Albany Center Gallery opens new Downtown Albany gallery
2,000 sq. ft.-plus gallery space located in Downtown Albany’s renovated Arcade Building
ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 19, 2017) — — Albany Center Gallery (“ACG”), the Capital Region gallery at the forefront of showcasing local and regional visual arts for forty years, opened its new location at the Arcade Building (488 Broadway, Albany) on Wednesday, Jan. 18. ACG occupies approximately 2,050 sq. ft. of space on the ground floor.
A grand re-opening and ribbon cutting took place, attended by Albany City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy, and Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens, was followed by a gallery exhibition and reception later in the evening. Over 500 were in attendance, with more than 175 artists were showcased as part of the event.
“The Arcade, across from Jim Dinapoli Park, symbolizes a new era in Downtown where traditional buildings can be put to new contemporary and modern uses. This is now a home in which artists will be proud to showcase their art, while bringing a new energy to an underutilized landmark,” said Tony Iadicicco, executive director of Albany Center Gallery.
“We are proud to welcome Albany Center Gallery as an anchor destination to the building and the emerging Maiden Lane corridor. There should be more collaboration to draw residents and businesses back to downtown,” said David Sarraf, manager of Fairbank Properties.
ACG announced the move to the Arcade Building in October 2016, capping a two-year long process to find a new permanent home.
“The arts revitalize neighborhoods and promote economic prosperity. As we experience the growth of Albany’s newest neighborhood, we are thrilled that Albany Center Gallery has recommitted to Downtown. Drawing in over 25,000 visitors each year, the gallery highlights the wealth of talent here in our region and, in doing so, continues to transform how people engage with Downtown,” said Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District.
“Working with the leaders of the Albany Center Gallery to find a suitable new home in Albany was a priority of my administration because we understand that the Gallery has long been one of the anchors of Albany’s arts community,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “That they have found a home in the heart of the Downtown arts district, the City’s newest walkable neighborhood, is good news for all who care about the arts, the Downtown, and the future economic well-being of our City.”
“It’s great to have Albany Center Gallery in such a prime location in downtown Albany,” said Albany County Legislator Sam Fein (6th District).
The Arcade Building, which totals 75,000 sq. ft. and owned by Fairbank Properties, recently completed a $10 million renovation that includes 60 new apartments. In addition to ACG, the Arcade is also home to the second location for Stacks Espresso Bar. ACG, founded by Les Urbach in 1977, was first housed in the Capital District Psychiatric Center.
For more information about making a donation to the gallery or becoming a member, contact Tony Iadicicco at (518) 462–4775 or by visiting albanycentergallery.org.
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About Albany Center Gallery. For 40 years, Albany Center Gallery has provided a platform for the work of over 1,000 contemporary visual artists to engage the public. It strives to encourage dialogue and critical commentary about the visual arts within the region. albanycentergallery.org
