PREVIEW: Ten New Nippers Unleashed in Downtown
07/09 @ Tricentennial Park, Albany
“the 2025 Call for Artists drew a record-breaking 130 applications, demonstrating just how beloved this exhibit has become.”
Standing guard over Albany is a 28 foot tall, mixed-breed terrier named Nipper. This cherished icon was first immortalized in the 1898 oil painting, “His Master’s Voice” by Francis Barraud before becoming the mascot for RCA Recording Company.
Since 1958, Nipper has perched upon 991 Broadway, holding it down with all of its four tons. And while that Nipper won’t be walking around the streets of Downtown Albany any time soon, the next best thing will arrive later this week with the debut of ten freshly painted Nippers, created by talented local artists, as part of the 2025 Downtown is Pawsome art exhibit!
This Wednesday, July 9, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will celebrate the unveiling of the new statues with a Garden Party at Tricentennial Park. The event will feature a DJ, a silent auction with items from local businesses, delicious food and beverages, and custom giveaways. Most importantly you’ll get the opportunity to meet the artists behind these unique creations.
Also during the Garden Party, The BID will honor several community members. Artists and muralists Eugene O'Neill & Jade Warrick will receive the Norman S. Rice Arts, Culture, and Education Award for their dedication to enriching communities through diverse arts programming, engaging workshops, and vibrant public art, and co-founder of the Spectrum Theatre and owner of the former New World Bistro, Annette Nanes, will receive the Civic Arts Patron Award for her extensive support of Albany's vibrant art and film scene.
Through October, each statue will be displayed outside local landmarks, offering a perfect excuse to explore Downtown streets, parks, and businesses with maps available to guide visitors to each pup! Check them out before they head indoors for the chilly months.
The original Downtown is Pawsome exhibit launched in 2017 with 20 Nipper statues, followed by 10 more in 2019. This year’s exhibit builds on the popularity of previous installations; the 2025 Call for Artists drew a record-breaking 130 applications, demonstrating just how beloved this exhibit has become.
"We are fortunate to have received a wealth of applications from talented artists, and the ten selected for this opportunity represent our dynamic and diverse community. We cannot wait to share their designs with everyone at the Garden Party and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID. "The BID believes that public art is vital to the fabric of our community. It enhances quality of life, strengthens neighborhood identity, boosts economic development and tourism, and enriches the spirit and pride of our citizens."
This year’s artists:
· Wendy Allen I @tartanandlace
· Mitchell Biernacki I @daydreamhuntr
· Kymberli Gaillard I @kymberli_who
· Benj Gleeksman I mistergleeksman.com
· Lexi Hannah I @lexihannah.art
· Ottavia Huang I @ms.otter.studio
· Stella Kibler I @art_by_stellarae
· Chrissy Mabee I @unorthodox.visuals
· Aaron Northrup I Custom Curiosities Company
· Jade Warrick I @trashkid_art
Tickets are available at www.downtownalbany.org/pawsome-party-25. ($65 in advance, $75 at the door, and $50 for anyone under the age of 30)
To support future public art in Downtown, you can join the Downtown Is Pawsome Honorary Committee by purchasing a ticket as an honorary individual for $100 (or as a couple for $175). Your name(s) will be prominently displayed alongside the Downtown Is Pawsome and Garden Party sponsors on display boards at the event!
Complimentary parking is available for the first 100 guests at the Riverfront Garage, courtesy of the Albany Parking Authority – a code will be provided prior to the event.
Previous statues can be found here.
