The 8th Annual Festival Will Feature Art Demos, Student Art, and More
On Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, the 8th annual The Heart of Albany Festival will bring art demonstrations, a student art exhibition, entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, and its Vendor Village to the Albany Museum of Art grounds at 311 Meadowlark Drive.
“We’re looking forward to another terrific celebration of the arts and our community,” Albany Museum of Art Development Coordinator Mackenzie Strom said. “We’re in the planning stages right now, and I’m thrilled about how it’s developing. We have exciting news and updates that we will share in the coming weeks.”
Professional chalk artists will compete for Best of Show as they create artworks measuring 49 square feet or larger on pavement during the festival. School groups, organizations, and individuals can also compete in the amateur artist category.
Pro chalk artists can find information about this year’s event and the online application form HERE.
Information will be posted soon for teams and individuals for the amateur division.
“We’ll have another special 3D chalk art piece where families and groups of friends can take their photos,” Strom said. “And we will have demonstrations by artists in other disciplines throughout the day.”
The fall exhibitions will be open. A special exhibition will be featured in the West Gallery—the 2nd annual Juried Southwest Georgia Student Art Exhibition. Students will compete in several categories, and one piece will be selected as the Best in Show. Top winners will receive cash awards.
“We had a tremendous turnout in the inaugural show last year, and visitors were amazed by the talent we have in our local and area schools,” Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “We will have the submission requirements posted on the AMA website shortly after the 2025-26 school year starts.”
In addition to the visual arts, entertainment will be presented throughout the day on the James M. Barnett, Jr. Foundation Stage.
There will be plenty of kid-friendly entertainment, from bounce houses to games, in the AMAzing Activities area sponsored by Vine Vision.
“We are so pleased to have presenting sponsor The James M. Barnett, Jr. Foundation, and Vine Vision back with us this year,” Strom said. “Both have been longtime supporters of the Heart of Albany Festival, and we thank them for their strong support of the arts in our community.”
The Vendor Village will feature local businesses, artists, and craftspeople marketing products just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season. Festival-goers can also grab lunch or a snack at the food truck court. A libations area will be available for those 21 and older.
“We will update the vendor and food truck applications on the AMA website by the first week of August,” Strom said. “We are also updating our sponsorship page for businesses that are interested in being a part of this wonderful fall tradition that brings the community together.”
Admission to The Heart of Albany festival is free, Strom said. The festival hours are 10 am-5 pm.
“We hope everyone will plan to come out and enjoy another beautiful fall Saturday filled with art, fun, and food,” she said.
“Look for updates on the AMA website, and on our AMA Facebook and Instagram accounts.”
AMA EXHIBITIONS
- In Conversation: Will Wilson, with support from Art Bridges, is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the Haley Gallery.
- Buqaqawuli Nobakada: Her Ladyship, Countess of Cumakala is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the East and Hodges Galleries.
- Hues of Skin and Earth, works by Jamele Wright, Sr., is May 15-Aug 16, 2025, in the McCormack Gallery.
ABOUT THE ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART
The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany, Ga., adjacent to Albany State University West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Albany Museum of Art is open to the public 10 am-5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
For more information about the AMA please visit our website, www.albanymuseum.com, or call 229.439.8400. Be sure to follow AlbanyMuseumOfArt on Facebook and AlbanyMuseum on Instagram.
