On Wednesday, December 12, 2007 the Arts Council in Buffalo & Erie County hosted a reception for then County Executive Elect, Chris Collins at our 700 Main Street offices. More than 50 area arts executives came out to meet Mr. Collins and hear his views on the role of arts and culture in Erie County as well as hear ideas from the administrators. Special thanks to Jerry Burgin who made sure we had plenty of good eats and treats and beautiful setting - everyone had a wonderful time, and Mr. Collins was among the last to leave our soiree!

Chris Collins shares his thoughts and ideas directly with local arts leaders. Also seen, Mark Mortenson, CEO Buffalo Museum of Science, Mike Sawicz, Marketing Director, Studio Arena Theatre and a representative from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Woman wearing the fabulous hair ornament is Molly Bethel from Locust Street Art Classes.

Everyone paying close attention to Mr. Collins. Seen here, Cathy Skora, Folkloric Productions, Gary Wolf, visual artist, Tom Buckham, Buffalo News, Barbara Leggett, Explore and More Children's Museum, and a teaching artist from Young Audiences.

Also paying close attention are Barbara Levy Daniels, singer and AC Board member, Stanton Hudson, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Ed Fisher, Amherst Symphony Orchestra, Reine Hauser, Graycliff Conservancy, Ed Cardoni, Hallwalls, and Tod Kniazuk, Music Is Art.

AC Board member, Gigi Hetzner connecting with Mark Mortenson, Science Museum and Florine Luhr from Advancing Arts and Culture.

Snack and chat with Lenore Bethel, Locust Street Art Classes, Polly Little from Hallwalls and the curator from Starlight Art Gallery.

Buffalo Zoo CEO, Donna Fernandes shares thoughts with arts consultant, Carol Halter.

More snack and chat with Charles Franklin, AC Board, Cathy Skora, Alicia Banner (green sweater) African American Cultural Center, AC Board Chair, Lynda Stephens (red collar) and Ed Cardoni.

Stanton Hudson from the Public Library in deep conversation with Mary Roberts, CEO Darwin Martin House.

Carol Halter and artist, Bret Runyon take a moment to chill out.

The Arts Council in Buffalo & Erie County is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, Erie County, Artvoice, East Hill Foundation, Goodyear Foundation, Hahn Foundation, Hodgson Russ, LLP, HSBC, KeyBank, Knox Foundation, Lamar Advertising, M & T Bank, Progressive Direct Marketing, The Buffalo News, The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, The Summit Federal Credit Union, Rich Products, Time Warner, Univera, Verizon, WBFO FM 88.7, WIVBTV Channel 7, Zeron Foundation, artists, arts organizations, individuals, special events and membership fees.