Thursday Saratoga Art Strolls kicked off Thursday, July 18, with the “Strolls” scheduled to continue every Thursday during track season and monthly thereafter. For the remaining five Thursdays during track season (7/25; 8/1; 8/8; 8/15; 8/22; 8/29) and the third Thursday of the month from September to June, venues will provide an especially warm welcome to art lovers. The Stroll hours are from 3–8 p.m. and venues can participate any time during that time frame. The summer series will culminate with a cocktail reception to benefit Saratoga Arts and the Adirondack Trust Community Fund on Thursday, August 29 from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Artisan Direct Ltd. “Saratoga International Art Show” at the City Center.
As of now, participating venues include:
Art Allies “Jake’s Help from Heaven Gallery” at Keller Williams, 58 High Rock Avenue
Celtic Treasures, 456 Broadway
Cinqui Studios, 36 Phila Street, 2nd Floor
Crafters Gallery, 427 Broadway
Dawgdom 441A Broadway
Feneex Studio, 30 Beekman Street
Flores Gallery, 328 and 492 Broadway
Mimosa Gallery, 489 Broadway
The Niche Gallery, 480 Broadway
Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway
Saratoga Olive Oil Company, 484 Broadway
Silverwood Gallery, 24 Caroline Street
Spa Fine Art, 376 Broadway
The Visitors Center, 297 Broadway
A Strolling Horse logo decal and poster will indicate participation and the hours the venue will be open.
“Art Allies brings art to the community, exposes art to those not likely to visit traditional galleries, and provides a venue for artists who often labor in obscurity,” said Susan Rivers, Art Allies executive director. “The concept behind Art Allies is elegantly simple: artists get to show their work; patrons experience art firsthand; and the venue has an opportunity to champion a cause. Everyone wins!”
“Saratoga has so much to offer—we are trying to make it easier for the public to find these hidden gems,” said Tom Ellis of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau. “Who knew that there would be art for sale in a real estate office or a pet store? It is our hope that these Thursday Art Strolls will give residents and tourists alike yet another reason to get out and see what is happening here.”
Be on the lookout for the Strolling Horse logo as the summer progresses and more venues join in. The Stroll is coordinated by Art Allies via The Niche Gallery at 480 Broadway and you can get information there. If you are a venue that would like to participate, contact Susan Rivers at (518) 330-5176.
The Niche Gallery is the home of Greentree Fiber Arts and Art Allies. The Niche features work by local artists. Exhibits rotate frequently and each show benefits a different not-for-profit organization.
Art Allies is a program that curates galleries in medical practices and other “unlikely venues.” The work is for sale and a portion of each sale benefits the artist and a charity chosen by the host venue.
Saratoga Art Strolls is sponsored by Art Allies, in partnership with SaratogaArtsFest, Saratoga Arts, the Downtown Business Association, and the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau.