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DIRECTOR’S CORNER

December 2019

Dear Art League Friends and Family,

It’s an exciting time at the Art League of Long Island and I can’t wait to tell you about it. We’re ushering in the new year with exciting enhancements to programs and opportunities for artists to fully immerse themselves in an environment and culture where they can gather together, share ideas, thrive and grow in the arts. The Art League’s vision for next year and over the next decade is to create a “cultural art centered community” for emerging and accomplished artists, students, professional art instructors and visitors. A place where artists from all over can participate, appreciate and be inspired.

There’s more! The time has come to offer time and space for artists and students to take advantage of using the Art League’s studios. Open studio and bench time will be available in the first quarter 2020 for currently enrolled Art League students in all mediums. In addition to open studio for enrolled students, rental art space for artists will be available too. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing the Art League’s studios filled with artists doing what they love.

We’ve learned a lot from the Art League’s Resident Artist Membership Program, now in its 2nd year. It’s been such a success; we are expanding the model to create a Residency Program for advanced ceramic artists and students. More to come on this program in second quarter 2020.

Beginning January 2, 2020, the Art League will be changing its hours and days of operation. We are consolidating classes, workshops and programs into five days and two evenings each week. The Art League will be closed on Sundays and the office will be closed on Fridays. In an effort to reduce expenses and manage more efficient and cost-effective use of the building, the following are the new hours and days of operation:

Monday: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm, no evening classes
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 9:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm, no evening class
Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:30 pm
Friday: Office Closed
Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed Holiday Week December 21, 2019 through January 2, 2020
Closed Winter Break February 17, 2020 through February 21, 2020
Closed August 31, 2020 through September 7, 2020

Finally, if you haven’t heard, it’s Annual Appeal time. The Art League’s year-end appeal is the most important fundraising time of the year. Over 38% of giving is done in the month of December. If you’re already a donor, thank you for your support and we hope you will be as generous as you can again this year. If you haven’t yet become a donor or sponsor, please consider becoming a supporter. Thank you for your faith and confidence in the Art League’s future and sustainability. We remain grateful for your support.

Warmest Regards,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

Art League of Long Island

 

The Art League of Long Island is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. It’s mission since inception is to enhance Long Island’s cultural life through the practice, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Donations can be submitted online here, or call (631) 462-5400, or mail payment to the address listed below.
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
- Vincent van Gogh

October 2019

Dear Art League Friends and Family,

It’s time for me to update you on what’s been going on at the Art League. Let’s start with the tremendous results of the 2019 Signature Matching Gifts Campaign. Thanks to you, we raised $51,433 which includes $25,000 generously matched by Board President, Harlan J. Fischer and his wife Olivia Fischer. The proceeds are being used for much needed repairs, improvements and investments in programs and services.

Some more good news! Four out of five major capital improvements have been completed to date with the proceeds from the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program (NYS EDAP) Grant. So far, we have replaced the communication system, WIFI and network infrastructure, fire alarm control panel and detection devices, purchased 10 brand new Apple Computers for the office and replaced 16 parking and building lights with LED lighting. The last project is the replacement of three environmentally approved HVAC units expected to be installed this month. Although New York State generously funded $125,000 for the projects, additional costs were incurred in the course of improvements, exceeding the Grant amount.

On another note, the Art League wrapped up its fiscal year end on August 31, 2019. Financial performance from internal reporting shows just a slight 1.5% increase in revenues while expenses are up 4.3%. The cost of doing business is forever on the rise making it even harder to keep pace. Thanks to you again, we are grateful for your constant support and response to the Art League’s Spring and Annual Appeal Challenges and your participation in community events we host year-round.

Just a sneak preview about what’s been going on in the Ceramics Department since my last update. As you know last year’s appeal proceeds were invested in renovating and adding another ceramic studio, purchasing supplies, building a RAKU firing station and hiring Puneeta Mittal, new Department Head to manage and lead the ceramics program. With Puneeta’s energy, knowledge and experience running successful ceramic programs, her vision with her team of instructors is to create the premier Ceramics Center on Long Island. The Art League has the advantage of expanding and building outdoor kilns on its spacious property that will surely interest ceramic artists to explore alternative firing methods. More to come on this best kept secret.

I hope I can count on you again on Sunday, November 10th from 3:30 – 5:30 pm to support the Empty Bowls Event. The Art League, in collaboration with the Suffolk County Council VFW will host an event to support the Veterans of Suffolk County. Come on down and join us for soup, salad and delicious bread donated by the SCCVFW. Purchase a handmade, food-safe bowl for $20 made by ceramic artists who donated their time and the bowls for the event. All proceeds will go to the Suffolk County Council VFW.

As we move into the holiday season, I wish you a wonderful time with family and friends. I’ll be back in touch before the end of the year. Thank you again.

Warmest Regards,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

Art League of Long Island