Every summer, the 3x3 at Arlene’s transforms the R Gallery at Arlene’s into something electric — a joyful, overflowing celebration of creativity, generosity, and community spirit. Hundreds of tiny artworks, each just 3 inches square, arrive from artists, makers, students, hobbyists, and neighbors. Every piece is anonymous, every contribution equal, and every sale supports a local nonprofit doing meaningful work in the Capital Region. But in 2026, the 3x3 isn’t just a beloved tradition. It...

We’re thrilled to welcome Arnela Mahmutović to the Atelier at Arlene’s. A visual artist living and working in Albany, Arnela brings a rich, multifaceted perspective shaped by her upbringing and her deep engagement with narrative, history, and diasporic experience. Born in Hamburg, Germany to parents from the former Yugoslavia, her work explores the intersections of a traditional Balkan heritage within a Western cultural landscape. At the heart of Arnela’s practice is a visual language rooted...

There’s something truly special happening in the classrooms at Arlene’s. We’ve recently welcomed new students to our workshops, and their feedback has been nothing short of glowing. One student shared, “This was my first class and I was very impressed!” They went on to say, “The relaxed teaching style was really appreciated!! Very knowledgeable!” and “I loved it so much.” These comments reflect the heart of what we strive for—accessible, inspiring instruction that meets students where they...