DIRECTOR’S CORNER

March 1, 2023

Dear Friends,

2023 is March-ing right along and we have so much to tell you!


If you stopped by recently, you will notice some artistic changes to our hallways!  Our three resident artists, Chris O’Donnell, Margaret Minardi, and Despina Zografos, have been busy creating murals of their original artwork on our walls.  We are amazed at their progress and how beautiful they are.  We thank you for your hard work on these beautification projects!
 
Interested in what’s happening in our gallery?  Our upcoming exhibition, the 61st Annual Long Island Artists Exhibition, will open on March 4th with a lecture from juror Neill Slaughter on March 30th at 7pm.  Our opening reception is on March 11th from 1-3pm.
 
Eager to learn more about our classes and how you can become involved?  Join our Open House on March 18th from 11am-2pm and visit with our Summer Art Adventure Program, visit our Silversmithing and Ceramics Studios in action, and visit with different instructors who will be giving free demonstrations.  You won’t believe what we have to offer and what works best for you and your family.  Free kits, courtesy of Staples, to the first 100 families through the door.
 
We are expanding our teen program leaps and bounds!  We are introducing a new observational drawing and painting class by Bill Graf this month.  Our Creative Cartooning, Pre-College Portfolio, and Anime & Manga classes are taking off!  Registration for our summer Pre-College Portfolio Program is now open as well.  
 
You’ve asked for more adult workshops, and we have them – Graphic Novel Design with Jay Stuart, Painting Bold with Watercolor with Antonio Massi, and Spring Tulip Watercolor Workshop with Liz Fusco.
 
We are bringing you more membership benefits.  We have our first Critique Night planned with Lori Horowitz on March 7th.  If you are an exhibiting artist, and would like to join a group of your peers in receiving critical feedback on your next piece, please stop by at 7pm.  We are also inviting you to receive a complimentary session with Elizabeth Castelli, certified life coach.  And, as a member, you can join our upcoming Studio Tour with Lorraine Rimmelin on April 19th.  
 
We are also pleased to create new partnerships!  We are working with artist Liz Coccoza to bring you three workshops on Queer Art this spring.  Liv received funding through the Huntington Arts Council for these programs.  We are also partnering with The Art Guild in port Washington and Gallery North in East Setauket to bring you our “Art Soothes the Mindful Soul” series in May.  
 
I could go on and on and on!  Please remember to continue to support the Art League by renewing your membership.  You can also make a donation, to continue to support our wonderful programs for artists of all ages and backgrounds.  Thank you – for continuing to support The Art League of Long Island and by making it the premier, THE BEST, visual arts education school on Long Island.  Hope to see you soon!
 
Sincerely,
Marianne Della Croce
Executive Director

February 1, 2023

A Message From the Director

Dear Friends,

I hope that you have been enjoying the beginning of the year and being a part of THE BEST visual arts school and gallery on Long Island.

At the end of 2022, we wrote to each of you regarding the predicament the Art League now faces with its upcoming mortgage refinance.  While we look ahead to prepare for our mortgage loan to be refinanced next year, we are still trying to overcome the debt we incurred because of the shutdown during the pandemic.

Our goal was to raise $100,000 by the end of 2023.  Because of your generosity through our Annual Appeal, we have raised $37,000 to date.  Help continue this momentum.  You can donate here.  Every dollar makes a difference. Consider enrolling in our Automatic Recurring Gift Program too.  Monthly or quarterly gifts will provide the Art League with a reliable source of support throughout the year and they will help support our loan.  No matter the size of your gift, you can help us continue to provide top-notch educational classes, a beautiful gallery space for professional exhibitions, and programs which encourage children to be inspired by their own creative expression.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best,

Marianne Della Croce

Executive Director