Sculpture in the Streets Garden Party Kicks off 3rd Annual Program

ALBANY, NY (06/12/2009)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District kicks off the 3rd annual Sculpture in the Streets 2009-2010 public art exhibition entitled The Art of Discovery, sponsored by Kivort Steel of Waterford, with a Garden Party fundraiser on Friday, June 19, 2009, 5:30pm-9:00pm in Tricentennial Park on Broadway in Downtown Albany. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 that evening. Tickets may be purchased through the Downtown Albany BID online at www.downtownalbany.org, via telephone at 518.465.2143, by email to info@downtownalbany.org or at the event. Funds raised from this event perpetuate the Sculpture in the Streets public art program.

The party features culinary delights by Angelo's 677 Prime, wines by Joseph Carr, and music by Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes in a beautiful outdoor urban park setting. The evening will include a spectacular silent auction featuring maquettes and garden sculptures by participating artists as well as many other unique and one of a kind items and opportunities. Guests will also have the chance to meet many of the artists exhibiting in this year's show. This year's recipient of the newly named Downtown Albany BID Civic Arts Patron Award is Angelo Mazzone, president of Mazzone Management Group. Mr. Mazzone is being recognized for his enduring and comprehensive support of the arts around the Capital Region. The inaugural awarding of the Downtown Albany BID's ACE Award will be presented to Norman S. Rice, Director Emeritus of the Albany Institute of History and Art and legendary figure in the arts and historical communities of the Capital Region. This award recognizes Mr. Rice for his lasting contribution to arts, culture and education (ACE) in our community. Not only will the award be presented to Mr. Rice, the award is being named the Norman S. Rice ACE Award in perpetuity. Future honorees will demonstrate significant accomplishment in exposing the arts to a public audience in their role as arts advocate, artist, or art educator.

The party's rain location, historic Peter Kiernan Plaza, (Bank of America-575 Broadway), across the street from the park, is provided by US Trust, a division of Bank of America.

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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. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit 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 celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2008. For information about Kivort Steel, visit www.kivortsteel.com.