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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
From the Director
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AMA News
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From the Collection
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On View Haley Gallery | Land That I Love, Ashley Cecil East and Hodges Galleries | Familias, Ramiro Davaro-Comas McCormack Gallery | Southern Visionaries: Self-Taught Artists from the AMA Permanent Collection
16 Programs 20 Events 22 Become a Donor 24 At a Glance
MUSEUM STAFF Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D., Executive Director Bruce Campbell, Technical Katie Dillard, Curatorial Affairs Jermaine Dupree, Security
Cover: Ashley Cecil, Invasive Fertility (Lionfish and Coral), 2020, liquid ink, pen, watercolor, acrylic, and oil on paper.
Design by Diseño SN
Executive Committee Ripley Bell, President Summer Cotten, Vice President Charles Williams, Past President
Makayla Ferguson, Guest Services
Butler Stoudenmire, Treasurer
Cheryl Hendricks, Guest Services
At-large Members
Jim Hendricks, Marketing
Bronwyn Bates
Chloe Hinton, Development & Membership
Cathy Darby
Jazzmond Kendrick, Operations ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART MAGAZINE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Annie Vanoteghem, Education & Programming Linda Weaver Guest Services
Margaret “Puddin” Bass Dr. Jeffery Cannon Dr. Samantha Fields Jeanette Hoopes Meryl K. Joiner Dr. Suresh Lakhanpal Dr. Jennifer Williams Makeba Wright
FROM THE DIRECTOR
m r fi y n t i o C an h) c m s u H en M a e (B
. h.D
P lf, Wu s r me Ja recto w i e D r d ve An uti ec x E
Dear Friends,
Two experiences dovetailed for me recently. As I was attempting to make an online purchase, I was forced to “confirm humanity,” to demonstrate that I am not a robot, a human, subspecies homo sapiens sapiens, by identifying—as a human is wont to do—staircases, then bridges, crosswalks in a series of hazy, utilitarian images that, in the end, proved my humanity. Soon after, I indulged for the umpteenth time in what might be my favorite film, Billy Wilder’s The Apartment. Fresh from the prompt for me to confirm I am, at least scientifically, a great ape, I was delighted when about halfway through this cinematic classic nosy neighbor Dr. Dreyfuss, played by Jack Kruschen, exhorts C.C. Baxter, played by Jack Lemmon, “Why don’t you grow up, Baxter? Be a mensch! You know what that means? A mensch—a human being!” Ironically, even though he is effortlessly moral, Baxter is condemned by his neighbor as an insensitive rogue, an incorrigible lady’s man, who remains tone-deaf to his and others’ humanity. But we all know he’s not. In some ways, this cutting-edge film, an early charge against toxic masculinity, echoes how museums are still in the throes of overcoming properly searing accusations of being stuck in a mono-dimensional sleepwalk of white, male colonial displays of power. Further, museums continue to face allegations of being for the elite who know the secret handshake to penetrate the walls of these temples of art and culture. Some of these accusations are valid. Museums have been making some strides, not many, in their attempts to grow up and out of a legacy of display of patriarchal power to show their humanity. But not far enough.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
For a couple of hundred years, museums did not struggle to confirm their humanity— it simply wasn’t a concern. Maybe we do not need signs that say no weapons; verify humanity. Museums, though they remain today the most trusted of institutions, are imperfect. So how do museums turn the tables on their troubled history? We can only become “the clubhouse for all who need it”—thank you, Elaine Heumann Gurian—when we step into the uncertainty of this volatile environment called everyday life and declare our humanitas via our exhibitions, public programs, and community events. As we are imperfect, we must allow ourselves, and each other, to make mistakes and successes and learn from both. Two fall exhibitions tackle this entropy that would appear to keep museums and humanity stuck in the past. Ashley Cecil, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based artist, addresses the relationship between human beings and the natural environment through her paintings and sculptural works. Her most recent work explores themes of the oppression of women and the domination of nature, confirming humanity and sacred wildlife that is all but eclipsed by a culture still mired in the myth of male superiority. Ramiro Davaro-Comas is an Argentine-American artist based in New York who is enthusiastic about public art and community support. With a passion for visual storytelling and community-driven, mural projects—one of which will kick off this fall in Albany—Ramiro produces work that transcends any notion of elitism, making it publicly available outside museum galleries. His profoundly playful, empathic depictions of humans in their natural and urban environments instruct us that we are the difference makers wherever we go. These artists pose audacious questions about what it means to be human. I see these exhibitions as responsive experiments that support the idea that a fresh approach is required—perhaps only art itself can do this—that will serve as a nucleus for a new conversation about the future, in which the stigmas and challenges of becoming a mensch fall away, where humans and nature fit snugly together as if we were never separate.
