Explore Albany’s Art Scene

Spend a day, an afternoon, or a creative weekend exploring art in Albany, Oregon. Downtown galleries, hands-on studios, public sculptures, and the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum make it easy to experience the city’s creative side at your own pace.

Start with local artwork, then make something of your own. Paint pottery, try a clay class, browse regional art, hunt for public sculptures, and see carousel animals come to life in the carving and painting studio.

Get creative at Surefire Design, a hands-on ceramic studio where visitors can paint their own pottery. The studio provides the materials, and staff can help guide you through painting, glazing, and firing your piece. It is a fun stop for friends, families, date nights, and anyone who wants a take-home reminder of their Albany visit.

Calapooia Clay offers a welcoming place to learn ceramic arts. Visitors can sign up in advance for wheel-throwing or hand-building classes, with options for group sessions and private parties. It is a good choice for beginners and experienced potters who want time at the wheel or a guided creative experience.

At Splatter Box on Montgomery Street, art gets playful. This studio invites guests to throw non-toxic, water-based paint on canvases, walls, and each other in a colorful, high-energy setting. Book your session online before you go.

Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Albany on 1st Avenue, Gallery Calapooia is an artist cooperative and retail gallery featuring local and regional artists. Visitors can browse fiber arts, jewelry, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, and original paintings.

The gallery’s selection changes often, making each visit feel fresh. Stop in to meet artists, find a one-of-a-kind gift, or bring home a piece that reflects the creativity of the Willamette Valley.

Gallery Calapooia also hosts a monthly artist reception during 1st Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can view new exhibits, meet featured artists, and enjoy Albany’s downtown arts community.

Albany’s public art adds color, history, and a little surprise to a walk through town. Look for abstract sculptures at 1st Avenue and Lyon Street, where a peaceful garden setting reflects Oregon’s geology.

At the Carnegie Library near 3rd Avenue and Ferry Street, Zeki invites curiosity with a playful design featuring a dinosaur, giant blocks, and books. At the Main Library on 14th Avenue SE, Young Lady With The Book That Has No End shows a young reader absorbed in an endless story.

Along Lyon Street near 9th Avenue, the Camas flower sculpture celebrates one of the region’s native plants. In the ParkWise lot on 1st Avenue, bronze bunnies bring a whimsical touch to downtown.

Take a photo of your favorite public art find and tag @VisitAlbany on Instagram. We love seeing Albany through your eyes.

The Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is not just a carousel, but a whirlwind of sculpture in the form of horses, dragons, frogs, and other fantastic creatures. Visit the Carousel's museum downstairs to see historic pieces of carousel art, then get a look at some of the painting and carving of animals in progress in the studio. The Carousel is fully accessible so everyone can ride. Wheel right onto the platform. There's no need to trasfer from your wheelchair. The bathrooms are ADA compliant, and there is an elevator to the downstairs spaces.