Americana/ble: The Big Group Show at Kiddie Pool

About this event

Kiddie Pool, a residential project space for art and literature, announces Americana/ble: The Big Group Show, opening May 1, 2026 (May Day) as part of Albany's First Friday celebration. A timely and thoughtful reflection on America’s 250th,  Americana/ble brings together over 20 artists, musicians, and community organizers for a salon style exhibition housed in a historic Italianate rowhouse in downtown Albany, NY.

Americana/ble: The Big Group Show asks a timely question: What does it mean to be an American, here and now, together? Instead of answering with one voice, Kiddie Pool is opening the door for a melting pot of connection and discourse featuring artwork by Fern Apfel, Katie Chin, Tesora Garcia, Danny Goodwin, Michael Oatman, Jillian McDonald and many more. See the full list of participants below.

Opening night will feature live music by local Americana favorite, Julia Alsarraf, and soapbox speeches from the youth organizers at We Are Revolutionary. Programming continues throughout the month of May with an artist panel; a release party for author Avery Irons' debut novel, Belonging to the Air; a screenprinting demonstration by Circus Family Print Shop; and a Memorial Day Patron BBQ. The exhibition of artworks will also be open for public viewing on Sundays in May (3, 10, 17) from 12–5pm.

Since 2023, Kiddie Pool has hosted nearly 20 events. Americana/ble is their first event following a year-long hiatus for building repairs. Americana/ble: The Big Group Show has been made possible in part by a community Kickstarter campaign. Kiddie Pool is led by Karley Sullivan; a photographer and visual studies lecturer at UAlbany, and hosted alongside partner Phat Chiem; Editor of The 518 Newsletter, and co-curator Alexis Bhagat.