All the best,
Andy
AMA NEWS
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
“The benefits are a way to say thank you for the generosity of those who believe in our mission of building a strong, more unified community through art,” Hinton said. “Without their continuing advocacy, we could not bring the art of the South to the world, and the art of the world to the South.” The list of donor levels and benefits may be found on page 22 of this magazine, or online at www.albanymuseum.com/support/
FROM MEMBERSHIPS TO DONORSHIPS
annual-fund.
On July 1, the Albany Museum of Art began its transition
THE YEAR IN ART
from paid memberships to an Annual Fund Donor system
On June 14, Albany Museum of Art supporters received a
that supports the museum’s programs and operations. The
review of the successful fiscal year that was ending and a look
changeover has gone smoothly, with the implementation
toward the future of the museum.
of new levels for donors. Those who renewed their memberships before July 1 will
Speaking to those attending the luncheon at Doublegate Country Club, AMA Executive Director Andrew J. Wulf, Ph.D.,
maintain the same benefits that have been associated with the
shared highlights from 2022-23, and thanked members of
selected membership until its next renewal. By June 30, 2024,
the museum’s Board of Trustees whose terms of office ended
all legacy paid memberships will be converted to “donorships”
on June 30: the Hon. Leslie Abrams Gardner, Rosemary
when the supporter renews.
Hamburger, Scott Marcus, and Charles Williams, who will
“We believe this system will better meet the needs of the museum and our supporters. We know that all of our members
continue another year as past-president of the Board. “It is always our pleasure to address our beloved AMA
are strong, dedicated supporters of the AMA who value the arts
stakeholders at this annual event,” Wulf said. “The AMA staff,
in our community,” Director for Development and Membership
board, and supporters have accomplished so much this last
Chloe Hinton said. “These contributions are the lifeblood of the
year and it is fitting to pause for a few moments over lunch to
AMA, enabling us to offer free admission to the AMA, free field
share these updates with friends.”
trips for schools, and scholarships to our art camps. With our new model, these vital donations from our generous supporters will be 100% tax deductible.”
In her presentation to the group, Monika Smith, Cultural+Performing Arts Design Leader at DLR Group in Washington, D.C., updated attendees on the progress of the
Under the Annual Fund Donor system, joining the AMA is free
design phase of the Belk Project. Attendees were invited to
upon request. The member receives a digital membership card
view the display of plans and materials that will be used in
and emails containing the AMA’s Sunday evening newsletter
the repurposing of the former Belk department store into the
and information about upcoming events. Friends of the AMA
AMA’s new downtown location.
also may access AMA Magazine online. Donor levels start with Artist Guild for an annual donation of up to $124. Donors reach the Reciprocal level at $125, Contributor at $250, Enthusiast at $500, Advocate at $1,000, Champion at $2,500, and Philanthropist at $5,000. At each level, the donor receives the accrued benefits of previous levels as well as additional benefits, such as free mailed copies of the recently redesigned AMA Magazine; free admission to events, including opening receptions for exhibitions and artists; a seat at the executive director’s annual The Year in Art luncheon; discounts on camps, workshops, and rentals, and free or reduced admission to hundreds of museums across the United States.
AMA TREASURES HONORED On June 28, the 2023 AMA Treasures event honored the McCormack Family, the Willson Family, and Rosemary Wetherbee Hamburger with an evening reception and the premiere of a film recognizing them for their longtime stalwart support of the museum. Each year, the Friends of the Albany Museum of Art organization selects supporters for special recognition with a tribute film and reception. This was the third in the series, which honored Sylvia Berry in 2021 and Steve and Bronwyn Hinton in 2022. The videos may be seen on the AMA’s YouTube Channel.
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FROM THE COLLECTION
Eisendrath’s columns were admired for making often abstruse subject matter understandable.
ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN DAVID B. EISENDRATH, JR. David B. Eisendrath, Jr. (1914-1988) took the photograph Eleanor and Franklin on March 20, 1941, in Washington, D.C., where he was covering President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s third inauguration. Beginning as a freelance journalist for various newspapers and magazines, Eisendrath progressed from being an outstanding industrial and technical photographer to one of the most sought-after and most highly-respected consultants in scientific and functional photography. During World War II he worked in the Office of War Information as a photojournalist for America magazine. His columns, which appeared in the magazines Popular Photography, Industrial Photography, and Photo Methods for Industry, were admired for making often abstruse subject matter understandable. The composition of Eleanor and Franklin is a snapshot moment, a quick image capture that looks and feels serendipitous. The wooden barricade holding the overhead spectators—hovering like birds on a powerline—appears to be a temporary measure. The Federal style of the archway in the foreground suggests that the presidential motorcade is approaching the Capitol, or just departing from it. The eye is drawn to the man in the trench coat before one finds the President and First Lady nestled inside their vehicle. The excitement of the day is visible on the First Lady’s face. There’s a sense of urgency and movement in the photograph, indicated by the men in forward motion and by the diagonal lines formed by shadows of the scaffolding. It elegantly preserves a significant moment in U.S. history, coming just months before the devastating events that furiously propelled our nation into World War II. The gelatin silver print of Eleanor and Franklin in the Albany Museum of Art permanent collection is a gift from Harvey Schulman.
Opposite page: David. B. Eisendrath, Jr., Eleanor and Franklin, 1941, gelatin silver print, gift of Mr. Harvey Schulman, 85.006.001
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
ON VIEW Sep 7, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024 Haley Gallery
Land That I Love Works by Ashley Cecil
Becoming a mother and engaging in
While society purports to cherish and
nature-based residency projects brought
honor women and nature, both are
a revelation to Ashley Cecil and her work
abused in strikingly similar ways, Cecil
as an artist. Her vision of the parallels
says. “Both are religiously sanctioned as
between the oppression of women and
property, legislated against, denigrated
the domination of nature informs the
into submission, their beauty monetized,
Pittsburgh, Pa.-based artist’s work in
and their fertility systematically policed,”
Land That I Love. The exhibition is Sept
she said. While respect for God and
7, 2023-Jan 6, 2024 in the Haley Gallery
family, including daughters, mothers,
of the Albany Museum of Art.
and wives, were spoken of as she was
“Ashley Cecil’s work is beautiful and feminine, but most of all delicate,” AMA
“transformed reverence to rancor.” “Once a woman is perceived to be a
Dillard said. “The quality of her works is
magnet and focal point of sin, many will
part of her message; and is a demand
try to control her appearance, body, voice,
for better care, for both the environment
and identity,” Cecil said. “Female fertility
and for all women. She brings together
is a particularly poignant lightning rod
huge elements of feminism and
since nothing is more powerful than the
environmentalism, often blurring the
ability to incubate life.”
significance inseparable.”
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
— Ashley Cecil
growing up, the onset of womanhood
Director of Curatorial Affairs Katie
line between the two and making their
“It became obvious that Earth is a body with waterways like a vascular system and an undulating surface like skin stretched over bone, folding in the crevices.”
As an adult, a series of residencies at science and conservatory institutions
Above: Ashley Cecil, Aperture (Live Coral), 2022, watercolor, acrylic, block printing, and textiles on paper. Right: Ashely Cecil, Armament, 2021, acrylic, block printing, and oil on canvas.
sparked within her a new understanding
the result of studying landscapes with
of the divine and its female incarnations,
accomplished master painters in London
Cecil said. “I witnessed how prolific,
while earning her master’s degree at
intelligent, resilient, generous, and just
Sotheby’s Institute of Art, immersing
Mother Nature is,” she said. “It became
herself in nature-inspired decorative
obvious that Earth is a body with
arts collections in European museums,
waterways like a vascular system and
and painting from live observation at
an undulating surface like skin stretched
conservation institutions such as the
over bone, folding in the crevices.
National Aviary.
Now, I cannot unsee these parallels in appearance, function, and in society’s blatant disregard. From dowries and Above Left: Ashley Cecil, Mourn and Mend 3, 2022, watercolor, acrylic, block printing, lace, and stitching on paper. Above Right: Ashley Cecil, Aperture (Winter Forest), 2022, acrylic, oil, and textiles on linen. Opposite page: Ashley Cecil, Accessories of Expectation (Astronaut), 2023, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and block printing on paper.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
debts to deeds, we shed blood over seizure and control of the bodies of women and nature.”
