Sculpture in the Streets Garden Party Kick-Off Great Success

ALBANY, NY (06/17/2008)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District's (BID) highly successful public art exhibition, Sculpture in the Streets, kicked off on Friday, June 13, 2008 with a Garden Party fundraising event in Albany's Tricentennial Park. Sculpture in the Streets is a 10-month temporary exhibit which positions large works of public art throughout downtown Albany's business and entertainment corridors. This year's exhibit features 18 new sculptures.

"This is such a wonderful way to celebrate this new collection of art displayed around downtown Albany," said Pamela Tobin, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID. "Not only is the Garden Party a kickoff to the new exhibit, but it also serves as a significant fundraiser to help underwrite this year's program and future arts-related programs in downtown Albany. Thanks to the generosity of several corporate sponsors, and to Kivort Steel in particular as the presenting sponsor for Sculpture in the Streets for the second consecutive year, our fundraising efforts were successful again this year. Those sponsorships, in addition to revenue generated from the event's ticket sales and a silent/live auction, raised nearly $47,000. We could not have brought these dynamic pieces of art to the streets of downtown Albany without the commitment of so many people and organizations. In addition to the support this fundraising effort provides for the programming of this year's exhibit, it also builds momentum for next year's event." The party was attended by more than 250 people.

This year, the 10-month installation features works from 14 sculptors from the greater Capital Region, Massachusetts and New York City. Nine of these artists are new to the event this year. Sculpture in the Streets will run through April 2009.

For complete information about Sculpture in the Streets, including sculpture information and artist biographies, visit http://www.downtownalbany.org or email bmcewing@ downtownalbany.org.

About the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District

The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501 (c) (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. Ample public parking is available at downtown's public garages, lots and on-street metered spaces. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit http://www.downtownalbany.org

About Kivort Steel

Headquartered in Waterford, N.Y., and founded in 1938, Kivort Steel provides customers with cost-effective solutions for their metal needs. Fabricators, construction companies, industrial companies and the individual customer all rely on Kivort Steel's expertise to facilitate their projects. The company delivers its products within a 150-mile radius of Waterford and offers same-day delivery. Kivort Steel is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2008. For information about Kivort Steel visit http://www.kivortsteel.com.

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