Sculpture in the Streets to Include Expert Curators for 2009-10

ALBANY, NY (02/26/2009)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is bringing its annual public art exhibit, Sculpture in the Streets, to a new level for its 2009-10 series, incorporating a consultant and expert curators into their already-successful program.

Janis Keane Dorgan, JKDorgan Arts consulting, previously Director/Curator of the Rice Gallery at the Albany Institute of History and Art, joins the Downtown Albany BID's staff as the consultant for Sculpture in the Streets. Dorgan's experience of curating, designing and producing over 100 exhibitions includes outdoor sculpture exhibitions for the National Trust as well as Tricentennial Salute to Sculpture and Sculpture in the Park in 1992 (both in downtown Albany). Dorgan will be managing most aspects of the program, working closely with BID staff to coordinate site selection, installation, promotion and other program specifics.

"We had been contemplating a distinct change for Sculpture in the Streets. We wanted a new, creative element with a different perspective than in previous years in celebration of the Quadricentennial, and that is what we will achieve," said Pamela Tobin, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID.

Working alongside Dorgan will be three local curators with diverse, noteworthy credentials- Sharon Bates, Tammis Groft and Janet Riker.

Bates is the founding Director of the Albany International Airport's Art & Culture Program, which rotates site-specific sculpture and satellite museum exhibitions that showcase regional artists and cultural institutions in the local airport. She was the former gallery director for the Arts Center of the Capital Region and also served as a reporter for the Arts LA weekly magazine. Bates is also one of the founders of the Downtown Troy Window project, which placed artistic installations in vacant storefronts.

Groft holds a master's degree in American Folk Culture through the Cooperstown Graduate Program of SUNY Oneonta. She is currently the Deputy Director of Collections and Public Programs at the Albany Institute of History and Art, where she also has served as the Chief Curator since 1987. Groft has researched and presented over 100 art lectures on various topics including Art in Public Spaces and Contemporary Regional Art.

Riker, the current University at Albany Art Museum Director, earned a master's degree from Columbia University in Art History and previously spent 14 years as Director of the Rotunda Gallery in Brooklyn. There, she developed a highly regarded program of varying exhibitions and educational programs for both children and adults. She has also served as the Assistant Curator at the Drawing center in New York City.

"It is a privilege to be able to bring the proficiency of these local experts to Sculpture in the Streets. They share a passion for public art programs and a unique vision for the upcoming year's exhibit entitled Art of Discovery. Their involvement makes it possible for this year's program to be defined by a theme, affording the BID an opportunity to participate in this year's Quadricentennial with a highly relevant event. We are truly grateful for the contribution of time and talent of Ms. Dorgan, Bates, Groft and Riker to Sculpture in the Streets," added Tobin.

Details of the 2009-2010 show itself will be announced mid-March. For complete information about the current exhibit of Sculpture in the Streets or the upcoming exhibit, visit www.downtownalbany.org.

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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.