ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART TO OPEN TWO EXHIBTIONS HIGHLIGHTING THE HELDERBERGS

ALBANY, NY- The Albany Institute of History & Art is pleased to announce the opening of their new fall exhibitions: Indian Ladder, A Lyric Journey: Photographs by John Yang and The Helderberg Escarpment: A History of Tourism and Science on Saturday, September 22. Since 2001, Yang has been capturing in amazing detail the beauty of the landscape of Thacher Park, especially along the Indian Ladder Trail.  Indian Ladder, A Lyric Journey will include 38 of Yang’s photographs.  The Helderberg Escarpment features paintings, photographs, geological samples, and more highlighting the history and splendor of the Helderbergs. Both exhibitions will be on display at the Albany Institute until December 30, 2007.

Indian Ladder, A Lyric Journey, highlights Yang’s collection of photographs from Thacher Park, and was created by the Albany Institute with guidance from Yang. Arranged in two galleries, the first section demonstrates each step of Yang’s unique photographic process, including optical impressions observed through his camera and the chemical reactions that occur during the printing process. In the adjacent gallery, Yang’s captivating photographs have been carefully arranged by Yang to represent his “lyric journey,” a journey along Indian Ladder Trail and into a dream-like state of the sub-conscience.

Yang has been photographing the Helderberg Escarpment for the last five years, especially along the Indian Ladder Trail. Reminiscent of works by the great nineteenth century landscape photographers Carleton E. Watkins, Eadweard Muybridge, and William Henry, Yang’s prints capture the panoramic splendor of Thacher Park and the rural serenity of the valley below the escarpment.

Along with Yang’s photographs, the Albany Institute has developed the exhibition, The Helderberg Escarpment: A History of Tourism and Science. The exhibition features paintings, prints, postcards, photographs, tourist souvenirs, and geological samples from the Helderberg Escarpment as well as the Indian Ladder Trail. The Helderberg Escarpment rises to a height of 1100 feet, and is a prominent backdrop to Albany’s skyline. This exhibition will compliment Yang’s photographic journey along the Indian Ladder Trail.

Indian Ladder, a Lyric Journey: Photography by John Yang and The Helderberg Escarpment: A History of Tourism and Science will open on September 22 and run through December 30, 2007.  For more information on these exhibitions and the Albany Institute of History & Art please call 518-463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org

IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Support provided in part by Mr. and Mrs. C. Wayne Williams, The Alan Goldberg Charitable Trust, Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc., Spectra Environmental Group, Inc., David and Lois Swawite and the Omni Development Company, Inc., Eric D. Foster, Prentiss and Frieda Carnell and Margaret M. Craven. Tech Valley Printing provided in-kind support for the printing and production of the catalogue.

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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.