With Georgia under a shelter in place order through late April, the Albany Museum of Art is asking you to share what you see through our Art in Residence contest.

“As all of us are sheltering in place, we battle inertia to stay creative,” Albany Museum of Art Executive Director Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D., said. “A revered poet once wrote, ‘My mind to me a kingdom is.’ So too can we allow ourselves to experience this at home. I cannot wait to see what our friends create.”

The contest may inspire you to discover a new way of looking at the familiar surroundings of your home. You do not have to be a professional artist. In fact, you may find you have a hidden talent for art. It’s easy to participate.

Just grab some paper, a sketch pad or a camera and explore your yard. Look it over from your porch or a lawn chair. Focus on the full landscape or a specific part, such as a beautiful flower in bloom, your pet relaxing in the grass, kids playing games, a bird visiting a feeder or bath.

“I think this is a great way to challenge and engage our AMA friends to look at their surroundings with a new perspective and find some joy in what might be becoming mundane,” Annie Vanoteghem, director of education and public programming, said. “We are excited to still be a part of our community’s daily lives and want to inspire some creativity.”

Once your subject has been determined, draw, paint, sculpt or photograph it. Then send a photo of your artwork to Vanoteghem at [email protected] by Tuesday, April 14 at 5 pm.

Each person may submit one entry. There is no cost to enter. Please include Art in Residence Contest in the subject line of your email.

Once all photos are received, they will be complied into an album on our Facebook page, AlbanyMuseumOfArt. The artist whose entry receives the most “likes” from our Facebook community will be awarded a one-year Supporting Membership to the AMA and AMA merchandise. AMA merchandise prizes will be given to 2nd and 3rd place as well.

The complimentary Supporting Membership includes invitations to all AMA events; participation in the North American Reciprocal Museum Program with admission and museum shop benefits at more than 800 museums across the United States; a mailed copy of the AMA’s quarterly magazine, AMArt; discounts for AMA children’s art camps, children and adult art workshops, classes and special programs, and discounts for birthday parties conducted at the AMA.  

Voting will end at 11 am Friday, April 17. The winner will be announced at noon Friday, April 17 on the AMA Facebook page.

“This will be a lot of fun,” Vanoteghem said. “I can’t wait to see all the works of art!”

Email Vanoteghem at [email protected] with any questions about the contest.