Sit. Stay. Sold. On September 21 at 7 PM, join the Downtown Albany Business District (BID) as they host a “Nipper” sculpture auction! Fifteen Downtown is Pawsome sculptures, all based on Albany’s most iconic canine, will be available to bidders at the Olde English Pub & Pantry and online. Read on to find out how you can take home your favorite this Friday.
Albany’s Best Friend
Since his days as the furry face of RCA, Nipper has watched over the city of Albany from his perch above Broadway and Tivoli Street. The original Nipper, a terrier-mix from Bristol, England, was the inspiration behind Francis Barraud’s 1898 oil painting “His Master’s Voice.” His likeness was then adopted as RCA’s logo, and by 1957, a 28-foot, 4-ton Nipper statue had found a home in Albany.
Though RCA is no more, Nipper the Dog continues to capture hearts and inspire works of art. From June 2017 to August 2018, miniature Nippers painted by regional artists graced the streets of downtown Albany. Now, you can bid on a colorful canine of your own!
About the Auction
Two “litters” will be auctioned this Friday. The first set will only be available at the live auction starting at 7:30. They include:
- “Almos” by Diane Cubit,
- “Bright Side” by Melanie Lucia Clarke,
- “City Lines” by Mitchell Biernacki,
- “Een grote delft blauwe doggo” by Jessica Mansmith,
- “Mark” by Sarah Bassett and Hannah McGrath,
- “New Neighbor Ned” by Tim Fealey, and
- “Steampunk Nipper” by Elaine Wilson.
The second set will be available through an online silent auction, which will take place from 7 PM to 8:45 PM. Bidders must download the Handbid app and search “Downtown is Pawsome” to register, or visit events.handbid.com/auctions/downtown-is-pawsome-auction.
Sculptures available during the mobile auction include:
- “Bandit” by John Gaudet,
- “Bowie” by Ali Herrmann,
- “Explore” by Kristen Dahms,
- “Frida Fido” by Betsy Gorman,
- “Lost and Hound” by Kit Collins,
- “Natural Selection” by Sandra Dwileski,
- “On Top of Albany” by Gretchen Geser, and
- “Victor” by Matthew Bartik.
According to a recent press release, the Broadway Nipper statue became part of the city’s skyline thanks to celebrated Albany architect Harris A. Sanders, who passed earlier this week at the age of 91. Mr. Sanders will be honored at the auction by Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the artists and programs of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, as well as the ongoing revitalization of downtown Albany.
Limited tickets will be available at the door and in advance through Eventbrite. The ticket price includes light fare from the Olde English Pub & Pantry, as well as a cash bar. In the event of inclement weather, the auction will be held at the Albany Visitors Center.
Free parking for the auction will be available at the Quackenbush Garage. For more information on the event, visit DowntownAlbany.org.
