Opalka Gallery

09/10/2024

🍻 Join Opalka Gallery for their Pop-Up Beer Garden this Friday, September 13!
Enjoy craft beers, local food, and live music! 🎶
https://www.albany.org/event/pop-up-beer-garden-series/51562/

09/06/2024

Let’s get together! Tonight, starting at 6pm, Opalka Gallery presents the first of the three Pop Up Beer Gardens. C'mon down to the Gallery lawn for music, food, beer, family fun, and more! We will be there with Super 400 and Caity Gallagher Music from the Local 518!

09/04/2024

Metroland, the old reliable weekly is back in digital form as Metroland Now! The more ways people can find out about local arts, news, etc, the better!

It will be called Metroland Now.

09/03/2024

Thanks to The 518 for featuring our Pop-Up Beer Garden series!

09/03/2024

"Painting at Night" is now open!
Opalka Gallery, Collar Works and Artist/Mother Podcast, are pleased to present the 4th Painting at Night open-call exhibition featuring 38 caregiver artists from around the world. Curated by Sean Desiree & Alisa Sikelianos-Carter.

Artists included this year are: Joey Barrett, Rachelle Beaudoin, Renée Bouchard, Emeline Brulé, Serena Buschi, Nyasha Chigama, Monique Crabb, Kaitlyn Danielson, Brett Davis with Sayaka Saito Davis and Toko Davis, Justine Di Fiore, Johanna Evans, Emily Gherard, Raul Gonzalez, Shanti Grumbine, Jodi Hays, Ming Ying Hong, Will Hutnick, Michael Kennedy and Steve Swartz, Nosheen Iqbal, Eirini Linardaki, Jo Lobdell, Katrina Majkut, Jillian McDonald, K'era Morgan, Alyssa Sakina Mumtaz, Bosede Opetubo, Francena Ottley, Jeanna Penn, Padma Rajendran, Florencia Rothschild, kaory santillán bueno, Terina Sciarrotta, Helen Stotesworthy, Victoria van der Laan, Melissa Wang, & Xin Xin

For a full list of related programming, please see our website.
https://opalka.sage.edu/programs-events/

Image 1: "I'm not me I'm just mom," by Francena Ottley, 2023, yarn on monks cloth
Image 2: Grant acknowledgement, thank you!

Ongoing support for Opalka Gallery from Russell Sage College, Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library, and Karen and Chet Opalka.

08/30/2024

Former Opalka gallery assistant and Russell Sage College alumni Quill Harrison featured in the The Daily Gazette of Schenectady. Our Albany campus is fortunate to have a mural by Quill.

Brightly colored, whimsical birds are a signature element of Quill Harrison’s art, filling the pages of sketchbooks and the murals Harrison has created throughout the Capital Region. The images are filled with solid, vibrant hues that make the feathered characters feel as if they could fly off the...

08/29/2024

We love partnering with NYSATA Region 6 and the Capital Area Art Supervisors on giving opportunities to young students to showcase their artwork! Thanks to the Times Union for highlighting the importance of art in our schools.
http://www.timesunion.com/art/article/special-exhibits-events-champion-student-art-19723426.ph

From the Empire State Plaza to Opalka Gallery, kindergartners through high school seniors' art can shine in local professional galleries.

08/27/2024

Only one week away until doors open on our next collaboration!
Opalka Gallery, Collar Works and Artist/Mother Podcast, are pleased to present the 4th Painting at Night open-call exhibition featuring 38 caregiver artists from around the world. Curated by Sean Desiree & Alisa Sikelianos-Carter.

Artists included this year are: Joey Barrett, Rachelle Beaudoin, Renée Bouchard, Emeline Brulé, Serena Buschi, Nyasha Chigama, Monique Crabb, Kaitlyn Danielson, Brett Davis with Sayaka Saito Davis and Toko Davis, Justine Di Fiore, Johanna Evans, Emily Gherard, Raul Gonzalez, Shanti Grumbine, Jodi Hays, Ming Ying Hong, Will Hutnick, Michael Kennedy and Steve Swartz, Nosheen Iqbal, Eirini Linardaki, Jo Lobdell, Katrina Majkut, Jillian McDonald, K'era Morgan, Alyssa Sakina Mumtaz, Bosede Opetubo, Francena Ottley, Jeanna Penn, Padma Rajendran, Florencia Rothschild, kaory santillán bueno, Terina Sciarrotta, Helen Stotesworthy, Victoria van der Laan, Melissa Wang, & Xin Xin

For a full list of related programming, please see our website. https://opalka.sage.edu/

08/26/2024

Thanks The 518 for featuring our First Friday Albany Pop-Up Beer Garden on Sept. 6!

First Friday Albany is a monthly celebration of arts and culture in the city of Albany, happening year-round.

08/21/2024

“In Residence: Albany Barn at APL”
June 7 through November 8, 2024. Free and open to the public during library regular hours.

Location: Pine Hills Branch of Albany Public Library, 517 Western Ave., Albany
Artists: Ashley Busby, Paula Drysdale Frazell, Lexi Hannah, Lori Kochanski, Amanda Moore, James Paulsen, Megan Ruch, and Kim Tateo.

This show presents work from a select group of artists-in-residence at Albany Barn in Albany, Electric City Barn in Schenectady, and Artistry Studios in Schenectady. Mediums include stained glass, fiber, collage, drawing, and painting. Alongside the artwork, artists have included brief statements about their valuable relationship with the programs, whether it is maintaining a studio, or living/working.

