Elderhostel Program – October 24 - 28, 2008

(this is a six day program that includes the conference)

Arts & Crafts Deluxe Conference  Program #11809

Join us on this spectacular autumn weekend that includes all the exciting activities and programs of the 5th Annual Connection: 2008 Arts & Crafts Conference. Noted scholars and enthusiasts will be speaking on a variety of subjects about this historic time period in our country. After the conference you will have the opportunity to explore many of the Arts & Crafts sites in Western New York including Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin Complex, Graycliff and places in East Aurora. Other highlights of the weekend will include demonstrations by Roycroft Renaissance artisans, an Antiques Roadshow Style Appraisal afternoon and an evening of fine wine, gourmet cheese and entertainment.

Conference events are at various sites on the Roycroft Campus and in East Aurora. There will be some walking to various historical sites in East Aurora.

Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your program coordinator approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.

Day 1 - 3-5 pm - Registration in the lobby of the Roycroft Inn. There you will receive a packet with your schedule and information about your stay in Western New York. Up to date information regarding the Conference can also be found on: http://www.roycroftconference.com.

After dinner we will enjoy a presentation by our keynote speaker
Bruce Johnson, Director of Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference. Lecture to be held in one of the historic buildings in East Aurora. After guests can relax at the Inn while listening to Jazz in the Reception room or return to your room to get ready for the full day of activities on Saturday.

Day 2 Roycroft Campus/historic home/The Art & Craft of Dining Experience
Docent led tour of Inn. Lecture - History and Philosophy of the Arts & Crafts Movement - Lecture to be held in one of the historic buildings on the Roycroft Campus.

After lunch we will have a demonstration by one of the Roycroft Renaissance artisans. After you will do a walking tour of the Roycroft and learn about the 14 buildings that make up the Campus. Your afternoon ends with a wine and cheese reception in the historic Fournier House, one of the landmark buildings on the Campus.

Our signature seven -course dining event, The Art & Craft of Dining highlights the talents of the Chefs of the Roycroft Inn. Products that are seasonal, regional and mostly organic are showcased. New York State wines are paired with the courses.

Day 3: Featured Speakers/Sunday Brunch/Artisan Demonstrations and Appraisal Fair/Sunday Supper/Musical entertainment

The conference program ends with our final speakers, author and gardening expert Paul Duchscherer and Roycroft Campus Corporation President, Doug Swift. After the lectures all will enjoy the Roycroft Inn Sunday jazz brunch extravaganza, served from 10am-3pm.

After brunch there will be free time to view artisan demonstrations at the shops on the Roycroft Campus. Also sit back and enjoy our Appraisal Fair conducted by Roycroft and antique expert, Boice Lydell. For a small fee you can bring an item for a verbal appraisal.

A light supper featuring some autumn favorites will conclude the day activities. In the evening, Western New York performer, Dave Ruch, will sing and tell tales about New York State History.

Day 4: Graycliff Conservancy/View Tiffany Windows at East Aurora Church/Lecture and Slide presentation - Darwin Martin and Frank Lloyd Wright

We will travel to Derby NY to visit Graycliff, the summer home for the Darwin Martin family, that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A Conservancy scholar will lead us on an in-depth tour of this unique property.
Lunch will be at a legendary waterfront restaurant so you can sample Buffalo style cuisine to include chicken wings and beef on weck.
We will stop at Baker Memorial Church to view the magnificent windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Baker is one of the few churches nationally that has all the windows designed by Tiffany. Supper at a historic home in East Aurora.

Learn about Buffalo NY architecture at the turn of the Twentieth Century from noted speaker Annegret Richards, retired slide librarian at the University of Buffalo Architecture School. Annegret had the opportunity to live in the Darwin Martin and will discuss her time there and show slides of the home during different time periods.

Day 5: Tour - Darwin Martin Complex/Tour of Buffalo Architectural treasures

1 1/2 hour docent led tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin Complex, which is undergoing a multi million-dollar restoration. You will view the newly reconstructed pergola and other buildings. There will be time to visit the Wisteria Museum Shop.
A box lunch will be served at a Buffalo landmark.

Shuffle off to Buffalo to visit the grand historic architectural sites including the Louis Sullivan's Guaranty Building, H.H Richardson's Psychiatric Center complex, Frank Lloyd Wright's Blue Sky Mausoleum, the Erie Canal terminus and the Frederick Law Olmsted Park System. A leisurely dinner at a Buffalo restaurant featuring regional and seasonal cuisine will conclude the day.

Day 6: Arts & Crafts Styles around the World/Departure

Lecture and slide presentation on the International Arts & Crafts Movement by travel expert, Marge Sgroi. Marge was a speaker at last year’s conference. Also an update on the future of the Roycroft Campus by a member of the board of the Roycroft Campus Corporation. A Graduation Luncheon will be at the Roycroft Inn. Guests depart for home at approx 2pm.