From painting classes to a new exhibition to educational programs, October is shaping up to be an art-filled month of activities at the Albany Museum of Art.

“We have so much going on during October that we have joked that maybe the month should be renamed ‘Artober,’” Annie Vanoteghem, director of education and public programming, said. “Fall is always a busy time with school in full swing and various festivals taking place, and it is a wonderful time to celebrate art and the many ways that art can impact our lives.”

All events and programs are at the Albany Museum of Art, 311 Meadowlark Drive, just off Gillionville Road and adjacent to Albany State University West Campus. Events and programs for October are:


TUESDAY, OCT 4

Toddler Takeover
10:30-11 am
Toddler Takeover is for children 18 months to 5 years old and their caregivers and siblings. The 30-minute program includes a gallery visit, storytime, and a hands-on art project.
Cost: Free for AMA members; $5 for future members.
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/toddler-takeover


THURSDAY OCT 6

Homeschool Day
11 am-12:30 pm
Homeschool Day is aimed at homeschooled students in K-5th grade, though the programming can be adjusted for older students. Each STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) program is tied in with a current exhibition and includes a gallery visit and a hands-on art project.
Cost: $5 for AMA members; $10 for future members.
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/homeschool-day

An Evening with Maryam Safajoo
6 pm
Persian-American artist Maryam Safajoo will speak about her work at the opening of her exhibition Forsaking All Comfort and Prosperity in the AMA’s Hodges Gallery.
Cost: Free for everyone
Info: www.albanymuseum.com/forsaking-all-comfort-and-prosperity


SATURDAY OCT 8

Student Art Studio Saturday (SASS)
10 am-2 pm

High school teens can gather in the AMA classroom and create art with their peers. Created for teens by teens with the AMA Teen Art Board, art materials, snacks, and background music are provided at no cost to participants. There is no registration required.
Cost: Free for teens
Info: www.albanymuseum.com/student-art-studio


A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words Essay Contest Deadline
Midnight Deadline

High School and college students can win up to $250 in the AMA’s annual essay contest. To enter, a student visits the AMA and selects one of six designated artworks as the inspiration for an essay or poem of 1,000 words or less. The essays may be fictional or based on real life. An essay must be submitted by midnight on Oct 8 to be considered. The top three winners in the high school and college divisions will win cash awards, which will be presented at the AMA on Oct 20.
Cost: AMA admission is free, and there is no fee to submit an essay.
Info: www.albanymuseum.com/essay-contest


TUESDAY, OCT 11

Corks & Canvas: William H. Johnson
5:30-7:30 pm

Our third Corks & Canvas Painting Party will focus on the work of renowned American artist William H. Johnson, whose works are on view at the AMA in the exhibition Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice. Participants will be led on a step-by-step process as they paint their personal heroes while enjoying wine, snacks, and the company of others. This program is for all skill levels, novice to advanced.
Cost: $25 for AMA members; $30 for future members.
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/corks-and-canvas-william-h-johnson


THURSDAY, OCT 13

Art Ed. Connect
9 am-3 pm

Art educators who teach kindergarten through college will come together for a chance to meet with and learn from their peers, network, and grow a support system at this professional development day.
Cost: $25 per educator.
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/art-ed-connect


MONDAY, OCT 17

After School Art Club: Middle & High School
4-6 pm

Usually on the last Monday of the month, After School Art Club is early in October. For middle and high school students, the instructed course begins with basic techniques and advances in subsequent sessions.
Cost per session: $12 for AMA members; $15 for future members. 10% discount for families with more than one child in the session.
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/art-club


TUESDAY, OCT 18

After School Art Club: Elementary School
3:30-5 pm

Usually on the last Tuesday of the month, After School Art Club is early in October. For elementary school students, the instructed course begins with basic techniques and advances in subsequent sessions.
Cost per session: $12 for AMA members; $15 for future members. 10% discount for families with more than one child in the session.
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/art-club

AMA Art Lovers Book Club
6 pm

It’s an evening of good art, good wine, good friends, and a good book at the AMA! The book William H. Johnson: Truth Be Told will be discussed at this club meeting, which was held over from September. There is no formal membership. Please let us know that you are coming so we can have comfortable accommodations for everyone.
Cost: Free
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/book-club


THURSDAY, OCT 20

Awaken at the AMA
3:30-5 pm

Awaken at the AMA is a free program for individuals with memory problems and their families or professional-care partners in a protected environment. Awaken includes an interactive gallery discussion and an artmaking component that builds community and offers an escape for those most vulnerable to illness.
Cost: Free
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/awaken-at-the-ama

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Awards Awards Reception
6 pm

The top three winners in the high school and college divisions of the annual art-inspired essay competition will be announced. Winning writers will be invited to read their essays at the event.
Cost: Free
Info: www.albanymuseum.com/essay-contest


SATURDAY, OCT 22

William H. Johnson Painting Workshop I
10 am-noon

Learn the style and painting techniques of William H. Johnson, one of the leading African-American artists of the early and mid 20th century in the U.S. workshops will be taught by Albany State University Associate Art Professor Michael Mallard. You can take one or both classes, and all supplies are provided.
Cost: Each workshop is $15 for AMA members, $20 for future members
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/whj-painting-workshops


SATURDAY, OCT 29

William H. Johnson Painting Workshop II
10 am-noon

Learn the style and painting techniques of William H. Johnson, one of the leading African-American artists of the early and mid 20th century in the U.S. workshops will be taught by Albany State University Associate Art Professor Michael Mallard. You can take one or both classes, and all supplies are provided.
Cost: $15 for AMA members, $20 for future members
Info and registration link: www.albanymuseum.com/whj-painting-workshops

If you have questions about any of these events, contact Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem at [email protected] or call her at 229.439.8400.