Opalka Gallery Hosts the 5th Annual Pop-Up Beer Garden & Neighborhood Block Party

Opalka Gallery, located on the Albany campus of Russell Sage College, is gearing up to host its 5th Annual Pop-Up Beer Garden and Neighborhood Block Party. Scheduled for the initial three Fridays of September, this event promises a fusion of art, music, and local culinary delights.

The Russell Sage campus is set to be transformed into an inviting, family-oriented venue replete with a curated selection of food trucks, offerings from local breweries, performances by regional bands, and an array of lawn games suitable for attendees of all ages.

In line with the gallery’s commitment to promoting art and creativity, attendees are invited to participate in complimentary screen printing activities. This year, the activities present the opportunity to craft a distinct bandana, a decorative poster, or a functional tote bag. Adding to this engaging mix, The Box Party Art Collective will be introducing their innovative sticker machine for enthusiasts to explore.

Within the gallery’s interiors, visitors are presented with the unique opportunity to peruse the inaugural exhibition of the season, titled “To Be—Named.” This exhibition, promising a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, will be on view from Sept. 1 through Oct. 14. To further commemorate this artistic endeavor, a reception will be held on Sept. 8, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, coinciding with the Pop-Up Beer Garden festivities. Notably, at 6:30 pm, the acclaimed artist Aarati Akkapeddi will grace the event with a special performance.

While there is no admission fee to attend this cultural gathering, guests should note that food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The Opalka Gallery, with its history of hosting esteemed events, warmly welcomes both long-time patrons and new visitors to partake in this celebration of art, music, and community.

Pop-Up Beer Garden Series Schedule

Fri., Sept. 1 : First Friday Albany Event

Bands: Super 400 | Joseph Biss

Beer: Druthers Brewing | Frog Alley Brewing

Food: Dotty Lou’s BBQ | Mi Casa

Fri. Sept. 8 : To Be—Named exhibition Reception Night | An Official ACE! (Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy) Event  

Bands: Zan and the Winterfolk | Amanda Case

Beer: Rare Form Brewing | Mean Max Brewing

Food: La Capital Tacos | Meadowlark Catering

Fri., Sept. 15 Student Appreciation Night, Co-sponsored by the RSC Student Government Association

Bands: Sirsy | Jules Olsen

Beer: Fort Orange Brewing | Nine Pin Cidery

Food: Slidin’ Dirty | Skinny Pancake

Art on all 3 Fridays: Make your own screen prints outside with artists Rebekah Tolley & Maya Lewis and inside, see the exhibition, To Be—Named!

Promotional Sponsors include WEXT Radio, Nippertown, AroundAlbany and ACE! (Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy)

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Arts Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Arts Center of the Capital Region.

For more information, visit Opalka.sage.edu.

About Opalka Gallery

Opalka Gallery is located at 140 New Scotland Ave. on the Albany campus of Russell Sage College. The gallery is free and open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12-5 p.m., Thursdays from 12–8 p.m., and Mondays by appointment. For more information, please contact Gina Occhiogrosso, Exhibitions and Marketing Manager, at (518) 292-1762, occhig@sage.edu. 

An inviting and innovative gallery on the campus of Russell Sage College, Opalka Gallery showcases outstanding contemporary art and design from national and international artists. An essential part of the cultural life in New York’s Capital Region, the gallery frequently hosts lectures, films, performances, and other events in conjunction with exhibitions.