Albany Museum of Art ready for Heart of Albany Festival

ALBANY ─ Preparations are in full swing for the seventh annual Heart of Albany Festival, presented by Publix, on Nov. 16 at the Albany Museum of Art. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the museum grounds at 311 Meadowlark Drive.

“The AMA looks forward to hosting The Heart of Albany Festival every year,” AMA Executive Director Andrew J. Wulf said. “This event is all about stepping beyond the museum’s walls to celebrate the vibrant, creative world around us and the rich tapestry of humanity. We embrace our responsibility to be authentic, thoughtful, and community-focused, creating this shared experience that can inspire and help us connect with each other. We look forward to seeing everyone on Nov. 16.”

Best of all, the fall celebration of art, entertainment, and community has free admission for everyone.

“We can present this gift to the community every fall because of the tremendous support we get from our sponsors, especially our presenting sponsor Publix,” AMA Director of Development Chloe Hinton said. “Publix understands art’s positive influence, and their ongoing support each year is instrumental in making this event possible. It is an investment in our community and region.”

At last count, 10 professional chalk artists and a dozen amateur community chalk art teams have signed up for the festival. They will create larger-than-life chalk masterpieces on the pavement while festival-goers watch. Also, 10 artists in other disciplines will demonstrate their art skills to visitors at the event.

Food trucks will be on hand during the event, along with a Vendor Village. Vendors have until Nov. 8 to register. Registration information can be found at www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/participate/.

“It’ll be a great spot to grab a bite to eat while you look for unique gifts for early holiday shopping,” Hinton said. “There will be entertainment all day on the James M. Barnett Jr. Foundation Stage to get you in the mood for a fall celebration. We also will again have the games and activities area where kids can play and enjoy a beautiful fall Saturday.”

Two events debuting this year are the Student Art Contest and Exhibition and the Hearty Chili Cook-off.

“Middle and high school students have until Nov. 12 to submit their artworks for the contest,” Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “A jury will select first- and second-place winners and honorable mention in each group. High school winners will receive a cash prize.”

Festival-goers will have a say as well. They will select the People’s Choice Award by voting using a QR Code in the AMA West Gallery, where the student art will be showcased. The People’s Choice winner also will receive a cash award.

Information about the Student Art Contest can be found at www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/participate/.

Hinton said winners in the Hearty Chili Cook-off also will win cash awards. Teams have until Nov. 10 to register for the contest. Information about the contest and the registration link may be found at www.albanymuseum.com/chili-cooking-contest-debuts-at-the-heart-of-albany-festival/.

In addition to presenting sponsors Publix and the James M. Barnett Jr. Foundation, sponsors for the Heart of Albany Festival are BMW of Albany, Albany Motorcars Mercedez-Benz, Vine Vision, Phoebe, WebstaurantStore, Smile Doctors, Edward Jones, Fleming & Riles, JLA, and Brad Lanier Oil Company. Festival partners are AAA Concrete, 4Imprint, Southwest Georgia Living Magazine and Eddie’s Signs.

For information about the Heart of Albany Festival and registration links to participate, visit www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/.

Special Photo: Albany Museum of Art