Her fervor for artistic interpretations of the state of life on this planet has landed Cecil many exciting opportunities, including creating a commissioned artwork for Oxfam America that was exhibited at a United Nations convention
Cecil specializes in paintings and
on climate change, a six-month artist
sculptural works of flora, fauna, and
residency at the Carnegie Museum of
feminine forms that illustrate connections
Natural History, and traveling to the
between the natural world and its human
Amazon rainforest to participate in the
inhabitants. Her love affair with all
art-immersion program Labverde.
things organic and wild blossomed as
ON VIEW Sep 7, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024 East and Hodges Galleries
Familias Works by Ramiro Davaro-Comas
The exhibition Familias is deeply
work lie much deeper than the spray-
connects many immigrants regardless of
personal for the artist who created the
painted surfaces,” AMA Director of
our specific experiences.
work, Ramiro Davaro-Comas. The series,
Curatorial Affairs Katie Dillard said.
which is on view in the East and Hodges
“This is a narrative of a lifetime of human
Galleries of the Albany Museum of Art
experiences the artist is sharing with us.
from Sept 7, 2023-Jan 6, 2024, depicts families that maintain physical closeness even as they are caught in moments of immense transition, migrating through surreal landscapes.
blurred environments embody Ramiro’s
we don masks in order to fit into our new
message of immigrants coming into
worlds. We must learn a new language
unfamiliar places, and contain vulnerable
and culture, with the expectation that the
characters trying to fit in with the rest
process be seamless.”
of us, but still standing out so uniquely. After viewing these characters and
State, said the Familias series enabled
the different journeys they embark on,
him to process some of his childhood
audiences can’t help but grow fond of
experiences, when he felt he was caught
them, and their Felix the Cat-eqsue
between two different worlds. Young
masked faces start to appear normal.”
grocery store labels, customs and even jokes for their non-English-speaking parents because children can absorb new languages faster.
migrants, especially as children, we know our difference can be used against us, so
Argentina and now resides in New York
the critical role of translating signs,
represent some of this inner conflict. As
“Landscapes of unknown, often-
Davaro-Comas, who immigrated from
immigrants, he said, are often cast into
“My characters contain visual cues to
Davaro-Comas has a background in public art and artist residency management. His passions for painting, storytelling, and community work have pushed him to travel throughout his career, collaborating with artists around
The figures in his work, all painted in
the world. After studying Hospitality and
three-quarter or profile view, “are focused
Tourism Management at the University
on what lies ahead, needing that forward
of Massachusetts, Amherst, serving a
momentum to journey into new lives
year in Holyoke with Americorps, he
in foreign lands,” Davaro-Comas said.
was invited in 2012 to participate in
“The families in the series are painted
a collection of international and U.S.
“Presented in an approachable style
as happy and hopeful, as my childhood
artist residency programs, taking him
of cool and youthful graffiti art, with
immigrant experience to this country was
to Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona,
tattooed characters styled in trendy
generally pleasant. Yet there was always
upstate New York and Providence, R.I. He
streetwear, the messages in Ramiro’s
an underlying sense of loss, a feeling that
began working as a full-time artist and
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
moved to Brooklyn, straddling the line between fine art and illustration. His work as a muralist has brought him to both small towns and large cities. In 2016, he launched Dripped on the Road, the only traveling artist residency program for muralists in the U.S. From 2016-2022, the program worked with over 30 artists, painting over 150 murals throughout the East Coast of the United States. He currently co-directs SuperStories, a non-profit arts education organization in upstate New York with his partner, Grace Lang, and consults on public art projects, collaborates with skate shops, paints murals, and creates work for gallery exhibitions.
Above: Ramiro Davaro-Comas works on Riding a Short-Feathered Jungle Cat in 2018 in his New York studio. Right: Ramiro Davaro-Comas, Hermanas, 2018, spray paint, acrylic on canvas.
ON VIEW Sep 7, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024 McCormack Gallery
Southern Visionaries
Self-Taught Artists from the AMA Permanent Collection What do Frida Kahlo, Vincent van
was injured when he fell from a tree,
hometown of Buena Vista to embark on
Gogh, and Jean-Michel Basquiat have
leaving him bound to a wheelchair
a hitchhiking adventure to New York City.
in common? They were all self-taught
and without direction for many years.
He lived in Harlem and worked several
artists. Southern Visionaries is a
Eventually, Samuels recovered and
jobs as a street hustler, fortune-teller,
sampling from the Albany Museum of
his grandmother’s advice inspired
bartender, gambler, and drag queen.
