Albany Institute of History & Art (125 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210)
First Friday
Albany Institute of History & Art holds extended hours for the city of Albany's popular First Friday program! Enjoy free gallery admission to visit our current exhibitions: On the Road to Cragsmoor with Charles Courtney Curran, Americans Who Tell the Truth, and Portrait Pairings.
For the June First Friday, AIHA is thrilled to partner with Albany City Schools to host their 11th Annual Elementary Art Show! First Friday also includes music by a local DJ and a pop-up by our friends at The Larkin Hi-Fi, who will be serving a selection of natural wines, local beers, and a cocktail (and mocktail) special. After the museum closes, First Friday continues at The Larkin Hi-Fi right around the corner!
In addition, Albany Institute is hosting a Floral Design Workshop led by Pepper Floral.
Floral Design Workshop
5:30–6:30PM
The workshop is $40 for AIHA members; $50 for non-members
Advanced registration is requested; spaces are limited
Art meets bloom in our enchanting floral workshop, inspired by Charles Courtney Curran’s The Breath of Wild Azaleas. This hands-on experience invites you to reconnect with the delicate beauty of nature through the lens of American Impressionism.
Drawing inspiration from Curran’s soft pastel palette, dappled sunlight, and the romantic serenity of wild azaleas in bloom, participants will craft arrangements that evoke a sense of peaceful wilderness and luminous femininity. Guided by Pepper Floral, you’ll learn how to create a bouquet that echoes the airy grace and natural movement found in the painting. Expect to work with rosy toned blooms, woodland greenery, and soft textures that capture the dreamy, sunlit atmosphere of the artwork. We’ll explore the interplay of light, shadow, and color in florals—translating Curran’s painterly brushstrokes into living sculpture.
Whether you're an art lover, a flower enthusiast, or simply seeking a mindful escape, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the dialogue between floral design and fine art.
Visit pepperfloral.com and follow @pepper_flora_ on Instagram.
11th Annual City School District of Albany Art Show - Opening Reception
The Albany Institute of History & Art is pleased to host the 11 Annual City School District of Albany Elementary Art Show from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8, 2025.
This event is one of a kind, as it is a special opportunity for Albany's elementary students to showcase their artistic talents and how they were inspired this year in school. This creative student artwork from all twelve elementary schools will be showcased in the museum's Rice House on Friday, June 6, from 5–7:30PM, Saturday, June 7, from 10AM–5PM, and Sunday, June 8, from 12–5PM.
The opening reception is held on Friday, June 6, and will feature a performance by the William S. Hackett Middle School Jazz Band starting at 5PM in the foyer.
AIHA appreciates our partnership with the City School District of Albany Fine Arts program and are excited to host this special show. All are invited to attend!
Note: The art show is open during regular museum hours on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 in the museum's Rice House. Free admission for students and parents.
