Author: Saratoga TODAY

Albany International Airport (ALB) and Southwest Airlines are proud to celebrate 25 years of Southwest service to the Capital Region with the unveiling of a new large-scale sculpture titled Treasure Map by Hudson Valley artist Ruby Palmer.  The work was created through Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose initiative, which promotes sustainability through creative upcycling of aircraft seat leather acquired from aircraft renovations and retirements.

A public event celebrating both the anniversary and new artwork will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM next to the Southwest ticket counter, where Treasure Map is installed. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Palmer and enter prize drawings to win an original artwork by the artist – plus 25 roundtrip tickets to any Southwest destination. 

Treasure Map features a vivid network of linear pathways reminiscent of a bejeweled landscape. Created entirely from aircraft seat leather donated by Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose program, the piece is the first sculpture completed through the initiative. Palmer is known for her inventive use of materials – including paper, wood, and canvas – and now adds repurposed leather to her toolkit, pushing the boundaries of color, form, and scale.

“Ruby’s material sensibilities were key to meeting this very specific challenge,” said Kathy Greenwood, Director of the Airport’s Exhibitions and Programs. “Her integrative approach to sculpture and painting, and openness to experimentation have resulted in this remarkable new work.”

“There were many exciting possibilities with this unusual opportunity,” said Palmer.  “I decided to utilize what I’ve learned from making cut paper pieces so that I would be in familiar territory with the overall design concept, since working with the material was new to me. I played around with samples of the ELeather and found that it was relatively easy to cut and paint. When doubled in thickness it had the right weight for a large, perforated wall sculpture. Overall, I wanted the effect to be buoyant, map-like and eye catching, something that uplifted the room with color and whimsy. In the process, I had the idea of titling it Treasure Map, which links it to travel, flying, discovery, and adventure.” 

While travelers have relied on Southwest’s destinations and service at ALB since 2000, Treasure Map adds a new dimension to their experience by highlighting both the airport and airline’s shared commitment to sustainability. The Repurpose with Purpose initiative partners with social impact organizations to upcycle aircraft seat leather from retired or refurbished planes. Since its inception in 2014, the program has donated more than $2 million in grants and 1.4 million pounds of leather, providing job training, employment opportunities, and social benefits around the globe. 

“Ruby has created a singular design from upcycled materials that boldly reflects her vision of the landscape,” said Ana Schwager, Senior Corporate Responsibility Program Manager at Southwest Airlines. “As Southwest marks its 25 years of service to Albany International Airport, we are delighted to honor Ruby’s work as we mark this exciting milestone in the Capital Region.”

Since 2000, Southwest has increased its flights and destinations based on growing demand and enthusiasm from Capital Region travelers and today offers up to 14 departures a day to eight cities. 

“For a quarter century, Southwest Airlines has been a trusted and valued partner of Albany International Airport,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board. “This creative project is a fitting celebration of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainability. We look forward to the next 25 years of working together to deliver the highest quality air travel to the Capital Region.” 

The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Saratoga County Public History Awards.  

The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County. A celebratory event will be held at Brookside Museum on Tuesday, September 30, beginning at 6 pm with a reception on the front porch of the Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa.

The 2025 recipients of the award are Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian, and Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian.

 They were selected by a committee of previous winners Carol Godette and Jim Richmond, joined by Willam Allerdice, Vice Chair of the History Center’s Board of Trustees, Michelle Isopo, Director of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and Lynda Bryan, Halfmoon Town Historian.

Anne Clothier currently serves as Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian where she plays a leading role in the Saratoga 250 initiative, designing programs and presenting living history at a wide range of community events. Previous to her 2024 appointment, Anne was Director of Education at Brookside Museum where she created multiple hands-on school and senior programs. She has also worked at the Shaker Heritage Society, and the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown. Charlene DuBuque, current Education Director at Brookside, praised Anne’s selection for this award, saying “Anne is an engaging historian who has spent her life not only preserving history, but also bringing it to life as a reenactor and living historian. Her recently published book. Overhearing History brings the early years of the Revolution to life for a new generation.”

Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian since 2018, has dedicated his life to sharing the history of his community. Central to his achievements has been the gathering and retelling of the stories of Waterford.  As President of the Waterford Canal and Towpath Society since 2005, he has made the canals that weave through Waterford the centerpiece of his contributions. “It is not an empty statement to say that the Champlain Canal runs through Russ’ veins, as for over 100 years his Van Dervoort line has lived and worked on the canals in Waterford” says Dave Waite who has worked with Russ on several video projects. Van Dervoort has written numerous articles and several books, most recently Dear Mother, I am the only one left!, based on the Civil War Letters of Waterford resident Charles Shepard.

The public is encouraged to honor Anne and Russ by joining in the September 30 celebration.          

Pre-registration is encouraged at brooksidemuseum.org