Friday, February 1; 5:00 - 9:00 pm

1st FRIDAY'S @ AIHA

On the first Friday of each month, the Albany Institute remains open until 9:00 pm and admission to our galleries is free as part of 1st Fridays, the downtown arts walk that showcases the thriving and lively art scene in downtown Albany. In addition, AIHA features special programs, special Museum Shop discounts and a range of musical offerings. Please call 518.463.4478 for more information and updates on scheduled activities. FREE

February 6; 12:30 - 1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME TALKS

Join a member of the AIHA staff for an in-depth look at and discussion about an object or two on display in a special exhibition or in the Albany Institute’s permanent collection galleries. These brief, content-rich programs are designed for those who want to learn about American painting, the decorative arts, the history of the Upper Hudson Valley and Albany’s role in the shared histories of our nation. FREE with Museum Admission.

Wednesday, February 6; 3:00 - 6:00 pm

TEACHER WORKSHOPS

19th Century Industry, Iron and Production

This workshop focuses on the production, use, distribution, and design of objects made from iron in the 19th century and how they relate to social history of that era. Teachers will be introduced to the exhibitions CAST WITH STYLE and HORSING AROUND by Tammis Groft, Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions, and Dr. Doug McCombs, Curator of History.

Open to New York State educators of all grade levels. Teachers attending workshops will be introduced to AIHA exhibitions, collections and other curriculum-related content by the Education Department staff, and receive teacher materials relating to Social Studies, Visual Arts and English Language Arts NYS Standards. Please register in advance by contacting Tracy Grosner, School & Teacher Program Coordinator at 518.463.4478 x405 or grosnert@albanyinstitute.org. Each workshop limited to 30 participants. Admission FREE for New York State Teachers.

Wednesday, February 6; 3:00 - 6:00 pm

TEACHER WORKSHOPS

19th Century Industry, Iron and Production

This workshop focuses on the production, use, distribution, and design of objects made from iron in the 19th century and how they relate to social history of that era. Teachers will be introduced to the exhibitions CAST WITH STYLE and HORSING AROUND by Tammis Groft, Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions, and Dr. Doug McCombs, Curator of History.

Open to New York State educators of all grade levels. Teachers attending workshops will be introduced to AIHA exhibitions, collections and other curriculum-related content by the Education Department staff, and receive teacher materials relating to Social Studies, Visual Arts and English Language Arts NYS Standards. Please register in advance by contacting Tracy Grosner, School & Teacher Program Coordinator at 518.463.4478 x405 or grosnert@albanyinstitute.org. Each workshop limited to 30 participants. Admission FREE for New York State Teachers.

Please register by January 23

Thursday, February 7

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM

Horsing Around

Learn about horses and hitching posts by visiting our newest exhibition, HORSING AROUND: 19th Century Cast Iron Hitching Posts. In the studio, use hand building techniques with an air-drying clay to create horse figures.

A $15 fee per child includes museum admission and art materials. Registration is required and payment is due at the time of registering.  To make a reservation or for further information please contact Kristen Schweigard, Public & Family Programs Coordinator, at 518.463.4478 Ext. 435 or schweigardk@albanyinstitute.org. Age requirement is 8 years and older.

Saturday, February 9; 10:30 - 11:30 am

STORYTELLING & ART-MAKING

Story: Winter in White by Robert Sabuda

Art Activity: Explore a variety of materials to create snow scenes and snowmen.

This hour long program begins with a story in our galleries and is followed by an art activity in our studio. $10 fee for adults and children are free. Registration is required. Please contact Kristen Schweigard, Public and Family Programs Coordinator, at 518.463.4478 Ext.435 or schweigardk@albanyinstitute.org

Saturday, February 9; 2:00, 3:00 pm

GALLERY TALKS

Join one of our highly trained volunteer docents in exploring the special exhibitions and the permanent collection.

2:00 pm. Gallery talk of special exhibition. 3:00 pm. Gallery talk of permanent collections. FREE with museum admission.

Saturday, February 9; 2:30 - 4:30 pm

FAMILY ART & GALLERY ADVENTURE

Drawing in the Galleries

Explore drawing from direct observation. Learn the fundamentals of line, value, form, perspective, composition and proportion by sketching galleries.

Intergenerational programs for children ages 6-12 and accompanying adults, with gallery activities and art making.  Programs start at 2:30 in the galleries followed by art making in the studio. FREE with museum admission.

