The Art Libraries Society of North America / Western New York Chapter (ARLIS/WNY) is one of the oldest chapters of ARLIS/NA. The Western New York area has had a key role in bringing colleagues in art libraries and visual resource collections together. The Buffalo Institute, in 1969, paved the way for the development of the national organization, Art Libraries Society of North America in 1972. The Seminar in Art Librarianship held at Syracuse University strengthened and fostered collegiality and networking of art librarians. The need for cooperative ventures developed both nationally and regionally.
On July 12, 1973 an organizational meeting was held in Buffalo to discuss the formation of a regional chapter of the Art Libraries Society of North America. Fifteen individuals attended this gathering hosted by Florence DaLuiso at the State University of New York at Buffalo. A full-day meeting offered the attendees a chance to discuss issues including; Who should belong to this chapter? (Limited by Geography/ Driving Distance) How often should the group meet? (Twice a year; Fall and Spring) How should the constitution be drafted? What will dues be? ($1.00) What name should the chapter be called? (BUFFART, Buffalo Chapter, Western New York/Ontario).
In September 1973, Judy Hoffberg, editor of ARLIS/NA Newsletter, visited the chapter in Syracuse on her several week sojourn throughout the country meeting with art librarians. Her inspirational talk announced the new and exciting events of the newly formed ARLIS/NA. Final decision on the name of the chapter established, ARLIS/Western New York at September 1973 meeting. This year, 1998, the ARLIS Western New York Chapter celebrates its 25th anniversary. The following sections on this web site trace the development of the chapter and those that have been involved with the chapters growth. Of course, all members of a chapter allow an organization to thrive and we celebrate all those members involved over the years. Kari Horowicz Chapter Historian Vice-President, ARLIS/WNY 1998