Art permanent collection that examines
him to carve. He carved what he saw
After the death of his mother, Martin
a small group of artists who were all
in the unrefined tree bark he had
returned to Georgia in 1957, moved into
largely self-taught and extremely
become familiar with as a tree surgeon,
his mother’s old farmhouse, and continued
motivated to create—O.L. Samuels,
freeing fantastical creatures from their
his occupation as a fortune-teller to help
Woodrow Wilson “Woodie” Long, and
confinement in the wood. Samuels’
fund his vision for Pasaquan.
Eddie Owens Martin, who is also known
sculptures are playful and imaginative
as St. EOM. Each was born and raised
figures created with eye-catching mixed
in the American Southeast. Though they
media such as glitter paint and glass orbs
all left home at some point, they returned
for realistic eyes. Surfaces are intricately
to what was familiar and created their
painted with patterns and shapes that
visionary legacies here. Some used their
add to the spectacle of these sculptures.
artwork as a method to heal themselves, while others had a divine purpose in mind.
He changed his name to St. EOM (pronounced Ohm) and became the first Pasaquoyan. He continued to work on the art environment for 30 years, creating six major structures, vibrant mandala murals, and more than 900 feet of elaborately
Martin (1908-1986) was a self-taught
painted masonry walls he built mainly
artist from Marion County, Ga., who drew
with his bare hands. The disc shown atop
Samuels (1931-2017) left his home
inspiration from many different cultures
page 15 was a gift from the Marion
in Wilcox County, Ga., at an early age
to develop the seven-acre, internationally
County Historical Society to the Albany
to work. After a brief stint in New York
recognized visionary art environment
Museum of Art in 1992, about the time
City as a boxer, he returned to Georgia
known as Pasaquan. Martin’s artistic
that Pasaquan was being turned into a
to work as a tree surgeon. In 1985, he
journey started at age 14 when he left his
fully-functional museum for the public.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
A housepainter by trade, Long (1942-
teenager, but instead showed moments
2009) would create lively scenes on the
of pure and simple joy in life. The
walls of customers’ houses, painting over
colors he used evoke happiness and
the images before they were discovered.
warmth that embody his positive
After 25 years in the trade, Long
memories. In true storyteller fashion,
experienced job-caused health issues,
Long used colorful flourishes to recreate
forcing his retirement in 1987. He painted
his childhood memories, sometimes
his first “real” painting after his desire to
capturing the “memories” of others in
paint a house resurfaced. Unable to paint
his works. Scenes of domesticity, such as
lively scenes on other people’s walls, he
washing clothes, children playing, and
borrowed his wife’s simple art supplies
even fieldwork, were positive memories
to satisfy the void in his life. He wanted
that he said he hoped to evoke in
to share the story of his life with his art.
others, as though he were trying to pull
According to Long, his art helped to heal
memories out of his viewers.
his job-related injuries and paved the way for him to record his memories for his children, keeping his story alive. With each painting, Long offered a glimpse into his childhood as a poor sharecropper’s son. He did not depict a life full of struggle, which he surely experienced after his father departed from the family when the artist was a
Southern Visionaries is a sampling from the Albany Museum of Art permanent collection that examines a small group of artists who were all largely self-taught and extremely motivated to create.
Above left: Woodie Long (American, 19422009), Untitled (Mother and Three Children), 1997, acrylic on paper, gift of the Rev. and Mrs. Jerry V. Crook, III, 97.008.003 Above center: Eddie Owens Martin (St. EOM) (American, 1908-1986), Disc, 1971, acrylic on concrete, gift of the Marion County Historical Society, 92.011.001 Above right: O.L. Samuels (American, 19312017), Crepe and Myrtle, 1993, wood, paint, glitter glue, and glass, museum purchase, 95.002.001
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P RO G R A M S
SPOOKY COOKIE DECORATING CLASS Saturday | Oct 28 | 10 AM-Noon Learn a delicious way to decorate for Halloween at this workshop led by the confectionary experts at Sugar Mama’s Bakery! You will not only learn cookie-decorating techniques that you will be able to use for any special event or holiday, but you will also go home with five gorgeous creations. (Provided, of course, that the cookie monster in you doesn’t devour them on the way home!) Note: A child attending this workshop must be accompanied by an adult. FOR EVERYONE
Cost: $30 (Discounts are available for donors and legacy members).
