Sculpture in the Streets Exhibit to Feature the Restoration of Historic Ghost Signs in Downtown Albany

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Ghost Signs "Before"

ALBANY, NY (06/07/2013)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announces the 2013 – 2014 Sculpture in the Streets exhibit. Titled,All Signs Point to Downtown, the outdoor art program tells the story of downtown Albany as the retail hub for the Capital Region prior to the creation of suburban malls. The project will restore several now faded or lost retail signs on the sides of historic buildings throughout downtown Albany. The restoration ranges from full sign repainting to partial restoration of sign pieces that can no longer be read. Design and historical accuracy is being followed and ensured through extensive research and assistance from the Morris Gerber Photo Collection at the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (National Park Service) and the City of Albany's Historic Planner. Additional guidance is being offered by expert such as downtown architect John G. Waite.

"John G. Waite Associates, Architects (JGWA) is pleased to be involved with the Albany Downtown BID's Sculpture in the Streets Series," said John G. Waite, FAIA, "We believe that this year's program shows great creativity in combining public art, historic preservation, and downtown revitalization. Existing historic signs are conserved and artists are recreating missing signs in a program that will have lasting value. As a firm that specializes in historic preservation, we are happy that the BID is promoting the preservation and enhancement of culturally significant buildings by utilizing the talents of local artists. We believe that the sign program is important in maintaining the City's history. Similar to stamps on a passport, the painted text on the bricks illustrates where we have been as a community. Now that history will be preserved for years to come."

The exhibit will restore ghost signs on Downtown buildings including:

• 370 Broadway

• 376 Broadway

• 384 Broadway

• 120 Madison Avenue

• Potentially one to three additional buildings (to be announced shortly)

Originally the building advertisements were painted by Wall Dogs, muralists from the 1890 to the mid 1900s who painted advertisements on billboards and walls in cities and towns throughout the country. Five regional artists were selected for this year's project through an open call for artists. Those artists include: Michael Conlin, Chip Fasciana, John Reilly, Erik Savage (RADICAL!) and Frank Smith. Collectively, these modern day Wall Dogs hold over fifty years of experience in sign painting with two of the artists holding over 30 individual years of experience, in addition to owning their own sign companies. Further, three of the artists have previously worked on restoration projects as well as have worked with Historical Albany Foundation.

"Before the creation of suburban malls, downtown Albany was home to hundreds of department stores, retail shops, and retail related services," explains Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany BID, "Today, we are proud to say Downtown is experiencing a resurgence of interest in locating retail due to the increasing residential population and is credited as the inspiration behind this year's Sculpture in the Streets program."

Started in 2005, the Sculpture in the Streets program was designed to offer free, public art in various locations throughout Downtown for employees, residents and visitors alike. From local and regional artists to national and world renowned artists like Seward Johnson and kinetic sculpture George Rickey, the exhibits boasts an annual draw of over 10,000 people into Downtown. Most recently, the 2012 – 2013 installation asked regional artists how they are connected to the City of Albany and its history and to paint their impression on oversized Dutch clogs that were then placed throughout Downtown. The clogs are currently up for sale and will be available for auction at the upcoming Garden Party.

"Community and economic development consultant Peter Kageyama once wrote, 'Arts and culture are what makes a city fall in love with itself,'" said Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, "Through the restoration of ghost signs throughout Downtown, we hope to highlight future potential for retail attraction in Downtown while preserving an important part of Albany's history for generations to come."

The Downtown Albany BID and Omni Development Company Inc., will host the 2013 - 2014 Sculpture in the Streets Garden Party to kick off this year's exhibition. The fundraising event is slated for the evening of June 14, 2013 at the Liberty Park (Hudson Avenue and Liberty Street) from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in downtown Albany, NY.

"Liberty Park is not only one of the oldest public spaces in Albany, but one of the oldest in the country," explains Steffens, "The urban green space is the perfect place to host our Garden Party since three of the Ghost Signs will serve as the event's backdrop."

During a short presentation at the Garden Party, Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Powell Bender will receive the Downtown Albany BID's 2013 Civic Arts Patron Award, an award given by the BID as part of Sculpture in the Streets in recognition of longtime and comprehensive support of the arts in the Capital Region. Tammis Groft will be awarded the BID's 2013 Norman S. Rice A.C.E. Award, recognizing her lasting contribution to arts, culture and education for our community. Additionally, the George Boone Blues Band, one of the 2012 Downtown Albany Blues Music Contest winners, will be on hand providing music. A silent auction featuring last year's oversized Dutch clogs sculptures will also take place during the event. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at downtownalbany.org or by calling 518.465.2143 x13. Free parking available immediately behind Liberty Park has been provided by Albany Management.

The Sculpture in the Streets program is funded through the generous support of sponsors and grants. The exhibit is underwritten in part by Albany.com, The Beltrone Group, LLC, Capitalize Albany, George R. Hearst III, KeyBank, KPMG, M & T Bank, National Grid, O'Connell and Aronowitz, Omni Development Company Inc., and The Palace Theatre.

Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability 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 | @AlbanyBID #albanyghostsigns or call 518.465.2143 x13.