Featured BUILT Artist - Emmet Kirchman

In preparation for BUILT 2020, we wanted to catch up with some of our winners from last year’s event. Firstly we chatted with Emmet Kirchman , Young Artist and winner of the 2019 Committee Choice Award.

Hi Emmett! Thank you for agreeing to an interview. First can you tell us about your piece for BUILT 2019 which won the Committee choice award?

E: The Albany skyline was made from found bottle caps on an historic plinth block.

Why did you decide to submit to BUILT last year?

E: I decided to submit because my Mom has been submitting to BUILT and I thought that I would qualify for it.  

You have a very distinct style when it comes to your art, can you tell us more about it?

E: Well I completely made it up.  I collected bottle caps for awhile and then realized that I could smash and cut them into images. My first piece was a large-mouth bass.  

Are you submitting a piece for 2020 and can you tell us anything about it if so?

E: Probably I will but I’m not certain what to do yet.

What would you say to any young artists who are thinking of submitting to BUILT 2020?

E: The BUILT event is super fun and you shouldn’t be nervous.

Finally, how have you been entertaining yourself during the lock down?

E: I have been fishing, playing video games, and making new art.

Historic Albany Foundation is now taking submissions for this year’s BUILT pop up gallery and art auction. All bidding will be done online. Artists of all backgrounds, experiences, and ages are encouraged. Entry fee is $40 for up to 3 pieces. Art must reflect some built element of the Capital Region (a bridge, a building etc.) OR be constructed using architectural salvage. Half of all art sold goes towards Historic Albany Foundation - for full details visit the ARTIST PORTAL.