LAND THAT I LOVE WORKSHOP Friday | Sept 8 | 10 AM-Noon Join artist Ashley Cecil, whose exhibition Land That I Love is
TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE AMA Tuesday | Oct 31 | 10 AM-5 PM
on view in the Haley Gallery, for an art-meets-nature workshop
The AMA will be the perfect place to drop in before your trick-
in collaboration with Flint Riverkeeper, a local advocacy
or-treater heads out on their appointed rounds on Halloween.
group working to restore and preserve the Flint River and its
There will be scavenger hunts in the galleries, AMAzing Space
tributaries. Learn wet-on-wet painting techniques that Cecil
will be open for creative play, and the AMA Classroom will
has used to create work for Land That I Love and hear about
be open for spirited art fun. Oh, and there will be candy too. If
our local waterways from Flint Riverkeeper staff. Workshop
your ghost or ghoul doesn’t have quite the look they want, face
participants will put it all together through hands-on painting
painting will be offered from 3:30 pm until closing at 5 pm.
to discover how water conservation relates to both nature and our bodies.
Cost: Free, but a donate-your-age ($10 max) is suggested.
Cost: $30 (Discounts are available for donors and legacy
HANG ART LIKE A CURATOR WORKSHOP
members).
Saturday | Sep 30 | 10 AM-Noon
AMA FAMILY OPENING DAY
Learn the dos and don’ts of hanging artwork at this workshop
Saturday | Sept 9 | 10 AM-5 PM
led by AMA Director of Curatorial Affairs Katie Dillard. You will get hands-on experience as you learn how to arrange and hang
Celebrate the opening of the fall exhibitions at the Albany
artwork, which tools and hardware to use, and how to patch
Museum of Art with a day of free fun. Visit the three new
any mistakes on your wall. This workshop is BYOH (bring your
exhibitions Land That I Love, Familias, and Southern
own hammer).
Visionaries, where kids can win prizes by participating in a gallery scavenger hunt. AMAzing Space will be open for creative play, and the AMA Classroom will be buzzing with free take-home art projects that everyone can enjoy. Cost: Free for everyone.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
Note: A child attending this workshop must be accompanied by an adult. Costs: $30 (Discounts are available for donors and legacy members).
FOR KIDS
FOR K-12
TODDLER TAKEOVER
AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUBS
Tuesdays | Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5 | 10-11:30 AM
Middle & High School Students:
School year programming launches its 2023-24 year with our youngest museum enthusiasts. We will start the morning with a gallery scavenger hunt, then work together on a take-home
Mondays | Sept 25, Oct 23, Nov 27 | 4-6 PM Elementary School Students: Tuesdays | Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 28 | 3:30-5 PM
art project in the AMA Classroom. This 30-minute program
After a successful first year, the After School Art Clubs are
is designed for children ages 15 months through 5 years and
returning for 2023-24. Monday’s club is for middle and high
their caregivers, but it is sibling friendly, so bring your brother
school students, while Tuesday’s meetings are for elementary
or sister along as well. Each month’s program is inspired by
school students. In each club, students start out learning the
current AMA exhibitions.
basics and hone their fundamental drawing skills. As the
Cost: $8 (Discounts are available for donors and legacy members).
school year progresses, club members learn techniques such as shading, controlling tones, and composition, and are introduced to various drawing methods and how to work with different materials. Note: The club does not meet in December because of the Christmas holidays. Cost: $15 per session (Discounts are available for donors and legacy members, and multiple students).
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P RO G R A M S
HOMESCHOOL DAY
LIBBY WOMACK HOLIDAY WORKSHOP
Thursdays | Sept 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14 | 10-11:30 AM
Monday-Friday | Dec 18-22 | 9 AM-4 PM
Homeschoolers learn together in the galleries and work
A Christmastime tradition at the Albany Museum of Art, the
together on take-home projects in the AMA Classroom.
Libby Womack Holiday Workshop is returning for campers
Homeschool Day is geared toward students in K-5th grade,
ages K-7th grade. Named in memory of the beloved longtime
but children of all ages can participate in this STEAM (science,
Albany educator and a former trustee of the AMA, the camp
technology, engineering, arts, and math) education art-making
entails a week of winter holidays-inspired art projects and fun.
workshop. Each program focuses on an aspect of STEAM and incorporates a current AMA exhibition. Sessions include projects, gallery tours, and more. Cost: $15 (Discounts are available for donors and legacy members).
