The future of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery will be in the hands of a man with extensive background in international art. 42-year-old Janne Sirén was introduced at a news conference Tuesday. He serves as the director of Helsinki Art Museum in Finland.
Siren says he wants to add more digital components to extend the Gallery's collection globally. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley talked with Siren before he headed into a gallery reception.
Siren said coming to Buffalo is a "homecoming" after receiving all his undergraduate and graduate education in the United States. He received all his undergraduate and graduate education in the America. Siren has served as a special forces operative in the Finnish Military and taught art history at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
WBFO News spoke with Jack Walsh, president of the board of directors for the Darwin Martin House Restoration and former board member at the Albright-Knox.
Walsh is thrilled with the selection of Siren.
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WBFO's Eileen Buckley reports Siren's experience could be a big boost for tourism.
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"To hear his international orientation and his enthusiasm about Buffalo -- this is a very happy day for the gallery," said Walsh.
Walsh sees Siren's leadership as a chance to build on Buffalo's cultural tourism's future.
"Where Janne can take us another step," said Walsh. "He certainly has great training as an art educator."
Siren served as a special forces operative in the Finnish Military and taught art history at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Walsh called the selection of Siren's leadership by the gallery "inspirational."
Siren takes over for former Gallery director Louis Grachos late this spring or early summer. Siren will come to Buffalo with his wife and three young children.