DIRECTOR’S CORNER

"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  

" Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving."
- Hank Rosso

April 2019

Dear Friends of the Art League,

There’s a lot going on at the Art League. Let’s get started and I’ll tell you all about it!

To begin, for a window of time between now and July 15, a golden opportunity has been offered by Board President Harlan J. Fischer and his wife Olivia to match donations up to a total of $25,000 for the spring/summer 2019 Signature Gift Campaign. This awesome gift means your donation will count twice as much and the Art League will double its results.

You can donate online at www.artleagueli.org or call Bobbie Janowitz at 631 462 5400 x 227 or just stop by. Your financial contribution shows how much you understand and appreciate the role the Art League plays in nurturing the arts on Long Island. Thanks in advance for putting this on your “to do” list to write a check or call Bobbie with your credit card before July 15.

The quarterly “Jazz in the Gallery” concerts with musicians from the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook are a big hit with jazz lovers and concertgoers. Tickets are on sale now for the next concert on May 9th at 7 pm in the gallery. Don’t miss “The Great American Songbook” performance by the Richie Iacona Trio, with Mike Hall, Tom Manuel, and featuring Madeline Kole on vocals. If you’re a small business owner and you’d like to support the Art League in a unique way, think about sponsoring a jazz concert or concert series. Your company will be prominently recognized in all print materials and on the evening of the concert we will announce your support to a very large audience.

The Resident Artist Membership Program (RAMP) is going into its 2nd year. Fifteen artists have applied to this highly competitive 2019-2020 program. Only 6 candidates will be selected to participate for one year beginning in June. Resident Artists receive 50 hours of free classes each semester in exchange for volunteer hours and an opportunity to teach a workshop at the end of the program.

The Art League’s ceramics program has the largest demand for classes among adults and children. With increasing enrollment, a faculty staff of 5 – 6 instructors and studio assistants, teaching 7 days per week, it was time to reorganize and create a department of its own. Puneeta Mittal, ceramic artist, painter, adjunct professor and former board member with an MFA from Long Island University will lead the charge as the first Art League Department Head of ceramics along with Amy Tischler as Operations Manager. The bigger picture is to grow and expand the ceramics program to a Ceramics Center. The Center will be a place for ceramic artists and other ceramic programs to collaborate, share ideas, attend seminars and workshops, and experience the full breadth and depth of working in clay.

Finally, we’ve achieved a great deal in the past 12 months, thanks to you, the NYS Grant and an energized board……….here’s just some of the things completed and where resources have been committed.

  • Lighted exterior billboard with artwork signage
  • Energy saving and safety enhancing LED parking and building lights
  • New fire safety and surveillance systems
  • Updated data communication, website and registration sites
  • Three new, environmentally friendly HVAC units

With all this activity and investment in infrastructure more is needed to ensure the future of the Art League. Plans in the near immediate future include increasing on-site parking, major roof repairs and two more environmentally friendly HVAC units.

I hope you’re as inspired as we are at the Art League and sense our gratitude to Olivia and Harlan for making it possible to double our midyear results. With your support we will realize the full benefits of this matching gift campaign. Thank you in advance for giving as generously as you can. I will keep you informed of the progress. Please call me with any questions at 631 462 5400 x 224.

Warmest Regards,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

Art League of Long Island