Artist Spotlight:Lexi Hannah

Image 1: Escape Artist, 2023, oil on canvas
Image 2: Reverie,2022, oil on canvas
Image 3: Heart on Lark, 2021, mixed media


art





Library hours:
Monday 12-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 12-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 12-6 pm
Saturday 10-5 pm

07/21/2024

The arts are a good investment for communities!
https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/commentary-investing-arts-leads-stronger-19449597.php?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHb9r-CiAluY0RnDUVHRX1d249Hq1vZdTEsol-31nzwlVCSHaql0CvQ3avQ_aem_RMM8CXaqX0gTZg13gdakew

State working to invest in arts but must do more to underscore the "essential infrastructure" role that artists play throughout New York

07/08/2024

“In Residence: Albany Barn at APL”
June 7 through November 8, 2024. Free and open to the public during library regular hours.

Location: Pine Hills Branch of Albany Public Library, 517 Western Ave., Albany
Artists: Ashley Busby, Paula Drysdale Frazell, Lexi Hannah, Lori Kochanski, Amanda Moore, James Paulsen, Megan Ruch, and Kim Tateo.

This show presents work from a select group of artists-in-residence at Albany Barn in Albany, Electric City Barn in Schenectady, and Artistry Studios in Schenectady. Mediums include stained glass, fiber, collage, drawing, and painting. Alongside the artwork, artists have included brief statements about their valuable relationship with the programs, whether it is maintaining a studio, or living/working.

Artist Spotlight: Ashley Busby

"I joined Albany Barn in late 2019 and to say it's been incredible is an understatement. The connections I have made with other artists have been instrumental to my practice in Upstate New York. The Barn has provided opportunities for me to connect with artists in the area and share my work to a new audience. Having a designated space to explore and try new mediums has been essential for my growth as an artist."

Image 1: Ashley Busby, Earth Study, 2019, Drawing on Paper
Image 2: Exhibition invitation
Image 3: Ashley Busby, Split/Ascend, 2018, Oil on Canvas
Image 4:Ashley Busby, Liminal/Lapse, 2018, Oil on canvas
Image 5:Ashley Busby, (In Memory of) Letting Go, 2018, Oil on Canvas

Library hours:
Monday 12-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 12-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 12-6 pm
Saturday 10-5 pm

06/27/2024

Enjoy summer, plan for September!

Fridays in September, join us with our friends at the Opalka Gallery for Local 518 music, beer, food and more.

06/20/2024

“In Residence: Albany Barn at APL”
June 7 through November 8, 2024. Free and open to the public during library regular hours.

Location: Pine Hills Branch of Albany Public Library, 517 Western Ave., Albany
Artists: Ashley Busby, Paula Drysdale Frazell, Lexi Hannah, Lori Kochanski, Amanda Moore, James Paulsen, Megan Ruch, and Kim Tateo.

This show presents work from a select group of artists-in-residence at Albany Barn in Albany, Electric City Barn in Schenectady, and Artistry Studios in Schenectady. Mediums include stained glass, fiber, collage, drawing, and painting. Alongside the artwork, artists have included brief statements about their valuable relationship with the programs, whether it is maintaining a studio, or living/working.

Artist Spotlight: Paula Drysdale Frazell

"Living at the Albany Barn allows the creative process to flourish in many ways. The reasonable rent lessens my financial worries and allows me to focus my time and energy on making art. Living with other creatives, sharing and discussing work with them provides valuable and much needed feedback. The Barn has its fingers in many pots throughout the community and shares a wealth of information, ideas, opportunities and help to all the residents. "

Image 1:Paula Drysdale Frazell, Peace in the Garden, 2023, Mixed media collage
Image 2: Exhibition invitation
Image 3:Paula Drysdale Frazell, Winter Afternoon, 2023, Mixed media collage
Image 4:Paula Drysdale Frazell, Lord, Hear Our Prayer, 2023, Mixed media collage
Image 5: Paula Drysdale Frazell, Eve, 2024, Mixed media collage

Library hours:
Monday 12-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 12-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 12-6 pm
Saturday 10-5 pm

06/06/2024

It’s our pleasure to host the City School District of Albany Elementary Art Show! City School District of Albany
Come see all the great work by these Albany kids! Fri, 6/7, noon to 5pm.

05/28/2024

Last chance! The Russell Sage Visual Arts BFA Exhibition closes this Friday, May 31 at 5pm. Hours this week are Tuesday through Friday, 12-5pm.

This annual showcase features work by seniors in the Russell Sage College Visual Arts BFA programs: Art + Extended Media, Interior + Spatial Design, and Graphic + Media Design. The work included is selected by a panel of art/design faculty and Opalka Gallery staff.

Included are Capstone projects which represent the visual culmination of semester-long research and studio time. Designs for healthcare facilities, marketing campaigns aimed at Gen Z, sculpture, illustration, packaging design, embroidery, and more fill the gallery, accompanied by project statements from the 15 students.

05/24/2024

Opalka will be open noon to 2pm today, closing early for the holiday weekend. We reopen Tuesday 5/28 at noon. Have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

05/21/2024

Coming soon to the Pine Hills Branch! Opalka+Albany Barn+Albany NY Library!

NEW ART AT THE LIBRARY!!! Our next Art at APL show, curated by Opalka Gallery, will be opening at the Pine Hills Branch on June 7! The exhibit presents work from a select group of artists-in-residence at Albany Barn in Albany, Electric City Barn in Schenectady, and Artistry Studios in Schenectady, including Ashley Busby, Paula Drysdale Frazell, Lexi Hannah, Lori Kochanski, Amanda Moore, James Paulsen, Megan Ruch, and Kim Tateo.
Can't wait to share these artworks with you and hope you'll join us on the 7th for our opening reception, including light refreshments and live jazz music by the Michael Lamkin Trio. Mark your calendar!!
All the details here: https://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/programs/art-apl/