The summer days at the Albany Museum of Art continue to be filled with art camps, but there are also engaging programs for adults with the start of new seasons for three popular programs.

“We have had outstanding attendance at our art camps for kids from preschool to high school, and they continue through the end of July,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Van Oteghem said. “But we never forget that grown-ups need creative outlets, too.”

The AMA Art Lovers Book Club meets at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, July 15. The Corks & Canvases Painting Party is at 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 31. The next Yoga in the Gallery session is at 10 am on Saturday, Aug 2.

“It’s sort of a ‘blue moon’ July for us because we have both the AMA Art Lovers Book Club and the Corks & Canvases Painting Party in the same month. Usually, they alternate months,” she said. “Our monthly Yoga in the Gallery started its new season on July 5, but another session is coming up soon.”

At the Book Club meeting on July 15, participants will discuss Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs, by award-winning photographer Sally Mann. Published in 2016, Hold Still was a National Book Award finalist.

Mann, who was named “America’s Best Photographer” by Time magazine in 2001, has come to be known for her writing as much as her photography. In exploring her family history, she uncovered deceit and scandal, domestic abuse, wrecks, secret affairs, alcoholism, fortunes made and lost, and more.

“The result is a real-life story that’s written like a novel, with interwoven narrative and photographs,” Van Oteghem said.

There is no cost to attend the Book Club meetings, and no formal membership. Wine is available for those 21 and older. Other refreshments are also provided. Participants are asked to RSVP so that adequate seating is provided. The free registration link can be found at www.albanymuseum.com/book-club/.

“It’s always an enjoyable evening away from noise and electronic gadgets,” Van Oteghem said. “You get to practice the art of conversation! In so many ways, that’s a lost art these days.”

The list of books for the 2025-26 season is available on the AMA website. Other dates for the season are Sept 16, Nov 18, Jan 20, March 17, and May 19.

On Thursday, July 31, the Corks & Canvases Painting Party will use a 1913 painting by impressionist Anna Archer, Interior with Clematis, as its inspiration.

“This painting party was set for June, but we moved it because of scheduling conflicts,” Van Oteghem said. “It’s a beautiful painting, and our participants will love seeing their own versions of it hanging on a wall in their home or office.”

This class is for all skill levels. Even someone who has never used a paintbrush will leave the AMA with an original artwork. The AMA provides paint, brushes, a 16×20 canvas, and refreshments. During the two-hour session starting at 5:30 pm, Van Oteghem provides easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

“We will have soft music in the background, and wine and other refreshments will be provided,” she said. “You can bring a favorite beverage or snack if you want. It’s a low-pressure atmosphere, and no one is expected to re-create an artwork stroke for stroke. At the end of the evening, you’ll go home with a unique artwork that you created.”

Art materials and refreshments are included in the registration fee, which is $35. The cost is $30 for AMA donors. A link to RSVP for the July 31 session can be found at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/corks-and-canvases/.

It will be a short break between Corks & Canvases Painting Parties. On Thursday, Aug 21, participants will be inspired by Still Life with Book and Oranges, an 1883 painting by Paul Signac. Dates for painting parties in October, December, February, April, and June will be announced soon.

Art, meanwhile, is the environment for Yoga in the Gallery, a morning wellness program taught by yoga instructor Renea Miller on the first Saturday of each month. The hour-long sessions start at 10 am.

“Yoga and art are a healthy mix for body and spirit,” Van Oteghem said. “We are thrilled to have this partnership with Renea that has thrived. Art creates a wonderful atmosphere as you disconnect from the outside world and bring a new energy to your meditation.”

The class is for all skill levels. Participants should dress comfortably and bring their mats.

The registration fee is $10. The cost is $5 for AMA donors. The registration link can be found at www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/yoga/.

Upcoming Yoga in the Gallery Saturdays are Sept 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, and Dec 6.

“We’re looking forward to the new season for these and other events,” Van Oteghem said. “I encourage everyone to visit our website, www.albanymuseum.com, and to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about these and other art experiences.”

AMA EXHIBITIONS

• In Conversation: Will Wilson, with support from Art Bridges, is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the Haley Gallery

• Buqaqawuli Nobakada: Her Ladyship, Countess of Cumakala is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the East and Hodges Galleries.

• Hues of Skin and Earth, works by Jamele Wright, Sr., is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the McCormack Gallery.