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Open Tue - Sat 10 AM - 5 PM

Become a Heart of Albany Festival participating artist, vendor, or volunteer.

It takes a community working together to bring The Heart of Albany Festival to the community every year. If you’re a professional or amateur chalk artist, food truck operator, vendor, or volunteer, we hope you will join us for this wonderful fall experience.

Professional Chalk Artists

Submission Deadline: TBA

The 6th annual Albany Museum of Art Fall art and music festival is 10 AM-5 PM on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Rechristened The Heart of Albany Festival in 2023, it features professional chalk artists creating large works on pavement, libation stations, chalk art contests, art demos, live music, food trucks, and much more.

The 2024 festival will be on the grounds of the Albany Museum of Art. The AMA is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive, just off Gillionville Road and immediately east of Albany State University's West Campus.

There are a limited number of Professional Chalk Artist positions available at The Heart of Albany Festival. Please complete and return your application ASAP (deadline is Sept 30, 2024). In anticipation of a heavy response, The Heart of Albany Festival will be juried by a committee and artists will receive notification of acceptance or denial via email. Contracts will be sent to accepted artists. If you have not been contacted by 5 p.m. EDT on TBA, please call 229.439.8400 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, TBA.
If you are chosen as one of our professional Artists for this event and sign a contract, you are expected to attend the Festival. If an emergency should arise, however, please contact the Museum via phone ASAP to discuss your inability to participate.

  1. White and black tempera will be provided by the AMA for chalk block base.
  2. Artists must supply their own pans and rollers. Artists MUST clean and remove all preparation materials away from the festival area before the start of the The Heart of Albany Festival.
  3. The AMA will duct-tape the Artists’ blocks before their arrival. If you would like to help with duct-taping your workspace, the festival welcomes your help. Chalk blocks will be 7’ x 7’ unless a larger size is requested by the Artist and approved by the Director.
  4. Artists are responsible for all materials, including—but not limited to—chalk, gloves, paper towels, blending tools, baby wipes, etc.
  5. Artists will be awarded a stipend of $500.00. This stipend is to cover travel expenses and hotel lodging.
  6. A block of hotel rooms will be reserved for Artists, who are responsible for making arrangements. Contact the Director with any questions.
  7. Artists must arrive on time, complete their piece, and stay for the duration of the Festival. If you do not complete your piece or if you do not remain on-site until the Festival is over, you will forfeit part, if not all, of your stipend at the Director’s discretion. 
  8. The theme for the The Heart of Albany Festival 2024 is Tattoo Styles (i.e. Traditional, Japanese Traditional, New School, Watercolor, etc.). Submit up to three concept sketches of your family-friendly (no nudity, profanity, explicit images, or violence are permitted in your pieces) design for approval HERE by 5 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30.  
  9. The AMA will conduct a Best of Show Award contest. The Winner will be announced at the conclusion of the festival and will receive a cash award of $100.00.
  10. The Heart of Albany Festival will host bands throughout the weekend. The Artist’s personal music must not be heard by others. Ear buds are permitted, but we prefer that the Artists interact with the Festival guests to assist us in fulfilling our mission of bringing the art of the world to South Georgia and the art of South Georgia to the world.  
  11. The Artist agrees to permit AMA to use his or her name, website, social media, and artwork images for any promotional purposes for this and/or future festivals.

Artist check-in and workspace preparation is 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

Artists are to be on-site 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. The Festival is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Home Grown Talent

This year, there are NO FEES thanks to the generous support of Phoebe for community artists and Fleming & Riles Insurance for school groups!

  • 5' x 5' Chalking Space and a 24-Pack of Colored Chalk
  • FREE
  • Application link HERE.
  • Individual adults and college students
  • 5' x 5' Chalking Space and a 24-Pack of Colored Chalk
  • FREE
  • Application link HERE.
  • Four divisions: primary, elementary, middle, and high school.
  • 5' x 5' Chalking Space and a 24-Pack of Colored Chalk
  • FREE
  • Application link HERE.
  • ​5' x 5' Chalking Space and a 24-Pack of Colored Chalk
  • FREE
  • Application link HERE.
  • ​5' x 5' Chalking Space and a 24-Pack of Colored Chalk
  • FREE
  • Application link HERE.

