Dear Friends of the Art League,

I thought I’d make this a newsy letter to bring you up to date on what’s happening around the Art League. As 2018 comes to a close I want to personally thank you for your generosity, support and passion for the Art League. Your contributions in 2018 helped us launch the development work on the Art League’s database management system and new website. Both of these major projects are underway because of your support.

You may not realize the impact you have when you make a contribution to the Art League. Whether it’s earmarked for the website or to keep fine art classes affordable, you are making a difference. The other day a student reminded me that when she is at the Art League doing what she loves, it melts away every other problem in her life. That’s the kind of effect the Art League has on its members, students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Ceramic students are signing praises about the Art League’s new free open studios for pottery students. This is just what they needed to have time to work independently on their creations. The Art League’s ceramics program is the best on Long Island, so much so, that we have outgrown our studio space. We are excited about the 2018 Annual Appeal Challenge to raise $15,000 to renovate and add a second ceramic studio. The studio will need worktables, tools, equipment, two new pottery wheels and a new kiln. Some carpentry work and painting will be needed to add shelves and create space for a glaze room. With your support again, we will meet the challenge goal and be on the way to get the work started before year-end.

The new Resident Artist Membership Program (RAMP) is worth celebrating! RAMP was launched in June 2018. It was created and designed by Andrea Manning, Arts Education Program Coordinator to provide artists the opportunity to indulge themselves in advanced studio art classes at no charge, free studio time and the opportunity to teach a workshop at the end of the 12-month program. It’s the next best thing to actually residing at an art center with even more benefits. Artists give back to the Art League by volunteering at events and receptions, proofreading and editing and by providing graphic design services. The 2019 Resident Artist Membership Program will be open to new applicants in February 2019. Only six qualified applicants will be selected from this highly sought after competitive program.

More good news! Thanks go to Senator Carl L. Marcillino for sponsoring the Art League for a New York State Economic Development Assistance Program Grant for $125,000. The Art League will begin work on Capital Improvements for the building in first quarter 2019. The first three major improvement projects include WiFi and network infrastructure and communication system upgrades. The fire alarm control panel and surveillance equipment will be replaced to improve safety and security. Other major improvements include replacing 3 HVAC units and installing 13 LED parking lot lights. The office and computer lab will receive 10 new computers and an additional circuit breaker board will be installed. We couldn’t be more grateful for this grant coming at the right time.

Once again, wishing you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. I hope you’re as pleased as we are about the progress and programs going on at the Art League. Your support is invaluable to the sustainability of the Art League and we know we can count on you.

Thank you again for your support. Please feel free to donate online or call us at (631) 462-5400 x227.

Best,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

Art League of Long Island  

Harlan J. Fischer, Art League Board President, is calling it a “Renaissance.” It’s always a great idea to change things up a bit, introduce new forms of art, and, most of all, listen to what the community is telling us. The Art League is a gem, with the time and space to make it an even greater visual and cultural arts center.

While the Art League is ushering in change, like the Renaissance period of the 14th through the 17th centuries we are revitalizing as well. We are creating new community programs that will enhance the Art League’s cultural presence on Long Island, including music…

On July 12th the Art League hosted its first Jazz Concert: “Gershwin, Man!” The musicians from the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook had the audience swaying to the music. It was a full house and elicited a standing ovation. Thanks go to Olivia and Harlan Fischer for sponsoring a series of four Jazz Concerts at the Art League through 2019. The next one is October 18th, when the Marc Divine Trio will play the music of “Piano Kings.” Call the office to reserve your seats.

Have you noticed our new sign on the corner of Deforest Rd. and East Deer Park Rd., “Original Art for Sale”? Why didn’t we think of this sooner? The Art League’s fine art exhibitions offer a tremendous opportunity for you to purchase original art from some of Long Island’s most accomplished artists.

The Renaissance was all about art, literature, music and culture. The Art League’s “Dab of Paint” lecture series is in its third successful year. Debbie Wells, originator of the series, attracted an instant following with her dynamic art history lectures and personal interest stories. Guests enjoy learning the intimate details of the lives and loves of many artists, past and present. Debbie’s next lecture, “The Masterpieces of the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia” is on September 17th from 11am – 12am. Call the office to reserve your seat.

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU and the Art League have partnered to offer current Art League members a 20% discount on performances at Tilles Center, with a discount code. If you’re not a member but want to take advantage of the discount, call us today to become a member. Calling all moms, dads and grandparents to take a look at upcoming family performances: Rainbow Fish; Chinese Warriors of Peking; Dorrance Dance; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; and Earth’s Prehistoric Aquarium.

Renaissance is a good word to describe what’s happening at the Art League. We’re excited about the changes we are making and hope you will be too. The Art League is the foremost cultural arts center of its kind on Long Island, and getting better all the time. Thank you for your constant support.

Best,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

Art League of Long Island