CONTACT:
Michelle Santos, Marketing Coordinator & Social Media Strategist
Discover Albany
Phone: 518-434-1217 x 110
Email: msantos@albany.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2018
Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center Hosts “Perspectives: By Capital Region Artists”
New exhibit challenges the public to reflect on the legacy of enslaved people
Albany, NY – The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center is proud to host a new exhibit, “Perspectives: By Capital Region Artists,” presented by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. This curated exhibit features work from Capital Region artists reflecting upon the legacy of slavery, and what abolition looks like in contemporary America.
“In our increasingly polarized society, the symbol of the 19th-century Underground Railroad movement and its abolition activists challenge us to publicly reflect and act upon the legacy of the institution of slavery,” says Mary Liz Stewart, Co-founder of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. “Elements in society that oppose equity, such as racism and discrimination, must be challenged, overcome, and corrected.”
The exhibit showcases the symbiotic relationship of art and history, and the pieces vary in medium, technique, and style. Local artists drew inspiration from serene landscapes, classical portraits, historic stoneware and social activism.
The exhibit includes a reconstructed prison cell, with heartbreakingly beautiful views and sculptural work that brings to mind chains. “The variety of artistic forms in this exhibit will compel the viewer to reflect and respond,” says Mary Liz Stewart.
The exhibit was curated in conjunction with the 17th Annual Underground Railroad Public History Convention. This year’s event, Libertycon 2018 – Embracing Equity in a Global Society, takes place March 9-11 in Albany. For more information, please visit: https://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/conference/
Capital Region artists featured in the exhibit include Jamie Rodriguez, Alice Brody, Sue Connolly, Jeanne Finley, Joanne Van Genderen, Daesha Harris, Bugzdale A. Jackson, Clifford Oliver, Rita Papandrea, Beverly Skoll, Amanda Stickney, Israel Tsvaygenbaum, Richard Ham, and Oliver Peters.
“Perspectives: By Capital Region Artists.” will be on display at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, located at 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, from March 2 – April 27, 2018. The exhibit opening reception will be held on Friday, March 2, 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
ABOUT Discover Albany
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. Today, the organization is known as Discover Albany. Discover Albany currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. Discover Albany also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Foundation was established in 1993 to provide educational opportunities and work with other organizations to secure grants and funding to advance regional travel and tourism projects. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.
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