Kurtz, Charles M. (Charles McMeen), 1855-1909

Charles M. Kurtz, first director of the Albright Art Gallery, played a prominent role as an administrator, patron, and promoter of the arts in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kurtz first came to Buffalo, New York, in 1884 when, as general manager of the American Art Union, he helped organize an exhibition for the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. He served as art director for numerous expositions and art fairs, including the Southern Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky (1883-1886), the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (1891-1893), the St. Louis Annual Expositions (1894-1899) and the United States Commission to the Paris Exposition of 1900. He was offered the directorship of Buffalo's Pan American Exposition but was unable to accept due to poor health. In 1905, the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy appointed Kurtz as the first director of the newly built Albright Art Gallery. During his tenure, he organized the inaugural loan exhibition, the first of many watercolor exhibitions, and the first annual American exhibition. He was also editor of the Academy's publications, Academy Notes and the Blue Book. In 1909, he assisted the Hispanic Society of America with their major exhibition on the artist, Joaquín Sorolla. Before the opening, Kurtz suddenly became very ill and died on March 21st.--Biographical information adapted from original Albright-Knox Art Gallery finding aid.

From the description of Charles M. Kurtz records, 1905-1909. (Albright-Knox Art Gallery). WorldCat record id: 660830527

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