Sculpture in the Streets 2012
On Broadway, near the Hudson River Walkway.
The new series of Sculpture in the Streets pieces have been popping up in downtown Albany this week. This year's theme: "Stand in the Sole of Albany." The pieces are all giant Dutch clogs. You know, wooden shoes.
Thirteen artists have decorated the oversized clogs -- some big, some really big -- for this year's series. Photos of a handful of them are after the jump, as is a list of this year's artists.
The clogs are fun. And this afternoon they definitely had people stopping to take a look. A brief "What the heck..." moment was usually followed by a smile. Some people even tried them on (so to speak).
This year's Sculpture in the Streets series will be officially unveiled at a garden party hosted by the Albany Downtown BID Friday evening. Tickets are $50.
Maps of all the sculptures will be available from the BID and downtown merchants starting Monday (June 18). The clogs will be on display until May 2013.
Photos of some of the clogs are in large-format above. Please scroll all the way up.
This year's artists:
+ Patricia Baker, Schenectady, NY
+ Mitchell Biernacki, Glenmont, NY
+ Tony Iadicicco, Albany, NY (with Gutman Black, Albany, NY)
+ Paula J. Lawton, Valatie, NY
+ Carol Lernihan, Cooperstown, NY
+ Denise Poutre, Albany NY
+ Kim Schaller, Westerlo, NY
+ Sally Spring, Castleton, NY (with Susan Rivers, Ravena, NY and Milton McPherson, Albany, NY)
+ Barbara L. Walter, Greenville, NY
+ Elizabeth Zunon, Albany, NY
Earlier on AOA:
+ Sculpture in the Streets 2011
+ Sculpture in the Streets 2010
+ Sculpture in the Streets 2009
+ Sculpture in the Streets 2008
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Comments
Ugh, I hope those aren't all solid wood. I'm cringing at the thought that someone felled some old growth trees to produce giant clogs.
... said Tess on Jun 14, 2012 at 7:59 PM | link
I've seen worse- much worse- but the cute gimmick factor wears thin. It looks as if temporary disposable public art is the thing these days- which is better than having permanent art which SHOULD be disposed of. I think some of the pieces at the Plaza should be retired and a few fresh works brought in.
... said Eric Scheirer Stott on Jun 14, 2012 at 9:40 PM | link
this is so awesome!! they all look great!
... said Jen on Jun 14, 2012 at 10:11 PM | link
@Tess - they aren't wood, they're actually fiberglass. my cousin is the artist who painted the one with the girl on it!
... said Jen on Jun 15, 2012 at 9:13 AM | link
(that third one, with the boats, is at the corner of Steuben Place and Broadway, not Maiden Lane)
Editors: You're correct. Thanks for catching that.
... said nicole on Jun 15, 2012 at 9:35 AM | link
I am always so disappointed when I see people speak so critically of the attempts of our Albany to bring art, music and culture to our city. "Disposable" public art? I bet the artist who created these pieces are thrilled to have the opportunity to have their work seen by so many people. I, for one, am so proud to live where live music, theater and art are celebrated and almost always available FREE to the public. I hope to take pictures of my child checking out these clogs...probably wearing them, and laughing our butts off...and then while we are down there we will have lunch at a downtown establishment- (supporting a local business). Any art, music, street fair is good for keeping our city living, breathing and growing!
... said Cori on Jun 16, 2012 at 12:54 PM | link
Couldn't agree with Cori more...this is exactly the kind of stuff we need in downtown Albany. A cute gimmick? Sorry friend, I disagree. To me, a convention center seems like a gimmick. This on the other hand is a creative and fun way to make our streets lively, to promote a sense that they are a public space for city residents to enjoy (you know, the ones who aren't bankers or state workers). I'm sure it didn't cost a million bucks, they celebrate out local heritage, and hopefully pics of people "wearing" Albany clogs will start popping up on Facebook so people in other cities get a positive impression of this place.
... said Terrence on Jun 17, 2012 at 10:36 AM | link
Completely agree with Cori and Terrence. Especially like that this year's project has such a prominent connection with Albany's history.
... said Elizabeth on Jun 17, 2012 at 2:37 PM | link
OMG! I
... said Wendy on Jun 17, 2012 at 5:38 PM | link
How charming!
How much do they weigh?
... said mg on Jun 17, 2012 at 7:00 PM | link
That's a very fun idea! :)
... said Rachel on Jun 18, 2012 at 10:31 AM | link
As a frequent bus rider and walker of downtown Albany, I smile every time I see a clog!
... said Leslie on Jul 6, 2012 at 3:46 PM | link