ALBANY, NY (03/26/2013)(readMedia)-- Albany, NY...The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) invites local and regional artists to apply for the 2013 Sculpture in the Streets program. This year's exhibit titled: All Signs Point to Downtown will restore old retail signs, also referred to as ghost signs, on the sides of our historic buildings retelling the story of downtown Albany as the commercial hub for the Capital Region prior to the creation of suburban malls.

Now through April 12, 2013, the BID is accepting submissions from artists interested in participating. Artists in all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply, but must be able to free hand letters, pay close attention to detail and line work. Previous work would include murals, signs and stencil work. This project has a lot of focus on lettering and layout on a large scale. Painting will take place between mid-April to mid-June and an honorarium will be paid based on the size and complication of the retail sign. Inquires to sponsor a ghost sign are also being accepted. Please contact Kris Sigsby at ksigsby@downtownalbany.org or 518.465.2143 x13 for more information or download the artist application on our website at downtownalbany.org.

"The notoriety of our Sculpture in the Streets program grows each year whether it is through the level of the artists like world renowned kinetic sculpture George Rickey or local artists that bring Albany to life through their paintings," said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director Downtown Albany BID, "Last year's exhibit took on a life of its own with the Dutch clogs each having a Facebook page where people could post pictures and videos interacting with the shoes. This year we believe that we have an award winning historic preservation program that will also be the start of attracting retail to Downtown."

Sculpture in the Streets has been an annual event since 2005, drawing over 10,000 residents and visitors, and encouraging art education while highlighting the vibrancy of downtown Albany.

Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image of Downtown for those who work in, live in and visit New York's Capital City. The BID is a private, not-for profit 501(c) (3) organization. For more information about Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org or call 518.465.2143 X11.

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Posted Tuesday March 26, 2013 at 11:52 am by Downtown Albany BID
Last Updated Wednesday March 27, 2013 at 11:36 am