Opalka Gallery

Art gallery attached to Russell Sage college. Used for student and community exhibitions. No fee. Clean bathroom. Parking. I stopped by for the exhibition on maps. It was very artsy...but I'm not very artsy so I was underwhelmed. By the time you read this, the exhibition may have changed And you are a different person than I. Go and support the arts! (Even if you are not an artsy person)

The gallery is always fun to walk around. There is always something new to enjoy. This particular visit was because of the popup September music, beer, and food trucks. Super 400 was awesome. To listen, sing along, and dance. The crowd was wonderful so lively, all ages. The food was delicious. Pizza, empanadas, and tacos Or BBQ of many varieties.

I enjoyed both Buggy Jive Super 400, as well as the venue which offered great food and beverages with a backyard feel. The problem was that the crowd was the rudest imaginable to the artist and other guests by talking excessively! Were they required to attend due to a relationship with Russel Sage or other organization? It appeared that for many, the event was “required fun”. I sat near one group that never stopped talking, except in between songs, maybe to catch their breath, then at the end of the first performance, had the audacity to give a standing ovation. I really tried to get into the music, but kept being interrupted by professional looking adults acting like spoiled children.

The art exhibit was not only creative and thought provoking but it also was educational as well. Went to the Beer Garden event the final one for September and definitely will be visiting the gallery in the future. Got a screen print handkerchief that I helped make with the assistance of the screen print making staff who were friendly and awesome. Visited the Korean food stall that was set up called Sunhee's which is also a local restaurant in Troy and the kimchi rice balls were amazing! The staff were friendly and awesome, definitely plan to visit the restaurant in person in Troy.

A bit small but a beautiful space with great exhibitions.