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The joint meeting began for some of us on Thursday evening with a delicious dinner (fabulous falafel and fatoush!) at the Lebanese restaurant, Byblos, in Amherst, about a half hour’s drive from downtown Buffalo where we were staying.
The following morning, a scenic drive through the city brought us to the University at Buffalo’s Anderson Gallery where we listened to a lecture by Prof. Jack Quinan on “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House and Wright’s Impact on Architecture in Buffalo."
It provided an interesting background on the personalities and the place and made for a more informed visit to the Martin House and the city of Buffalo.
Following the lecture, we joined the WNY members for a discussion and question and answer period regarding chapter affiliation, led by the Northeast Regional Rep, Carol Ann Fabian and assisted by Margaret Webster, Past President, ARLIS/NA. For those of us who have been discussing the affiliation issues, it was one more chance for clarification before preparing for our own chapter vote.
The ARLIS/Ontario business meeting was held just before lunch. Agenda items included further discussion of affiliation matters, results of the Meeting survey, and future meeting venues. Draft minutes are posted on the Minutes page.
An afternoon drive through the streets of Buffalo, all lined with piles of downed branches, took us to the Darwin Martin House, located in a residential area just off Delaware Park. Although the complex is not yet completely restored, buildings have been reconstructed and partially restored so that the site looks much as it did originally in 1907. Our tour guides spoke engagingly and passionately about the project and we look forward to a return visit when the work is complete.
The day ended with a reception in the library of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. What a treat to be in the heart of a great gallery, having coffee and cookies, and catching up with our own members, renewing acquaintances with WYN members who attended our 2005 Spring meeting, and making new contacts with librarians throughout Buffalo and WNY.
Friday nights are “Gusto at the Gallery” nights, when Buffalonians gather for art and music and lectures. Those of us who stayed over Friday night chose to view either the permanent collection or the current exhibitions of Chuck Close and Andrea Zitell. Buffalo wings were next on the agenda. A visit to an Allen Street bistro made a relaxing end to a full and satisfying day.
On Saturday, the die-hards stayed on for yet more architecture, of which Buffalo has plenty of wonderful examples. A visit to the upper Elmwood district introduced us to a lively and vibrant neighbourhood of cafes, shops, and, to our delight, a farmer’s market.
We also witnessed a “silent vigil for peace” that has occurred every Saturday since 2001. To learn more about the international scope of this group, its participants suggested we have a look at the “Women in Black” website www.womeninblack.com
And so ended our jaunt to Buffalo. The drive back along the No.8 highway took us through the town of Grimsby. The Spring 2007 chapter meeting is tentatively scheduled at the Grimsby Art Gallery where we will investigate Library/ Gallery combinations in Ontario. Visits to local artists, Niagara wineries, and “Wayzgoose – Annual Bookarts Fair” on Saturday April 28th will be tied in. Consider yourself invited!
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