Ken Byers, an expert on American Shakers, will present a free lecture on "The Life, Art and Contributions of the American Shakers" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, in Room 123 of the Fine Arts Building. Byers will explain the Shaker sect's unique utopian experiment, tracing its beginnings in 1770 to their demise during the 20th century, and will discuss its influence on American design and culture.

Byers' presentation will include a slide show and Q&A session. He will also display an exhibit of Shaker life in room box format as well as 1/12 scale miniature furniture. Byers, a lecturer in the SFSU Design and Industry Department, has been making and studying Shaker furniture for more than 30 years.

For directions to campus and parking information, visit the parking Web site.