DIRECTOR’S CORNER

December 30, 2020

Dear Art League Family and Friends,

You’re amazing!  I’m in awe of the many Art League friends, members, students, private foundations, businesses and even folks unknown to us who have come through with support.  Your faith and trust in us makes us work harder every day to recover from the catastrophic damages of the pandemic.  Financial devastation is one thing. Losing the Art League to the ravages of the 2020-21 pandemic would be a tremendous loss to the arts and cultural communities of Long Island. We can’t let it happen.

Thanks to you, we’re moving in the right direction. I’ve asked you to embrace the mission of the Art League and you have done just that. The Art League is the iconic home to Long Island’s creative class. Artists, photographers, designers, dreamers and doers have infused this amazing place with energy, innovation and excitement for decades.  It is the most enviable art center of its kind on Long Island.

Take a look back with me on the video below, “The Art League of Long Island, the Year in Review”. We haven’t reached the 2020-21 Annual Appeal goal of raising fifty thousand dollars yet.  The Annual Appeal is extended into 2021 or until we can make sure that the Art League will survive. We’re not out of the woods yet, it’s going to take time and patience and I need your support.

Donations can be made on the website at www.artleagueli.org or you can mail to Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746.

Donations of appreciated stock may appeal to you. When you donate stock to charity, you’ll generally take a tax deduction for the full fair market value. And because you are donating stock, your contribution and tax deduction may instantly increase over 20%.  If you are age 70 1/2 you may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD) with tax benefits to you. Please speak to your financial advisor or accountant.

Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year, Best Wishes,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

November 2020

Dear Art League Family & Friends,

Over fifty years ago, a group of talented and passionate artists applied for not-for-profit status for the grassroots art association they created and nurtured since 1955. The IRS required them to develop a mission statement that would clearly articulate why they deserved to become a not-for-profit. The organization would be called the Art League of Long Island. The League’s mission and purpose would be dedicated to a broad-based visual arts education for all ages and abilities. It would provide a forum and showcase for artists to exhibit their work, spearhead community events, create outreach programs and enhance Long Island’s cultural life through the practice, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts.

Now nearing the end of its sixty fifth year, the Art League’s role and contributions are invaluable to the arts and cultural landscapes on Long Island. Founded by artists for artists, it has grown to be a full-fledged indispensable and enviable art center. The Art League fills the gap between large commercial galleries and museums by advocating and promoting emerging and accomplished artists who would otherwise be under-represented. The dream of obtaining a fine art education at any time of life is possible and taught by the most highly sought-after Art League instructors.

The Art League Needs Your Support

I’m reaching out to ask you to embrace the Art League’s mission by supporting the 2020 Year-End Annual Appeal. If we are to remain in existence following the pandemic and economic crisis, we need to raise fifty thousand dollars to recover from the deep losses and to fund operations until we can safely and fully return to a post COVID-19 world.

The Art League is an iconic home to Long Island’s creative class. Artists, photographers, designers, dreamers and doers have infused this amazing place with energy, innovation and excitement for decades, going back to its origins at a kitchen table to where it is now.

Thank you in advance for giving the Art League the chance it deserves to recover, survive and renew. Donations can be made online here or you can mail your donation to the Art League at 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746.

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.

Warmest Regards,

Charlee Miller
Executive Director
Art League of Long Island