The Albany Museum of Art brings yoga to the gallery

ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany Museum of Art announces an innovative blend of culture and wellness as they reintroduce yoga to its gallery.

The Albany Museum of Art welcomes the new year with a familiar favorite as yoga in the gallery makes it return starting Saturday, January 6.

Catering to participants of all levels, the program requires no prior yoga experience.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a mat and dress comfortably for the session.

“So, this idea came about in 2019. It is adopted from a lot of larger museums like MOMA and the met who do these kinds of things, yoga and the gallery, where they invite people in with their yoga mats to just experience the art in a different way. We decided to adopt that here in our own way. And, we started in 2019 with 229 Yoga. And, then it just kind of paused for a little bit. So, we’re really excited to bring it back. We can fill the space with people who just have an intentional practice and want to look at the art in a more soothing, calm way,” said Annie Vanotghem, Director of Education & Public Planning.

Annie Vanotghem emphasizes the significance of creating a tranquil ambiance and allocating time for appreciation and absorption of art.

“So, if you think about it, a lot of folks do yoga in their own home or they’re distracted by kids or mess. People do yoga in a studio where the scene is usually more relaxing with the light slow. This is just a new way to look at it. We do like to lower the lights and just spend more intentional time with the art. Sometimes we like to include a specific piece. So, every other month it’ll be a different exhibition. We might be in a different gallery, we might have a brand new show, so it will always be new and exciting,” said Vanotghem.

The yoga class serves as the final opportunity for participants to view the exhibition.

“So, this exhibit is by artist Ashley Cecil from Pittsburgh. It’s called “The Land That I Love.” it has been up since September, and it will come down on January 8. So, January 6, is the last day to see it. So, luckily, we’re going to have our practice here the last day that it’ll be up and then it’ll go back to Pittsburgh,” said Vanotghem.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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