The Center for the Study of Art, Architecture, History & Nature                          (C-SAAHN)         Sponsored the following presentation: Downtown Library 2009 - 2010 Noon Hour Lecture Series "Imagining Buffalo Niagara in the 21st Century" Presented by: Louis Grachos Director Albright-Knox Art Gallery  Tuesday, May 11, 2010 This lecture is part of the visioning series, "Imagine Buffalo Niagara in the 21st Century" at the Downtown Library sponsored by C-SAAHN. Louis Grachos gives background information to explain the nearly 150 year history of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (AKAG) at Buffalo, NY. The early stages for acquiring art set the pattern for wise collecting, especially in the Abstract Expressionism period of the mid-twentieth century. The Gallery is building a strong education capacity for students and schools. It is also exploring greater working collaborations with other art organizations to build on the huge success of "Gusto at the Gallery" - a free happening and series of events every Friday evening. The possibilities of the emerging Museum District bodes well for the community and region. Current strategic planning will be focused on finding ways of engaging the community in experiencing art - especially at the AKAG - as a reflective and creative lifelong learning process. Much of this presentation includes ongoing dialogue with the audience which features many thought provoking questions and answers. - By Dennis Galucki Audio