Albany, NY (March 18, 2002) - - - The Albany International Airport Art Gallery will come alive again with Private Eye II, an exhibition of the unusual, bizarre and exceptional collections gathered from the attics and basements of Capital Region residents. Private Eye II will open on Monday, April 1 and will run through September 9.

"The Airport received such an enormous community response from people who were eager to share their collections during our first exhibit that we were determined to present a sequel," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "Private Eye II offers our travelers and guests an interesting new array of collections that range from anvils to carnival paraphernalia."

More than 25 unconventional and offbeat collections will be on exhibit throughout the Albany International Airport Gallery located on the third floor of the Airport terminal. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Friday, April 5, 2002, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the third floor Gallery.

"We've managed to hunt down everything from a quirky assortment of plastic gorillas to a medley of vintage toasters that still make pretty good toast," said Sharon Bates, Director of the Art & Culture Program at Albany International Airport. "If you missed the previous exhibition or you couldn't get enough of the outrageous collectibles, visit Private Eye II."

"My interest in bowling balls is simply that I think they're pretty - - - like stones on a beach, they're especially beautiful when wet." said Randy Roberts whose collection is featured in the show. Roberts says she has used bowling balls to edge gardens.

Also on Thursday, May 30th, at 7:00 p.m., collectors Diane DeBlois and Robert Dalton Harris, William Chalmers and Bill Woodward will offer personal glimpses on how their collections got started, what they hunt for and why they simply cannot stop snooping. The event will take place in the Observation Deck on the third floor of the terminal.

Both events are free and open to the public. Parking will be validated. Albany International Airport Gallery is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

For more information please call 518.242.2243 or email cscott@albanyairport.com. Visit our web site at www.albanyairport.com and click on "Gallery" link.

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