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.

In Our Own Voices, 245 Lark Street by Alexa Moynihan

As part of the We Save Albany’s Stories project, the Historic Albany Foundation has researched Capitol Region buildings significant to the LGBTQ+ history of Albany, New York. Among other organizations within the area, Albany’s In Our Own Voices emerged as an essential space dedicated to the development of the Albany LGBT community.

Recent Image of 245 Lark Street, In Our Own Voices Inc.

“These organizations came together initially to encourage other human and civil rights groups to broaden their agendas to include the issues that affect LGBT people of color.”

— In Our Own Voices Inc.

Early Image of 245 Lark Street From a 1975 Inventory Form

In Our Own Voices currently operates to provide supportive services within the Albany area. The organization that exists today combines the efforts of various social action groups including Sisters and Brothers in the Life (SABIL), the Gay Men of Color Alliance (GMOCA), the Feminist Action Network (FAN), and finally the Social Justice Center.

“Providing essential resources to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of Albany, In Our Own Voices aims to ensure the strength and survival of these communities”

Providing essential resources to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of Albany, In Our Own Voices aims to ensure the strength and survival of these communities in a wide range of social spheres. These include mental, physical, political, spiritual, and economic realms. With their impact on the Capitol Districts’s LGBT+ community, the buildings which have housed the organization provide a significant backdrop for the essential work of In Our Own Voices.

Early Blueprint of the Property From a 1975 Inventory From

In Our Own Voices operates from their property on 245 Lark Street. The office building which stands today was originally built in the late 1870’s, and has since provided work space to multiple organizations in Albany. The property is surrounded by a densely built up area of both residential and commercial lots. The 5,445 square foot lot includes an additional 6,420 square feet of interior space for the organization.

“Following their purchase, IOOV could realize their goals to provide a platform for LGBT voices and a space to develop leadership within the community”

An Image Prior to IOOV’s purchase of 245 Lark Street ca. 1988

The building predates the organization itself, but boasts a rich history in the community care industry. In 1975, it was owned by Albany’s Visiting Nurse Association as one of the organization's three properties in Arbor Hill. Founded in 1880, VNA is one of the oldest home healthcare agencies in the country and continues to provide essential care to those in low-income housing areas. With the Visiting Nurse Association’s ownership of 245 Lark street, the property has a long standing tradition of supporting Albany communities.”

In 1988, the property was put on the market and later purchased by In Our Own Voices. Following their purchase, IOOV could realize their goals to provide a platform for LGBT voices and a space to develop leadership within the community. As In Our Own Voices continues operation in pursuit of these goals, 245 Lark Street has become a significant landmark to the LGBT+ history of the Capitol District.

by Alexa Moynihan

Many thanks to Tandra LaGrone for providing additional information.

In Our Own Voices promotes the health & well-being of LGBT POC in upstate New York. For More information about the work they do and to support them, visit their website here >>

Day 1, 2, and 3 #Staycation Albany

We now have 3 fun suggestions for days your #Staycation in Albany this summer - if you visit these locations we’d love to see your photos. Click on the links below for activities in each location:

• Day 1 - Albany Rural Cemetery

• Day 2 - The Plaza and Capitol

• Day 3 - The Village of Altamont

Staycation Albany 2020

Explore the awesomeness on your doorstep with ideas from
Historic Albany Foundation this summer

With all the trials that 2020 has brought, we know that many of Albany residents may be staying a little closer to home this summer. With that in mind we wanted to help you and your family fill your time by exploring some of the amazing activities in the Albany area and beyond.

Each location will have a corresponding blog post with suggested activities, opening times, directions, etc. We will be focusing mostly on places of architectural, cultural, or historical significance in Albany or close by.

There’s so much awesomeness on our doorstep; now we have the opportunity to pause, appreciate, and explore it. We hope you’ll join us for #StaycationAlbany this summer.

Tag Us

If you’re staycationing in Albany this summer and are enjoying our suggested activities, use the hashtag #StaycationAlbany so we can see your outings! You can also tag us on Instagram or Facebook @historicalbanyfoundation