Albright-Knox Director Louis Grachos joined our weekly Buffalo Rising Roundtable with Mark Scott in WBFO’s studio this week to discuss recent and upcoming activities at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
More often than not lately, the AKAG fits in our City tab almost as much as Art (and YUM!) as Grachos and his staff implement a wide range of events that fall under the canopy of community.
Fresh out of Music is Art, in which Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls was invited by Grachos to use the Knox as a venue for his displaced yearly music series, we discussed the upcoming Rockin’ at the Knox event, featuring the B-52s. In keeping with the museum’s contemporary side, the Bs will bring their fun and funky art-dance style to the Knox this Saturday, September 27th at 5PM–and there are still tickets available! (Click the B-52s banner to the left of this post to get there.)
Beyond these two musical events, Grachos discussed the AKAG’s strategic plan in becoming a cultural gathering place where all forms of the arts can be experienced. Grachos also explained the Albright-Knox’s ongoing role as collaborators in the community with already existing cultural entities.
Newell prompted Grachos to discuss the Albright’s potential to grow into the neighborhood–plans which Grachos offered are in the very, very early planning stages. Grachos also explained that the AKAG will invite community input when the time comes, while making note of the fact that a project of this magnitude will be many years in the making.
Grachos conceded that the facility is very much in need of upgrades, but said that, “At the end of the day we have this phenomenal permanent collection,” that makes the Albright an international destination.
Mark asked Grachos about bringing in big shows vs. celebrating the permanent collection. Grachos answered that he was very pleased with the way the gallery’s curatorial team has managed to create shows that integrate museum art, utilizing parts of the permanent collection along with newer acquisitions.
Lastly, Grachos discussed the AKAG’s Pollack and de Kooning pieces, on loan to shows in New York City (closed at The Jewish Museum September 21st) and St. Louis. He said it points out to a wider audience just how incredible the Knox acquisitions were from the 40s through the 70s. Not a bad piece of publicity for turning more eyes toward the treasures we hold here in Buffalo.
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