STUDENT ART STUDIO SATURDAY Saturdays | Sept 16, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9 | 10 AM-2 PM Created by the AMA Teen Art Board as a service to high school students in the community, Student Art Studio Saturday (SASS) is conducted monthly during the school year in the AMA Classroom. The program encourages teens to create together in a safe environment, empowering them to express themselves through their art. All art materials are provided by the AMA thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Morehouse School of Medicine. Cost: Free for teens.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
The winter holidays have a way of sneaking up on everyone, so don’t delay in registering your child for this popular camp that traditionally sells out weeks in advance. Cost: Pricing and a registration link will be available soon at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/winter-holiday-camp.
WINTER WONDERS HOLIDAY CAMP Wednesday-Friday | Dec 27-29 | 9 AM-4 PM Bridge that period between Christmas and New Year’s Day with a camp filled with winter-inspired art for your camper in grades K-7th grade. The weeks leading up to the holidays are always hectic, so this is a great way for parents to rest up, confident that their camper is in good hands and engaging in creative art projects and activities. Cost: Pricing and a registration link will be available soon at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/winter-holiday-camp.
FOR ADULTS
ART LOVERS BOOK CLUB Tuesdays | Sept 19, Nov 21 | 6 PM Enjoy an evening of good art, good books, good wine, and good conversation with others who share your interests in art and literature at the bimonthly meetings of the Art Lovers Book Club. Each month, club members take a novel, biography, or other book that they selected the previous summer and have a spirited discussion about it. There is no formal membership, and you may attend as many or as few meetings as you like. An RSVP is requested before each meeting to prepare adequate seating. You can find the
ART ED. CONNECT
books assigned for each meeting at www.albanymuseum.com/
Date and time to be announced
programs_book-club. Cost: Free
CORKS & CANVASES PAINTING PARTIES
Art educators who work at any level, from kindergarten through college, are invited to come together for a special professional development opportunity. Art Ed. Connect will provide a way for educators to meet with and learn from their peers while
Thursdays | Oct 19, Dec 7 | 5:30-7:30 PM
growing a network and support system.
The popular AMA Corks & Canvases Painting Parties are now
Participants will take part in discussions and hands-on
being scheduled every other month. At these Thursday evening
workshops; discover new effective lesson plans; discuss
sessions, participants enjoy a glass of wine and pleasant
classroom management and climate, tips, and tricks, and be
conversation as they receive step-by-step instructions on the
inspired with innovative ideas to take back to their classrooms.
recreation of a famous painting.
Additionally, participants will receive a tour of the fall
The classes are designed for both skilled painters and newcomers who have never used a paintbrush. Regardless of your skill level, you will leave with an original artwork that you will be proud to display at your home or office. All materials,
exhibitions, engage in gallery discussions, and practice Visual Thinking Strategies, an inquiry-based teaching strategy for all grade levels. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. Cost: $30 per attendee.
including the canvas, are provided by the museum. In the October class, our painters will create their interpretations of The Scream by Edvard Munch. In December, the workshop will recreate Wassily Kandinsky’s 1909 painting Winter Landscape. Corks & Canvases Painting Parties sell out weeks before each session, so don’t delay when registration opens.
If you have questions about AMA programming or need information on donor or legacy member discounts, please contact Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem at 229.439.8400 or email her at annie.vanoteghem@albanymuseum.com. Program webpages with information and registration
Cost: $30 (Discounts are available for donors and legacy
links may be found online at www.albanymuseum.com/
members).
programs/all-programs.
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EVENTS
FALL EXHIBITIONS OPENING RECEPTION IS SEPT 7 Be one of the first to see the exciting new fall exhibitions at the Albany Museum of Art at the Opening Reception from 5:30-7 pm on Thursday, Sept 7. Debuting that evening will be Land That I Love, works by Ashley Cecil, in the Haley Gallery; Familias, works by Ramiro Davaro-Comas, in the East and Hodges Galleries, and Southern Visionaries: Self-Taught Artists From the AMA Permanent Collection in the McCormack Gallery. Artists Cecil and Davaro-Comas plan to attend the opening, where you will have a chance to hear from them and meet
AMA CHALKFEST RETURNS DOWNTOWN ON NOV 4
them. There will be hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and non-
Art, music, libation stations, and food trucks will fill the street in
alcoholic beverages at the event.
downtown Albany on Saturday, Nov 4, at the 6th annual AMA
You can find more about the artists and their work in the Exhibitions section of this magazine, and online at www. albanymuseum.com. Admission is $10 per person. Artist Guild donors receive a discount. The event is free for donors and legacy members.
