Alacrity Summer Art Festival – Interview – Stephanie Levay, Alacrity Frame Shop – by Niki Kaos

Alacrity Summer Art Festival.

I love art of all kinds! And I’m excited to see The Alacrity Summer Art Festival return on Saturdays to the corner of Lark St. and State St. in Albany. I caught up with curator Stephanie Levay to learn more about what’s happening.

SL: The Alacrity Summer Art Festival! It is a free outdoor event featuring local artists. I am non-profit. No money is required of the artists to participate. I also supply the tents tables and chairs to provide a more accommodating experience for artists who may be disabled, low income, or emerging artists who do not yet have those supplies of their own. Preference is also given to women, LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, seniors, and teens.

NK: Describe the art you’re curating.

SL: The art will be varied as I allow all types of creation. Paintings, handmade jewelry, handmade crafts of all kinds, sculptures, photography… it’s all welcome here. I also have no requirements to sell. Artists who are just starting out are totally allowed to just show their work if they wish, to get a feel for how the world may receive their work.

NK: You’ve been working with Alacrity Frame Shop for a while. What do you love about them?

SL: Oh yes it has been a little while now! I started in 2019 and it has been, hands down, the best job I’ve ever had. What I love the most is how open minded and understanding my boss is. That alone makes the environment so peaceful to work in. And the job itself is great! I get to view all kinds of different art that most people would never get to see. Some are absolute treasures, famous artists or detailed historical documents and I feel honored to work on those projects. My specialty is the light restoration I get to do on very old antique frames and artwork that comes in. My attention to detail gets to really shine on those. I take great satisfaction in my job, I love my coworkers like they’re my actual family and am blessed to have found such a great place to be every day.

NK: How long is the summer art show running? Are you accepting more artist applicants?

SL: The festival runs from June 24th to August 26th and it’s held every Saturday from 12 to 7. As of right now, three days before our first event, I do have space to offer. However, it usually fills up very quickly after opening day. I suggest artists who are interested to get in touch with me very soon to secure a spot.

What is the free store about? I hear you will be hosting that at this event.

SL: The free spot aspect is something I’ve held as my life’s work since I was 15, distributing clothing I would buy from salvation army to the folks living in the park. I have incorporated it into each season we’ve had and it has helped the community So much. So yes it will definitely be a part of the festival again this year. I can take small amounts of donations for clean and untorn adult clothing(masc or femme), socks, shoes, and unopened hygiene products. Drop offs can be made to the shop during business hours any day of the week.

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