ALBANY — The Albany Barn is celebrating ten years as the city’s local creative arts incubator, and to do it properly, it’s inviting the public to another annual “anti-gala” party, Friday, Oct. 14.
This year’s event, dubbed the ‘anti-gala’ for its less-than-formal vibe, will also celebrate the Albany Barn’s anniversary, which was established ten years ago to give a hand up to emerging artists, and provide space for collaboration and creative and cultural exchange.
In honor of the ten-year anniversary of Albany Barn and FUSION’s fifth year, the event’s annual Artists Challenge theme is ‘the fusion of art and industry.’ The theme calls for works produced with wood and metal, corresponding with traditional wedding anniversary gift materials. Five Albany Barn member artists, including Matthew Bartik, Emily Dorr, Tabitha Heisch, Casey Polomaine, and Craig Shufelt will feature their work at the event as a culmination of the challenge. Additional installations by artists Peter Leue and Kris Hauser of Kozmik Sirkus Productions will also be displayed at the event.
In partnership with the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival, FUSION will feature a custom menu from Chef Michelle Hines Abram, with special guests Chef Derek Adams, Chef Patrick Pipino, and Chef Benji Blanco. Chef Abram is a founding member of the Food & Wine Festival, and has nearly 20 years experience in the hospitality industry having attended the French Culinary Institute in New York City and most recently developing her own event production company called MHA Innovations. The menu will provide a sampling of each chef’s unique style, expertly curated by Chef Abrams to compliment the themes of the evening. Also, Druthers Brewing Company will provide hors d’oeuvres and beer, while Empire Wine and DeCrescente Distributing Co will offer wine pairings and non-alcoholic beverage options. A coffee station and dessert displays from The Cookie Factory will round out the evening.
For tickets and information, visit AlbanyBarn.org/FUSION2016. Admission includes after party with live music and shuttle tours of Breathing Lights public art installation.
