Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center Reveals 2026 Season Artwork in Recognition of its Historic 60th Anniversary Celebrating Art, Nature & Community
January 15, 2026
Saratoga Performing Arts Center Reveals 2026 Season Artwork
In Recognition of its Historic 60th Anniversary
Celebrating Art, Nature & Community
Saratoga Springs, NY (January 15, 2026) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) launches its 60th anniversary year with the unveiling of its official 2026 season artwork, marking a milestone moment in the organization’s history and setting the tone for a year of reflection, celebration and forward momentum. Honoring six decades of shared cultural experiences while embracing the vitality of the present day, the artwork will be featured throughout SPAC’s anniversary season across digital platforms, print materials, and campus signage as programming announcements roll out in the months ahead.
“As we enter our 60th year, this artwork beautifully captures what SPAC has always stood for—and what it continues to become – like a precious manuscript that captures and encodes countless moments of beauty, awe, and humanity,” said Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “This anniversary season is not only a celebration of our history, but an invitation to imagine the future we are writing together.”
Designer Shawn Carney (The New York Times Style Magazine, Wall Street Journal) began the creative process by digging through SPAC’s archives, sifting through boxes and filing cabinets filled with thousands of paper remnants including newspaper clippings, booklets, ticket stubs, and posters.
“I wanted the artwork to acknowledge SPAC’s rich history without being a throwback. After all, SPAC doesn’t just live in the archives—it’s very much alive today and flourishing in all sorts of new ways. Standing among the piles of paper however, it occurred to me that perhaps the illustration could be paper itself. That led to a more tactile approach, and I began sketching forms built from curled, hand-shaped sheets,” says Carney. “The final design is intentionally tactile and handcrafted. My hope is that the artwork reflects the craft, labor, and human touch behind sixty seasons of live performance. It also highlights the subtle and poetic side of the venue and the experiences within its gates. The design feels classic and timeless, nods to SPAC’s history, but leaves open space for more of its future to be recorded.”
The unveiling of the season artwork marks the first public moment in SPAC’s year-long 60th anniversary celebration, honoring the organization’s legacy as a home to world-class artists while spotlighting its continued growth as a year-round cultural destination.
Additional announcements tied to SPAC’s 60th anniversary season, including performances, special events, and commemorative initiatives will be revealed throughout 2026.
To follow along and be the first to receive updates, visit spac.org and follow Saratoga Performing Arts Center on social media.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its exquisite setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.