Student Contest and Exhibition

Albany area students can compete for cash prizes and an opportunity to showcase their talent this fall at the Albany Museum of Art. The new contest is part of the expanded art offerings at the 7th annual The Heart of Albany Festival on Saturday, Nov 16.

Submission categories are Abstract Works (representational and non-objective); Technical Works; Enhanced Photography and Digital Works, and Sculpture and 3D Works. A student may submit up to two works, and they may be in different categories. To be eligible, a work must have been created between Nov 1, 2023, and the submission deadline of 5 pm on Tuesday, Nov 12.

First and second place and honorable mention will be selected in each category for both middle and high school students. High school students who win first or second place will win cash awards. The People’s Choice, selected by festival goers, will also receive a cash award.

Click below for details.

If you have questions about the contest and exhibition, contact Annie Vanoteghem HERE.

The submission deadline for students is 5 pm on Tuesday, Nov 12.

The exhibition will be in the West Gallery of the Albany Museum of Art from Nov 16, 2024, to Jan 4, 2025.

Two-dimensional Traditional Art:

  • Abstract work (Representational and Non-Objective)
  • Technical work
  • Enhanced Photography and Digital Art

 

Three-dimensional Art:

  • Sculpture and 3D Art

Explanations of the categories may be found below.

Who can participate

High school and middle school students may enter at no cost. The online entry form may be found HERE.

Guidelines:

  • Student work is due at the Albany Museum of Art no later than 5 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
  • Each student may submit up to two works. They may be in different categories.
  • The artwork must have been created since Nov 1, 2023.
  • The artwork must be original. It may not be copied from internet images.
  • 2D works may be a maximum of 18 x 24 inches. Smaller works may be submitted.
  • 3D Student work may be a maximum of 48 x 48 inches and must weigh no more than 10 pounds.
  • Student work must be, at minimum, well-matted. Frames are preferred.
  • Students must complete a submission form provided by the AMA.
  • Labels and artist statements must be submitted along with the work.
  • The online entry form for student info, the artwork label and artist statement may be found HERE.

Entry Form

The student can fill out the online entry form HERE.

Artwork Label

The artwork label must include The artist's name, “Title of Artwork,” year of creation, medium (e.g., oil on canvas, bronze, digital print), dimensions (height x width x depth, if applicable, in cm or inches).

Artist Statement:

The artist statement should be 150 words or fewer.

Here is an example of a statement:

Artist Statement

By: Emma Rodriguez

Art allows me to express what words often cannot. My work explores themes of identity, mental health, and the struggles of growing up. Using acrylics and charcoal, I focus on creating emotional connections through bold lines, textured layers, and vivid colors.

I’m inspired by the contrast between light and dark, both visually and metaphorically. In my current series, I explore the balance between chaos in the world and inner resilience. My goal is to evoke feelings of vulnerability, strength, and empathy in my audience.

Through my art, I hope to spark conversations about the mental and emotional challenges teens face today. I want people to feel something when they engage with my work—whether it’s comfort, inspiration, or simply the reassurance that they’re not alone in their struggles.

Award Categories for Middle & High School:

  • Best in 2D Abstract Art
  • Best in 2D Technical Art
  • Best in Photography & Digital Art
  • Best in Sculpture and 3D Art
  • People's Choice Award

 

Recognition and Prizes:

  • Each category will result in recognition of a first-place winner, a second-place winner, and an honorable mention.
  • Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each high school category as determined by the surprise jury.
  • The People's Choice Award will receive a cash prize. The winner will be determined by votes from festival attendees via a QR code in the gallery that will take the attendees to an online voting form.

Two-Dimensional Traditional Art

Artwork created on flat surfaces, such as canvas, paper, or wood, typically involves mediums like painting, drawing, or printmaking. Here are descriptions of two key types within this category:

 

Abstract Work

Abstract art can be divided into two types: Representational and Non-Objective.

