Downtown is Pawsome

The 2017 placemaking exhibit Downtown is Pawsome features 20 three-foot-tall sculptures based on Albany's famous canine resident and local landmark Nipper the Dog, colorfully customized by regional artists and placed on display at various Downtown locations. The pups have been relocated to indoor "foster homes" for the winter, waiting out the cold weather in free, publicly accessible spaces (pending individual business hours) through April 1, 2018. Download a walking tour map of the winter locations here. To join the conversation on social media, use #downtownispawsome in your posts!

Visit these pawsome pups at their winter homes:

• "Second Chances" by Bob Anderson | Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (3 Oakland Ave, Menands)
• "Mark" by Sarah Bassett & Hannah McGrath | Hampton Inn & Suites (25 Chapel St)
• "Victor" by Matthew Bartik | New York State Museum Lobby (222 Madison Ave)
• "City Lines" by Mitchell Biernacki | SUNY Plaza - south entrance (353 Broadway)
• "Bright Side" by Melanie Lucia Clarke | Albany Capital Center (55 Eagle St)​
• "Lost and Hound" by Kit Collins | Capital Repertory Theatre Box Office (111 N. Pearl St)
• "Almos" by Diane Cubit | Times Union Center Atrium (51 S. Pearl St)
• "Explore" by Kristen Dahms | Fairfield Inn & Suites Lobby (74 State St)
• "Natural Selection" by Sandra Dwileski | Albany Capital Center (55 Eagle St)​
• "New Neighbor Ned" by Tim Fealey | African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region (135 S. Pearl St)
• "Cleeo of Clee Park" by First Church in Albany | First Church in Albany Food Pantry (110 N. Pearl St)
• "Bandit" by John “Gianni” Gaudet | Renaissance Albany Hotel Lobby (144 State St)
• "On Top of Albany" by Gretchen Geser | Irish American Heritage Museum (370 Broadway)
• "Frida Fido" by Betsy Gorman | SUNY Plaza - south entrance (353 Broadway)
• "Bowie" by Ali Herrmann | Palace Theatre Box Office (19 Clinton Ave)
• "Een grote delft blauwe doggo" by Jessica Mansmith | Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center (25 Quackenbush Sq)
• "Tulip Festival" by Myers Middle School | Coliseum Mall (153 S. Pearl St)
• "Metal Benny" by Scotty Somerville | Times Union Center Terrace (51 S. Pearl St)
• "Scooby Doodle" by Upside Collective | Albany City Hall Rotunda (24 Eagle St)
• "Steampunk Nipper" by Elaine Wilson | 80 State Street Lobby (80 State St)

Please check location websites for operating hours.  

In 2005, the outdoor Placemaking program (formerly “Sculpture in the Streets”) was established to connect Downtown employees, residents and visitors with the places they share by reinventing public spaces with various art forms. From regional creators to world renowned artists like Seward Johnson and George Rickey, the exhibits have attracted thousands annually. Similar past projects included the installation of customized pianos as part of Luke Jerram’s internationally touring Play Me, I’m Yours series in 2014 and giant Dutch clogs celebrating Albany’s history in 2012, all enhanced by the Capital Region’s local art community. The Downtown is Pawsome project is sponsored by the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 80 State Street LLC, Albany Center Gallery, the City of Albany, Discover Albany, the Palace Theatre, Upside Collective, and media partner Nippertown. The addition of the 10 more sculptures—an expansion of this year’s Placemaking exhibit—was made possible in part by the Amplify Albany Grant Program, a program supported by the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation and Capitalize Albany Corporation. More information on the grant program is available at www.capitalizealbany.com/grants.