ChalkFest street festival. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be 10 am-5 pm. Once again, professional chalk artists from Georgia and other Southeastern states will create bigger-than-life images on the pavement, as will local amateurs and school groups. Last year’s ChalkFest saw the debut of glassblowing and steamroll printing demonstrations at the festival, and other art genres are being invited to participate this year as well. More information on the theme and location of the festival will be available soon, as well as sign-up information for artists, food trucks, vendors, and volunteers. Updates will be posted at www.albanymuseum.com/events/ama-chalkfest and on AMA social media.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
BECOME A DONOR
DONOR LEVELS A non-profit organization cannot fulfill its mission
Artist Guild — <$125/year
without operational support. The funds raised through
• Attend one (1) opening reception per year for free for all
the Annual Fund directly support staff, programming,
household members, with discounts on other opening
infrastructure, and building needs. There are tiered
receptions.
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.
• 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.
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ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
Contributor — $250-$499/year
Champion: $2,500-$4,999/year
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Reciprocal
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Advocate
Level, and:
Level, and:
• Annual recognition in AMA Magazine.
• One free annual limited-edition print.
• Attend all opening receptions for free.
• 50% off auditorium rental.
• Free admission to AMA Meet-Ups
• Monthly updates on all things AMA.
• Priority registration for special events.
Philanthropist: $5,000 or more/year
Enthusiast: $500-$999/year
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Champion
You receive all cumulative benefits through the Contributor
Level, and:
Level, and: • Invitation for two (2) to The Year in Art luncheon, a free,
• One free auditorium rental. • Exclusive travel opportunities to the Southeastern
invitation-only event reflecting the closing fiscal year and
Museum Conference (SEMC), the Alliance of American
looking forward to the coming year.
Museums (AAM) conference, and Museum Advocacy Day
• A complimentary Reciprocal Level donorship for you to give to someone as a gift.
in Washington, D.C., along with other invitations to travel with the AMA Executive Director.
• 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.
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AT A G L A N C E
OCTOBER 3 Toddler Takeover 10:30-11 am Teen Art Board meeting 5 pm
SEPTEMBER 4 AMA closed for Labor Day 5 Toddler Takeover 10:30-11 am 5 Teen Art Board meeting 5 pm AMA Executive Committee meeting 5:15 pm 7 Fall Exhibitions Opening Reception 5:30-7 pm 8 Ashley Cecil’s Land That I Love Workshop 10 am-noon 9 AMA Family Opening Day 10 am-5 pm 14 Homeschool Day 10-11:30 am
12 Homeschool Day 10-11:30 am 14 Student Art Studio 10 am-2 pm 19 Corks & Canvases Painting Party 5:30-7:30 pm 23 After School Art Club: Middle & High School 4-6 pm 24 After School Art Club: Elementary 3:30-5 pm 28 Spooky Holiday Cookie Decorating Class 10 am-noon 31 Trick-or-Treat at the Museum 10 am-5 pm
23-24 AMA closed for Thanksgiving holidays 27 After School Art Club: Middle & High School 4-6 pm 28 After School Art Club: Elementary 3:30-5 pm
DECEMBER 5 Toddler Takeover 10:30-11 pm Teen Art Board meeting 5 pm AMA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee meetings 5:15 pm 7 Corks & Canvases Painting Party 5:30-7:30 pm
16 Student Art Studio 10 am-2 pm
NOVEMBER
9 Student Art Studio 10 am-2 pm
19 Art Lovers Book Club 6 pm
4 AMA ChalkFest downtown Albany
14 Homeschool Day 10-11:30 am
25 After School Art Club: Middle & High School 4-6 pm
7 Toddler Takeover 10:30-11 am
26 After School Art Club: Elementary 3:30-5 pm 30 Hang Art Like a Curator Workshop 10 am-noon
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AMA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee meetings 5:15 pm
11 Student Art Studio 10 am-2 pm 21 Art Lovers Book Club 6 pm
ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART | FALL 2023
Teen Art Board meeting 5 pm AMA Executive Committee meeting 5:15 pm 9 Homeschool Day 10-11:30 am
18-22 Libby Womack Holiday Workshop 9 am-4 pm 25-26 AMA closed for Christmas holidays 27-29
Winter Wonders Art Camp 9 am-4 pm
Jan. 1 AMA closed for New Year’s Day holiday
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