For more than 200 years, the Albany Institute of History and Arts has offered cultural and educational programs for all ages. The institute’s objective has been to preserve and interpret the art, history and culture of Albany and its surrounding areas. This winter, the institute will offer a number of programs to its visitors of all ages.
Our programs appeal to many diverse audiences. Our exhibitions and programs take a unique look at our region, said communications representative Paul Purdy.
The January programs offer a variety of family entertainment. A home school program combines gallery and studio time on Friday, Jan. 12. Registration is required for the four classes and there is a fee per child, which includes the museum admission and all art materials.
There will also be painting programs and storytelling events. On Saturday, Jan. 13, there will be a special preschool hour from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. for young children and their parents. This includes a storyteller who reads in the gallery and an institute educator who has the children take part in an art activity. There is a fee for adults, but children are free.
`We combine looking at the authentic experience of making art in our studio,` said public and family programs coordinator Kristen Schweigard.
On Saturday, Jan. 13, the story `The Pot` by Peter Reynolds will provide the day’s theme. The story is of a young heroine on a journey of self-expression, artistic experimentation and glory. The art program will include drawing materials that explore the possibilities with only a dot.
Schweigard said the book Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson will be featured on Saturday, Jan. 27. Children can expect a Saturday morning of animal adventures centered on a bear and his cave. The art portion will then utilize a variety of materials to create animals from the book.
For children between the ages of 6 and 12, intergenerational programs are being featured. The programs include gallery activities that are free with museum admission. `Winter Landscape,` a program of pastels, colored pencils, and paint and `paper table setting,` a mixed media drawing and collage project, will be offered as well.
`Our paper table setting is special because its inspiration is from gallery ceramics,` said Purdy.
In addition to family friendly events, members of the curatorial and education departments will be discussing displays, special exhibitions, and permanent collections. These discussions will be held during `Wednesday Lunch Time Talks,` and on Saturday mornings.
Also on Saturday, Jan. 27, `Paul Cushman: The work and world of a New York State Potter 1800-1850,` will take place at 3 p.m. Cushman’s work, `Earth and Fire,` which is comprised of four exhibitions, will be on display through May. Cushman’s exhibit will include period maps. Drawings, historical artifacts, and more than 60 stoneware vessels will be on display. A catalog containing essays by noted stoneware scholars and historians along with full color photographs and descriptions will also be available.
`Last year, over 1900 families participated in our museum programs. People love to come and see what makes us so unique,` said Schweigard.
You can learn more about the January and winter schedule by visiting the Web site, www.albanyinstitute.org, or by calling 463-4478.“