Yoga in the Gallery now a monthly event at Albany Museum of Art

ALBANY ─ Beginning with the Sept. 7 session, Yoga in the Gallery will be a monthly program at the Albany Museum of Art. The sessions, taught by yoga instructor Renea Miller, will continue to be held at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month.

“We have had excellent participation in the Saturday-morning classes, and those attending were asking for the program to be monthly instead of every other month,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “Renea graciously agreed, so now those who love this combination of art and yoga have twice as much to look forward to.”

“I have so enjoyed leading the AMA yoga practice, which is enhanced by the various exhibits in the museum,” Miller said. “I love the community-minded folks I meet and see each time, and now each month.”

The Sept. 7 session also will feel like the great outdoors. It will be conducted in the Haley Gallery, where the David Lanier retrospective “Beauty in the Humble Places” is on view through Jan. 4.

“David’s work captures the beauty of south Georgia landscapes, wildlife — including deer and game birds — and, of course, dogs,” Vanoteghem said. “It creates a serene setting conducive to a relaxing and re-energizing yoga experience. It will be almost like taking your mat into the woodlands to commune with nature.”

Yoga in the Gallery returned to the AMA as a bimonthly event with Saturday-morning sessions led by certified yoga instructor Miller. She had attended the previous Friday evening sessions that ended when the former instructor moved from the Albany area.

“Saturday mornings are working out well,” Vanoteghem said. “The program has steadily grown over the year, and attendance has been consistently strong. As we move deeper and deeper into the hectic fall events and winter holiday season, I think these hourlong respites in a safe place with beautiful art that separates you from the noise of the internet and the outside world will be even more special and healing.”

No yoga experience is required. Participants should dress comfortably and bring a mat. The hourlong class is $5 for AMA donors and $10 for non-donors. The online registration link is at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/yoga.

The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive, adjacent to Albany State University’s West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.

Special Photo: Albany Museum of Art