It was the perfect day to explore arts, history and tourism in downtown Glens Falls. The streets along the roundabout were bustling, with shoppers strolling along the new, brick-lined sidewalks and new storefronts and restaurants boasting a new era in a city that only months ago seemed as if it would always be under construction. And construction still goes on as workers use boom lifts to create the new Crandall Public Library one one side of town, while several blocks over, across the distinct skyline, developer Bruce Levinski's condominium project continues apace.
The day began at the remarkable Charles R. Wood Theater with a presentation from ARCC CEO and President, Todd Shimkus. Eager to engage the class he pulled no punches as he shared the ARCC stance on issues such as consolidation and addressing the astronomical taxes for the City of Glens Falls. 
Todd Shimkus and the LAdk class in the theater rehearsal space. Todd also proudly introduced the integration of a more regional approach with Eileen Hannay and Steve Collyer joining the class to share an insider's view of tourism in Washington County, specifically the Rogers Island Visitor Center. They started with laughs, calling their presentation a dog and pony show, Steve being the dog and Eileen the pony, but by the end of their impassioned presentation on the mission they are on for the preservation of land and irreplacable artifacts of historical significance on Rogers Island, they had the class rapt.
Later, our host Bill Woodward, Executive Director of the Wood theater gave a history of the building, an update on its economic impact and then a tour of the facility.
After a morning in the theater the class walked a few blocks to the Chapman Historical Museum. Tim Weidner, Director of the Chapman, gave the class a tour, entertaining and educating as he covered everything from addressing an aging membership to plastic collars, corsets and moaning gramophones.
Before a tour of LARAC, the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, Anne Smoczynski, Director of Grants, Membership and Web Site Services, spoke to the class about the way in which LARAC supports the artistic community.
Emily Koliada of TD Banknorth explores Lapham Gallery at LARAC.
Robert Joy, President of JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C., gave his famous walking tour of Glens Falls.
The day wrapped up with a visit to The Hyde Collection. Interim Director Marijo Dougherty met us at the door, ushering us down to the auditorium for an incredible address from Erin Coe, Curator of The Hyde Collection. The class enjoyed a quick pass through Hyde House.
The finale was a glimpse into how a curator put together a show, via a tour of the in process preparation of the next exhibit, NATURA MORTA: Still-Life Painting and the Medici Collections.
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