Following months of damage assessment and building renovation, the Albany Museum of Art will reopen a portion of its Meadowlark Drive facility with a celebration reception on Thursday, August 24. The evening will usher in several new exhibits, including “Man Behind the Canvas,” photographs of Norman Rockwell at work; “Social Graces: Mixed Media Journal Entries,” featuring paintings by Albany native Katie Bacon; and “If Memory Serves,” highlighting the metalwork of Abigail Heuss.

A members-only reception from 5-7pm will include giveaways, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar followed by the 7-9pm reception open to the public, with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. A family-friendly opening is planned for 10am-noon, Saturday, August 26 and will include children’s activities.

The museum was heavily damaged during the January 2 storms in Albany. Renovations to the first floor of the museum will be complete, allowing the AMA to reopen several galleries, the Hodges Sales Gallery, the classroom and the Willson Auditorium, which will once again be available for event rentals. While the AMA’s staff members and Board of Trustees continue to explore options for relocating the museum to downtown Albany, the reopening on Meadowlark Drive will allow the AMA to once again offer programming, exhibits and events in their own facility.

“Despite the closure of the facility due to the storm, we have continued to provide programs such as our youth summer art camp with the help of area organizations like the Thronateeska Heritage Center and the Flint RiverQuarium. However, it is good to know we will soon be back home in the museum.”

Mark your calendars now for upcoming events, including “Touch A Truck” on October 21 and the annual black tie gala February 10.