Recovery: From Albany to Afghanistan and back
Murals by "Recovery" artist Samson Contompasis
The idea for the "Recovery" art show started here in Albany and made it's way to Afghanistan and New York City. This week it's home again.
The premise of the show -- that art, like war, can greatly affect people's lives.
Albany artist Samson Contompasis was thinking about a friend, Spc. Tamara Gabbard, who was stationed in Afghanistan when he came up with the idea to organize an art show there. He gathered work from 15 artists and donated it to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. In January it was displayed in a two day show, appropriately titled, "Art for Afghanistan."
Recently Contompasis brought the show back to the U.S. in an effort to sell the pieces and earn money for Operation Homefront. Earlier this month the works were displayed at the 69th Regiment Armory in NYC under the title "Convergence." Some of the best 518 artists are featured in the show (now called "Recovery,") including Dwell, OneUnit, Chip Fasciana and Gregory Maxwell Dunn.
The work includes 130 seven-foot-tall canvases that Contompasis painted with images of old Albany buildings that have been torn down. Contompasis says the New York City show
was a huge undertaking, but one that raised a large amount of money and he's really looking forward to being able to share it with his fellow A-towners.
"Recovery" promises live screen printing and art for sale starting as low as 99 cents. Proceeds go to help the families of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Recovery"
Thursday, April 2 - Saturday, April 4
5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
40 Broadway, Suite #23, Albany.
Find It
"Recovery"
40 Broadway, Suite #23
Albany, NY 12202
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Comments
Im there, guy does some great stuff
... said JVG on Mar 30, 2009 at 5:04 PM | link
This is a wonderful idea. What a great way to help people who have been bruised by war. I think art is a lovely way to help countries and communities come together after something so terrible.
... said Katherine on Mar 31, 2009 at 10:23 AM | link
Having seen the show in NYC I could'nt have imagined any thing more awsome than that, but the Recovery show was just as wonderful. Scaled down and in a more intimate setting, the same wonderful energy and spirt abound. The people that are responsible for this new vibration should be watched and commended for their insight and detication.It is my privlidge and honor to support such an endevor.Bless you for your compasion
... said Patty on Apr 14, 2009 at 3:38 AM | link