February 13; 12:30 - 1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME TALKS

Join a member of the AIHA staff for an in-depth look at and discussion about an object or two on display in a special exhibition or in the Albany Institute’s permanent collection galleries. These brief, content-rich programs are designed for those who want to learn about American painting, the decorative arts, the history of the Upper Hudson Valley and Albany’s role in the shared histories of our nation. FREE with Museum Admission.

Wednesday, February 20

VACATION ART BREAK

9:00 am - Noon (Ages 6-8)

1:00 - 4:00 pm (Ages 9 - 13)

Animal Prints

Start with your own animal drawing, transfer onto a styrofoam plate, and make a multitude of prints.

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact Kristen Schweigard, Public and Family Programs Coordinator at 518.463.4478 x 435 or at schweigardk@albanyinstitute.org

February 20; 12:30 - 1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME TALKS

Join a member of the AIHA staff for an in-depth look at and discussion about an object or two on display in a special exhibition or in the Albany Institute’s permanent collection galleries. These brief, content-rich programs are designed for those who want to learn about American painting, the decorative arts, the history of the Upper Hudson Valley and Albany’s role in the shared histories of our nation. FREE with Museum Admission.

Thursday, February 21

VACATION ART BREAK

9:00 am - Noon (Ages 6-8)

1:00 - 4:00 pm (Ages 9 - 13)

Animal Sculpture

Use a modern sculpting medium to mold and form into all kinds of colorful animals.

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact Kristen Schweigard, Public and Family Programs Coordinator at 518.463.4478 x 435 or at schweigardk@albanyinstitute.org

Thursday, February 22

VACATION ART BREAK

9:00 am - Noon (Ages 6-8)

1:00 - 4:00 pm (Ages 9 - 13)

Animal Puppets

Make your animals come to life as we explore hand and finger puppets!

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact Kristen Schweigard, Public and Family Programs Coordinator at 518.463.4478 x 435 or at schweigardk@albanyinstitute.org

Saturday, February 23; 2:00, 3:00 pm

GALLERY TALKS

Join one of our highly trained volunteer docents in exploring the special exhibitions and the permanent collection.

2:00 pm. Gallery talk of special exhibition. 3:00 pm. Gallery talk of permanent collections. FREE with museum admission.

Sunday, February 24; 1:00 - 4:00 pm

GIRL SCOUT BADGE PROGRAM

Visual Arts Badge

Learn the many ways artists work and are inspired! Girl Scouts participating in the Albany Institute of History & Art Visual Arts Badge will receive a highlighted tour of our newest exhibitions and permanent collections. Girl scouts will learn the basic skills and knowledge to improve artwork. In our studio, scouts will learn the basic skills and knowledge to improve artwork. In our studio, scouts will be exposed to hands on exercises with colors and patterns. All participants will receive a Visual Arts Badge, a certificate of art appreciation from the Albany Institute of History & Art, and a free family pass to the Albany Institute of History & Art. Please wear clothes that you can get messy in! Light refreshments will be provided.

Advance registration is required. Please contact Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY 1-888-4GSNENY or locally (518) 489-8110 for more information.

(Fee: $14 for AIHA members, $16 for non-members, includes museum admission, materials fee and badge. Two free chaperones per troop, adult admission fee of $8 for each extra chaperone.)

Sunday, February 24; 2:00 pm

GALLERY TALK: Horsing Around

Gallery Talk with Phil and Bunny Savino, collectors of cast-iron hitching posts and lenders to the exhibition, HORSING AROUND: 19th Century Cast-Iron Hitching Posts

February 27; 12:30 - 1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME TALKS

Join a member of the AIHA staff for an in-depth look at and discussion about an object or two on display in a special exhibition or in the Albany Institute’s permanent collection galleries. These brief, content-rich programs are designed for those who want to learn about American painting, the decorative arts, the history of the Upper Hudson Valley and Albany’s role in the shared histories of our nation. FREE with Museum Admission.

Friday, February 29

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM

Horsing Around

Learn about horses and hitching posts by visiting our newest exhibition, HORSING AROUND: 19th Century Cast Iron Hitching Posts. In the studio, use hand building techniques with an air-drying clay to create horse figures.

A $15 fee per child includes museum admission and art materials. Registration is required and payment is due at the time of registering.  To make a reservation or for further information please contact Kristen Schweigard, Public & Family Programs Coordinator, at 518.463.4478 Ext. 435 or schweigardk@albanyinstitute.org. Age requirement is 8 years and older.

All programs are free with museum admission unless additional charge is indicated.  This calendar of events is subject to change.  Please call 518-463-4478 to confirm or for details on upcoming programs and events.