TROY — Collar Works, a gallery founded by artists in 2009, has recently announced an exciting plan to relocate within the city of Troy. The gallery, which has been located in a warehouse in the North Central neighborhood since 2015, will move to a larger building of its own. The new space will feature a gallery with 30-foot ceilings, artist studios, a store, and affordable live/work apartments for artists.
The new home of Collar Works will be situated at 206 First St., between downtown and South Troy. The building, which has been vacant in recent years, holds historical significance as it was once the Neemes Foundry from the 1880s through the late 1930s. Visitors can still spot manhole covers around Troy that were cast at the foundry.
An opening is projected for spring 2025, with construction set to commence next year. Elizabeth Dubben, co-director of Collar Works, stated that the arts nonprofit is collaborating on the project with local developer Jeff Buell, who is not affiliated with his role as a principal of Redburn Development, responsible for major downtown projects in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy.
Ken Ragsdale, an artist involved with Collar Works since its founding and board member for the past eight years, expressed both excitement and trepidation about the ambitious relocation plan. He is currently serving his second stint as board chair.
Collar Works will be leaving its current home at 621 River St. by the end of the year. However, the organization will continue various components such as annual summer residencies on a Washington County farm, FLOCKart (which features two converted shipping containers used as gallery and studio spaces for artist residencies), and community partnerships and programming until the First Street building is ready.
Since its inception, Collar Works, founded by artists, especially those who graduated from the MFA program at the University at Albany, has remained dedicated to underrepresented and emerging artists. Notably, the gallery takes no commission, ensuring that the full sale price of an artwork goes directly to its creator. While the new state-of-the-art gallery and facilities are a significant part of the appeal of the First Street project, Dubben emphasizes the excitement surrounding the community that will develop within the building and its connection to the surrounding area.
In terms of funding, the fundraising campaign for the relocation is divided into three segments to address differing needs. The first segment focuses on raising $3 million for the renovation of the building. The next segment aims to collect $3.5 million to expand programming, including artist opportunities, funding, and community-led programs. Finally, the campaign seeks to raise $4 million to establish a “core capacity fund” to create and sustain art jobs.
So far, Collar Works has already received or secured $2 million in donations. However, further funding is still needed to fulfill the project’s goals. Ragsdale explains that they are open to contributions at any level and are actively seeking supporters who can provide larger amounts to help reach the campaign’s target.
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