Transit of Venus Anniversary Party

About this event

Join us for an evening of entertainment, Venusian frivolities, and crash landings at Kiddie Pool, a residential project space for art and literature in downtown Albany, NY.  The event is hosted by curator Karley Sullivan, and Phat Chiem, editor of The 518 Newsletter, as part of Albany First Friday. Kiddie Pool is located at 128 Grand Street, Albany, NY.

The Transit of Venus is an open house, salon style experience that will take place inside an authentic 19th century gilded era home, built in 1874 and currently celebrating its 150th anniversary. This rare doublewide brick rowhouse is an iconic presence in the historic Mansion District, and many of its gilded era features, including the Cornelius and Baker gasoliers (chandeliers), remain intact. Event schedule:

At 7:30pm: Rochester Institute of Technology art and architectural historian, Prof. Peter Gabak, will open the evening with a presentation of the aesthetic and architectural design elements of gilded era residences like those featured in HBO’s series The Gilded Age. Gabak teaches a variety of courses from the Flemish Renaissance, Flemish Baroque, Intro to Historic Preservation, Survey of Architectural History, and Grant Writing for Nonprofits. Gabak resides in a historic firehouse in Schenectady, NY.

At 9:30pm: RPI PHD candidate, Nina Isabel, will lead a UFO conjuring. This playful, speculative performance harkens to the future as we celebrate the past. 

Throughout the evening: The ambiance will be rich with projections of historic footage of the astronomical Transit of Venus in 1874 and spontaneous clarinet serenades by Kelly Loveless. Masks, small artworks and artist zines from Kiddie Pool participants will be available for purchase to support our programming in 2025. Participants include Judith Braun, Victoria van der Laan, Stephanie Loveless and Karley Sullivan.  

Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. RSVP is appreciated, but not required.