Albany, NY—Albany Public Library (APL) and Opalka Gallery celebrate the latest Art at APL exhibition, “In Residence: Albany Barn at APL,” with an opening reception on Friday, June 7, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Pine Hills Branch library. The reception is hosted by the Friends & Foundation of APL, and includes light refreshments and music by the Michael Lamkin Trio. The art opening is free and open to the public.

This show presents work from a select group of artists-in-residence at Albany Barn in Albany, Electric City Barn in Schenectady, and Artistry Studios in Schenectady. Mediums include stained glass, fiber, collage, drawing, and painting. Alongside the artwork, artists have included brief statements about their valuable relationship with the programs, whether it is maintaining a studio, or living/working. “In Residence: Albany Barn at APL” features artwork by Ashley Busby, Paula Drysdale Frazell, Lexi Hannah, Lori Kochanski, Amanda Moore, James Paulsen, Megan Ruch, and Kim Tateo.

“At Opalka collaboration in support of artists is a key goal, so partnering with the Albany Public Library and Albany Barn is a perfect fit. We hope visitors enjoy learning about these artists, and the Albany Barn, Inc.’s important contributions to our region’s creative life, as much as we did,” noted Amy Griffin, director of Opalka Gallery.

What started with one location—the Albany Barn—has now grown to three buildings that stretch from Albany to Schenectady. They all provide valuable space and community for artists to continue the development of their work. Albany Barn, Inc., on 2^nd St. in Albany provides live/work studio space as well as work-only, private studio space. Electric City Barn on Craig St. in Schenectady offers co-working space. And Artistry Studios on Eastern Ave. in Schenectady provides private studio space.

According to Christie Rose, site director of the Albany Barn, “Albany Barn, Inc., is dedicated to developing the infrastructure and culture necessary to support a thriving and equitable creative economy in the communities we serve. By providing personal and professional development opportunities to artists and emerging creative businesses, we’ve created a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment to produce, share, and sell creative work. Residency options include subsidized live/work apartments, private work-only studios, and project-based youth and small business residencies in our maker space.”

Art at APL is a curated fine arts exhibition program at the Pine Hills Branch showcasing the work of contemporary artists connected to the Capital Region and beyond. The program, which began in 2013, integrates professional artwork into public spaces within the library, enriches the library experience, and gives visitors something interesting and educational to look at while they browse the collections. “In Residence: Albany Barn at APL” marks the eighth Art at APL exhibition curated by Opalka Gallery. This show is partially funded by the John D. Picotte Family Foundation. The Art at APL program is funded in part by Friends & Foundation of Albany Public Library.