening reception per year for free for all household members, with discounts on other opening receptions.
• Discounts on Toddler Takeover, After School Art Club, Homeschool Day, Corks & Canvases Painting Parties, and AMA Meet-Up Trips (art camps are not included).
• Digital Communications, including the AMA’s weekly email newsletter, event invitations, and access to the digital magazine.
• Active military and their families may contribute at this level and receive Reciprocal Level benefits.
• 10% discount at the Lamp Shade.
Reciprocal Level — $125-$249/year
You receive all benefits of the Artist Guild Level, and:
• Print copies of event invitations, AMA Magazine, and special AMA announcements mailed to your preferred address.
• Reciprocal membership to hundreds of museums across the United States through the North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM) program and the Southeastern Reciprocal Museum (SERM) program.
• A discount on all camps and classes.
• A discount on birthday parties.
• Attend two (2) opening receptions per year for free for all household members, with discounts on other opening receptions.
• Toddler Takeover sessions are free.
Contributor — $250-$499/year
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Reciprocal Level, and:
• Annual recognition in AMA Magazine
• Attend all opening receptions for free.
• Free admission to AMA Meet-Ups
• Priority registration for special events.
Enthusiast: $500-$999/year
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Contributor Level, and:
• Invitation for two (2) to The Year in Art luncheon, a free, invitation-only event reflecting the closing fiscal year and looking forward to the coming year.
• A complimentary Reciprocal Level donorship for you to give to someone as a gift.
• Recognition on the Year-End Donor Wall in the AMA Lobby.
Advocate: $1,000-$2,499
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Enthusiast Level, and:
• A private tour for up to 10 people guided by the AMA Director of Curatorial Affairs.
• 20% off one auditorium rental.
Champion: $2,500-$4,999/year
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Advocate Level, and:
• One free annual limited-edition print.
• 50% off auditorium rental.
• Monthly updates on all things AMA.
Philanthropist: $5,000 or more/year
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Champion Level, and:
• One free auditorium rental.
• Exclusive travel opportunities to the Southeastern Museum Conference (SEMC), the Alliance of American Museums (AAM) conference, and Museum Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., along with other invitations to travel
AT A GLANCE
SEPTEMBER
2 AMA is closed for Labor Day
3 Toddler Takeover 10:30-11 am
Teen Art Board Meeting 5 pm
AMA Executive Committee Meeting 5:15 pm
7 Yoga in the Gallery 10-11 am
12 Homeschool Day 10-11:30 am
Ar tist Talk with Jillian Marie Browning 5:30 pm
17 Ar t Lovers Book Club 6 pm
20 AMA Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 am-2:30 pm 21 AMA Volunteer Appreciation 10 am-1 pm
24 After School Art Club: Elementary School 3:30-5 pm
30 After School Art Club: Middle & High School 4-5:30 pm
OCTOBER
1 Toddler Takeover 10:30-11 am
Teen Art Board meeting 5 pm
AMA Board of Trustees Meeting 5:15 pm
3 Artist Talk with David Lanier 5:30 pm
4 Courageous Conversations About Race: High School Time 9 am-3 pm 5 Yoga in the Gallery 10-11 am
10 Homeschool Day 10-11:30 am
Small Business Shout-Out
6:30-8:30 pm
17 Corks & Canvases: Van Gogh 5:30-7:30 pm
28 After School Art Club: Middle & High School 4-5:30 pm
29 After School Art Club: Elementary School 3:30-5 pm
