About the Project

In May 16, 2013 WXXI launched its first multi-media project, Paley on Park Avenue: New York City. The six-part, web-only series followed world-renowned sculptor Albert Paley as he created 13 original pieces for installation on Park Avenue in New York City. WXXI was granted unprecedented access to Paley and his studios to document the creation of these pieces for The Fund for Park Avenue’s Temporary Public Art Collection and their installation along Park Avenue.

After the installation, WXXI’s production team continued to shoot the sculptures and events surrounding, what Sculpture Committee for the Fund for Park Avenue member Patterson Sims describes as “one of the most ambitious projects that any sculptor in the last decade of the program has come up with.” Capturing the essence of the entire project, from sketch to exhibit, has culminated in to a one-hour television documentary.

 “WXXI is proud to share with our community the behind-the-scenes story of what it takes to complete such a significant project,” WXXI President Norm Silverstein said. “We look forward to sharing this story with art lovers across the country.”

More about the web series:

The six-part web series included interviews and background from those most involved in the project, including:  Jennifer Laemlein, Director, Paley Studios; Barbara McLaughlin, President, Fund for Park Avenue; Jennifer Lantzas, Public Art Coordinator, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation; Dr. James H. Watters, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, RIT; Marie Via, Director of Exhibitions, Memorial Art Gallery, and Joe Klein, Chairman, Klein Steel Service, Inc. To watch all six episodes, visit: WXXI.org/paleynyc.

More about Albert Paley:

Albert Paley, an active artist for over 40 years, is the first metal sculptor to receive the coveted Institute Honors awarded by the American Institute of Architects, the AIA’s highest award to a non-architect. Paley, Distinguished Professor, holds an Endowed Chair at the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology. Commissioned by both public institutions and private corporations, Paley has completed more than 50 site-specific works. Broadly published and an international lecturer, Paley received both his BFA and MFA from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. 

More about Park Avenue’s Temporary Public Art Collection:

The Sculpture Committee of The Fund for Park Avenue and the Public Art Program of the City of New York’s Department of Parks & Recreation have collaborated with artists to exhibit artwork on the medial strip of Park Avenue since 2000.  Paley is the 20th artist to participate in the project. Paley’s exhibit will remain on Park Avenue through November 2013.  Funding for the Albert Paley exhibition on Park Avenue is generously provided by Ann Mulligan; Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT); Kathy and Marc LeBaron; Kenneth and Constance Hess; John and Fonda Elliot, and Klein Steel.