The Heart of Albany Festival, a fall art celebration at the Albany Museum of Art, will return to the museum on Saturday, Nov 7. The 9th annual festival will feature professional chalk artists, artists demonstrating their work, and the 3rd annual Southwest Georgia Regional Student Art Competition.

“The Heart of Albany Festival is a celebration of the arts, and a thank-you to the community for its exceptional support throughout the year,” AMA Executive Director Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D., said. “With work underway for our move downtown in 2028, that unwavering community support is more important than ever. We hope everyone will mark their calendar and come out for this free event and enjoy the art, entertainment, food, games, and vendors.”

The festival will open at 10 am and run until 5 pm at the AMA, located at 311 Meadowlark Drive, adjacent to Albany State University’s West Campus. The festival showcases talented professional chalk artists from Georgia and neighboring states who compete for the Best of Show cash prize as they present their takes on each year’s theme by creating larger-than-life artworks on the pavement while festival-goers watch.

“The theme for this year’s contest will be announced soon,” Director of Curatorial Affairs Katie Dillard said. “Once it is announced, professional chalk artists can apply via a link on the AMA festival website: www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/participate/.”

Dillard said plans include a 3D photo-op in chalk on the museum’s entryway. In past years, festival-goers have taken photos in which they appeared to be atop a hot-air balloon high above Albany, and on a skateboard bursting with a splash of paint from the sidewalk.

“We will also have local and regional artists demonstrating their talent and selling their artwork,” Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Van Oteghem said. “Plus, student groups and amateur chalk artists will compete for bragging rights.”

Live entertainment will be on the James M. Barnett, Jr. Foundation Stage throughout the day. “We will have a featured performer during the afternoon,” Wulf said. “We will announce that in the coming weeks.”

Generous sponsors like the James M. Barnett, Jr. Foundation enable the Albany Museum of Art to put on the festival each year with free admission for everyone. Businesses interested in being a sponsor can contact AMA Development Director Chloe Hinton at [email protected].

Vine Vision has been the longtime sponsor of the AMAzing Activities play area for kids, which will return with a bounce house, games, and art-inspired activities. The Vendor Village, with unique items and gift ideas just in time for Christmas shopping, will be in the shady pecan orchard on the museum grounds, as will the food truck court. Applications for vendors and food trucks will open in August, and registration links will be at www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/participate/.

Inside the museum, the art galleries will be open for viewing. The West Gallery will exhibit the 3rd annual Southwest Georgia Regional Student Art Show. Middle and high school students from the region will be invited to enter works in four categories, with the top three high school winners in each category winning a cash award.

“We will start taking submissions for the student contest after the 2026-27 school year starts,” Van Oteghem said. “And during the festival, those attending will use their smartphones to vote for the People’s Choice winner, who also will receive a cash award.”

Festival updates and details will be posted at www.albanymuseum.com/events/heartfest/, and on the museum’s social media. 

AMA EXHIBITIONS

• Vitus Shell: Power of Sight is May 27-Aug 29, 2026, in the Haley Gallery.
• Sense of Place: Green Book Sites in Albany, GA is May 27-Aug 29, 2026, in the East Gallery.
• Moments in The Good Life City: An Oral History of Albany, GA is May 27-Aug 29, 2026, in the Hodges Gallery.
• The Middle Way, works by Rylan Steele, is May 27-Aug 29, 2026, in the McCormack Gallery.
• The Home of Birds, works by Jessica Ambadipudi, is May 27-Aug 29, 2026, in the West Gallery.