ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART ANNOUNCES

AUGUST “1^st FRIDAY” PROGRAM

Albany, NY—The Albany Institute of History & Art will continue the summer season on Friday, August 3 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm, as part of the August “1^st Fridays” downtown arts walk. The museum’s event will include music and refreshments on the front lawn, FREE admission to the galleries and a 10% discount on select items in the Museum Shop. 

·          6:00 – 9:00 pm – Entertainment

Experience a unique evening featuring the rootsy improvisational music (percussion/voice) of Felle Vega and Marco Haber to commemorate the August 12 closing of the Albany Institute’s exhibition, Playing with Clay: Frank Giorgini’s Udu Drums, Tile Murals and More. Felle Vega is a world-renowned Dominican percussionist, vocalist, composer, instrument designer, and inventor. As a long-time Albany resident and professional percussionist, Marco Haber has an unusual and captivating style and is a part of the Albany based duo ‘Mudfunk.’

Felle and Marco will put on an interactive show in which they perform improvisational pieces, talk about their unusual instruments, and encourage audience members to sing, dance, and participate in the music; bring your own hand drum or purchase one made by Frank Giorgini in the Museum Shop!

·          5:00 – 9:00 pm – Refreshments

Enjoy a complimentary tasting stating provided courtesy of A Cone of Our Own, which will be on hand with samples of their gelato. A Cone of Our Own makes gelato on-premise in their downtown Albany shop using a process that keeps the texture creamy, smooth, and delicious. In addition to gelato, A Cone of Our Own also specializes in a number of delicious desserts including soft serve ice cream, cold and hot drinks and their new gelato cakes. 

·          5:00 – 9:00 pm – Open Galleries

Exhibitions on view include: 

·         PLAYING WITH CLAY: Frank Giorgini’s Udu Drums, Tile Murals and More

·         LUMINOSITY: Paintings by Stephen Hannock

·         PARALLEL PASSAGES: Lynn Davis at the Sites of Frederic Edwin Church

·         FULL STEAM AHEAD: Robert Fulton and the Age of Steamboats

·         IROQUOIS GAMES & DANCES: Paintings by Tom Two Arrows

·         THE HUDSON RIVER SCHOOl: Highlighting the work of Sanford R. Gifford

In the event of inclement weather, all 1^st Friday activities will be held indoors.

For more information, please visit www.albanyinstitute.org or call 518-463-4478.

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Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is a 501(c) 3 cultural and educational institution dedicated to public service.  As a museum, its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the art, history and culture of Albany and the upper Hudson Valley region from the 17th century to the present.  AIHA acquires collections, conducts research, produces publications, and offers a wide range of exhibitions, educational and public programs that appeal to diverse audiences ranging from pre-K to senior citizens.  The museum is open year round, Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is free to members and children under 6, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $4 children ages 6-12.  The Albany Institute of History & Art is accredited by the American Association of Museums and chartered by the New York State Department of Education.