Representational Abstract Art:

This form references recognizable subjects, but the artist distorts or simplifies them. The focus is less on realistic detail and more on conveying emotion, movement, or conceptual ideas through the use of shapes, colors, and forms.

Example: Picasso’s Cubism distorts natural shapes, but hints at objects or figures.

 

Non-Objective Abstract Art:

This form does not attempt to represent any physical object or scene. Instead, it relies purely on the arrangement of shapes, lines, and colors to create a visual experience.

The intention is not to depict something from the real world but to evoke a reaction from the viewer through the abstract elements themselves.

Example: Kandinsky’s works, which often use bold color combinations and geometric shapes without depicting any real-world forms.

 

Technical Work

Technical work refers to highly detailed and precise art forms where accuracy and skill are paramount. These works often require an understanding of perspective, anatomy, proportion, and sometimes mechanical or architectural drawing.

Precision and Detail: Technical work is typically realistic, with a focus on accuracy in representing the subject matter. Artists working in this style often emphasize fine details, shading, and structure to create lifelike or meticulously designed pieces.

Mediums: These pieces are commonly produced using graphite, pen and ink, or any tool that allows for fine, controlled lines and shading.

 

Enhanced Photography & Digital Art:

Digital Manipulation: Using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to adjust colors, lighting, contrast, and composition.

Composite Photography: Creating images by combining multiple photographs or elements to form a cohesive picture.

HDR (High Dynamic Range): Combining multiple exposures of the same scene to capture a wider range of light and detail.

Special Effects: Adding elements or altering the image to create surreal or artistic effects.

Digital Painting: Creating artwork directly on a computer using a stylus and graphics tablet.

 

Sculpture and 3-D Art

These are artistic creations that exist in three dimensions—height, width, and depth—allowing the viewer to observe the work from multiple angles. These forms go beyond the flatness of two-dimensional art and occupy physical space.

Here is a breakdown of the key elements:

Sculpture is the most traditional form of 3D art, and it involves creating three-dimensional objects through a variety of techniques, including carving, modeling, casting, or assembling materials.

Materials: Sculptures can be made from various materials including stone, metal, wood, clay, or more modern materials like plastic, resin, and found objects.

Types of Sculptures

Relief Sculpture: Attached to a background, with the design protruding (e.g., carvings on buildings).

Freestanding (In-the-Round): Sculptures that can be viewed from all angles, like statues.

3D Art: This category extends beyond traditional sculpture and incorporates a broader range of methods and materials to create three-dimensional works. 3D art often includes modern and conceptual approaches that challenge traditional boundaries.

Form: 3D works have a physical form, meaning they take up space and can be experienced from different perspectives.

Interaction: Many modern 3D works invite viewer interaction, either by encouraging movement around the piece or direct engagement with it.

Materials: The choice of materials is crucial in 3D art. Artists often select materials that complement their vision or challenge conventional ideas about what art can be made from.

The Heart of Albany festival will draw a crowd.

Food service vendors: Remember you must file a Georgia Temporary Food Service Establishment Application with Dougherty County Environmental Health Department at least 30 days before The Heart of Albany Festival. You can download an application at the link below. Contact the Dougherty County EHD at 240 Pine Ave., Suite 360 or call 229.438.3943.

Volunteering Takes HeART

One of the driving missions of the AMA is to bring our community together through art. No one helps us accomplish this more than a dedicated group of volunteers. If you would like to donate your time to the Nov 16, 2024 The Heart of Albany Festival, please click on the button below:  
 
VOLUNTEERS: Thank you for helping make The Heart of Albany Festival 2024 happen! Please pick up your T-shirt at the museum, 311 Meadowlark Drive, between 10 am and 5 pm on Friday, Nov 15.

Heartfest Quick Links

More Questions?

Contact
Chloe Hinton 
chloe.hinton@ albanymuseum.com
229.439.8400

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