Downtown Albany
About
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will host the 2025 Downtown is Pawsome Garden Party at Tricentennial Park, located at the corner of Broadway and Columbia Street, on Wednesday, July 9, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Presented by the Fort Orange General Store, join us to celebrate this successful placemaking exhibit featuring ten talented regional artists who have creatively customized a Downtown is Pawsome sculpture, highlighting their unique artistry.
Enjoy live music, a silent auction featuring gifts from local businesses, delicious food from local vendors, and a variety of beverages in the newly renovated park at the heart of our city. These painted pups aim to creatively transform spaces enjoyed by Downtown neighbors, employees, and visitors alike.
Tickets and Pricing
- $65 advance
- $75 door
- $50 for under 30
Honorary Committee
Proudly show your support for public art in Downtown by joining the Downtown Is Pawsome Honorary Committee! Your name will be listed prominently alongside the Downtown Is Pawsome and Garden Party sponsors on display boards at the event. Learn more and join here!
- $100 honorary individual
- $175 honorary couple
Silent Auction
Bid on exciting items and services from local businesses while supporting the local economy! More details will be available soon. If you would like to participate in the silent auction by donating a gift or service, please click here!
Artists
- Wendy Allen
- Mitchell Biernacki
- Kymberli Gaillard
- Benh Gleeksman
- Lexi Hannah
- Ottavia Huang
- Stella Kibler
- Chrissy Mabee
- Aaron Northrup
- Jade Warrick
Award Recipients
Two awards will be given to celebrated community members: the Civic Arts Patron Award and the Norman S. Rice Arts, Culture, and Education Award. More information will be available soon!
Sponsors
Sponsors can receive exclusive benefits, including the Right of First Refusal to purchase the Nipper statue at the end of the exhibit. Leave your mark on this iconic exhibit, and support public art in Downtown by becoming a Downtown Is Pawsome sponsor. Additional details on this sponsorship opportunity can be downloaded here.
Garden Party Sponsors
The Fort Orange General Store, Gold Level
Community Bank, Silver Level
Sculpture Sponsors
Albany Capital Center Authority
Albany Parking Authority
Map Sponsors
Capital Bank
For details on how to become a sponsor, click here.
Parking
Metered street parking in downtown Albany is free after 5:00 PM on weekdays and on weekends. Please refer to on-street signage for additional parking rules. There is also flat-rate parking available in ParkAlbany's Riverfront Garage, just steps away from Tricentennial Park.
About the Downtown Is Pawsome Exhibit
The BID initially launched 20 Downtown is Pawsome sculptures in the summer of 2017. The Nipper design resonated strongly with both artists and the public, resulting in nearly 90 applications for the project's open call for artists. The sculptures quickly gained popularity as local attractions and selfie spots for residents and visitors alike, prompting the commissioning of another round of Nippers in 2019. This year's Call for Artists resulted in over 130 applications.
Notable recipients of the statues include RCA Records, City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and the family of the late Harris Sanders, the Capital Region architect who introduced the iconic Nipper to the Albany skyline in the Warehouse District more than 60 years ago. Eight statues remain on display throughout the District during the warmer months. Learn more here.
