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

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Art League Family, Friends and Supporters,

Your heartwarming cards, emails and letters inspire us to work harder every day to recover from the financial, emotional and physical devastation of the pandemic. Thanks to you, we are halfway to reaching the goal of raising one-hundred-thousand dollars needed to survive the worst health and economic crisis in generations.

We’ve developed a 2020-2021 strategic and continuity plan aimed at survival. As long as Covid-19 remains a threat, lurking to shut down businesses and schools, infect populations and take the lives of otherwise healthy people, we are extremely limited to restoring the Art League to pre-Covid-19 operations.

It’s my hope when you read our survival plan below, see how far we’ve come and what we’re doing, you will support the Art League’s 2020 Annual Appeal to reach the goal. Donations can be made online here or send a check to the Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746. Inquiries can be sent to info@artleagueli.org.

Art League’s Strategic, Continuity Survival Plan 2020-2021

• Art League closed March 12, 2020, entire faculty and staff furloughed or laid off
• First of businesses to be approved and issued government assistance loans and grants in April
• Banks and creditors agree to deferred payments and moratoriums
• Building put on the market for sale May 2020
• April “Count Me In” & “Artists of the Day” campaign raised $50,000 by September!
• Students generously donated $21,000 in class credits, in addition to $50,000 raised
• Introduced revenue generating virtual classes in July 2020
• Several virtual art teachers back to work in July!
• Ambitiously prospecting tenants to lease space at the Art League instead of selling the building
• Sponsorships & Foundations contributing to survival
• Facebook fundraisers established by Art League advocates
• Revenue generating studio painting classes opened September 2020
• Several more teachers back to work in September!
• Ace Canvas & Tent Company donated 20’ x 30’ tent, children & adult classes in the tent in October
• Several more teachers back to work in October!
• Revenue generating ceramic open studio classes in October
• Even more teachers back to work in October!
• Virtual revenue generating Professional Development Day November 3, 2020
• More teachers back to work in November!
• New Income generating private, semi-private, shared studio rentals starting November
• Virtual state-of-the-art website exhibitions, including tours
• Volunteer program 2020-2021
• 2020 year-end Annual Appeal earmarked to raise $50,000!

The 2020 Annual Appeal and the work we are doing behind the scenes, is the most crucial and critical path in the process of survival. I’m writing from a place of encouragement and anticipation of your support. We are looking forward, in earnest, to overcoming the crisis and bringing back a post-Covid-19, refreshed and cherished Art League. Thank you in advance!

My Warmest Regards,

Charlee Miller
Executive Director