This piece is sponsored by the Lark Street Business Improvement District.
Get ready Capital Region – It’s time for one of Upstate New York’s biggest and most anticipated street festivals: Art on Lark. On Saturday, June 10th from 11am to 6pm, thousands will flock to downtown Albany to enjoy this annual fest that shuts down Lark Street to open up a world of art.
Art on Lark celebrates the area’s wide diversity of artistic talent. We were able to get an exclusive inside look at nine of the over 70 artists and vendors you’ll find at this amazing festival. Their art ranges from stunning photography to emotion-evoking paintings to colorful caricatures, and creations you can cuddle, wear and pamper yourself with.
Combine all this great art with food, drinks, live music and the wonderful businesses Lark Street is known for, and it’s easy to see why this popular festival is eagerly anticipated each year. Check out the nine artist spotlights below and get your walking (and dancing) shoes ready to enjoy the second largest street festival in all of Upstate!
A Sneak Peek at 9 Local Artists & Vendors
Art on Lark will have over 70 fantastic local vendors – these are just a few of them!
RESINAte by Amy Hauer
Amy Hauer has always loved art, but she didn’t know if it would really become a profession for her until college. After taking just one art history class, she changed her major and graduated with a degree in Studio Art/Graphic Design with a minor in Art History. Today, she works as a painter, specializing in resin, although she works with many mediums and is also a photographer and published author.
Silent Photography & Silent Jane Salvage
Janene Bouck (also known as “Silent Jane”) became interested in photography in college while studying graphic arts, interior design, and fine arts. She produces photography and photographic restorations under Silent Photography, and also creates art and one-of-a-kind goods at her home business, Silent Jane Salvage. Janene is inspired by nature and found materials.
Krilo Art
Kristin Lombart is an oil painter of various subjects, from lemons to architecture. Her passion for painting began at a young age, and she’s determined to continue painting and to share her artwork with the world.
MW Neighborhoods
Aaron Wilson wanted a typographic map print of Albany, since it has so many diverse neighborhoods. There wasn’t one in existence, so he designed one himself! Aaron went from screenprinting about 15 prints for himself and friends, to a blossoming business that has expanded to shirts, tank tops, sweaters, and more. He has designs of not just Albany, but all of Upstate, Troy, Schenectady, and other communities.
MKS Photography
Mark Schou recently returned to Albany after spending time in Boston studying at the New England School of Photography. “In a prior life I was a ballet dancer, where line, movement, and shape are all portrayed physically and digested visually,” he says. “I like to think that intense attention to detail carries over into my photography.”
The Grey Birch
Ashleigh Johns started The Grey Birch just a couple of years ago, although she’s been a “maker” for as long as she can remember. “I love any and all mediums (seriously I work with everything),” she says, but Ashleigh has a special love for creating jewelry, accessories, and small goods. She creates accessible pieces that can be used and worn by anyone and everyone.
Jay Cook Art
Jay Cook has been drawing live caricatures professionally for only about a year, but he has been drawing for nearly his whole life – starting in the first grade. His chosen art form developed in the seventh grade when he began drawing caricatures of the bullies who teased him. “They stopped teasing, but I kept drawing,” he says. Jay recently participated in his first ComiCon in Buffalo.
Black Kettle Soap Co.
The inspiration behind Black Kettle Soap Co. stems from owner Arricka Harrison’s daughters – five out of the six suffered from eczema. Upon looking into it further, Arricka learned about the natural soothing properties of handmade soaps and oils. “What started as a way to provide relief for our family’s overly sensitive skin has turned into an incredible line of handcrafted products for bath, body, and home,” Arricka says. Arricka takes pride in helping other families with similar skin and allergy issues with her soaps.
Lisa Beast Designs
You’ll be sure to get a unique stuffed animal from Lisa Snare – all of her “beasties” are original, one-of-a-kind works based on her own characters. Lisa used to sell “extra large and quite disturbed sofa pillows” in a friend’s mid-century furniture store; she’s evolved her talents to make her creations softer, kinder, and more kid-friendly.
Dance to the Sound of These Excellent Musical Performances
Live music during Art on Lark this year will be provided by:
- Restless Streets
- Another Michael
- Apostrophe S
- DJ Tall Matt
- A Deer A Horse
- Hospital Corners
- Top Nachos
- County Mike
Check Out An Innovative Nonprofit
The nonprofit Youth FX will also be on hand this year. Youth FX is an intensive Albany-based program that is designed to empower kids and youth ages 14 to 19 by teaching them the technical and creative aspects of digital filmmaking. They take them through the production process from script to screen.
The Organization Behind Art on Lark
Lark Street BID is an organization that works to sustain the economic growth of the Lark Street neighborhood. They participate in programs involving neighborhood safety, street maintenance, and more – and they provide us with fantastic events like Champagne on the Park and Art on Lark.
“Art on Lark transforms Lark Street into a bustling outdoor market showcasing the work of local artists, artisans, and musicians,” Dan Atkins, Board Chairman of the Lark Street BID, said in a statement. “It is truly a day to celebrate the many talents that can be found in the Capital Region. We are proud to host an event that unites Lark Street with the residents of Albany.”
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