Woody has extensive understanding and appreciation for the role arts and cultural services play in a community. ​​​​​​​
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Dear Art League Family,

This month I would like to talk about some of the value-added benefits and impact the Art League brings to you and the communities we serve. The Art League strives to bring exceptional services, programs and cultural experiences to all. Its offerings are many;  fine art classes for all ages and abilities, pre-college portfolio prep for high school students, community events and fine art exhibitions, summer art adventure programs for children and teens, art history lectures, special needs programs, live performances and more. All of these programs and events attract over 25,000 plus visitors each year.

The Art League’s services, programs and cultural experiences contribute significantly to the economic well-being of Long Island. We have a professional faculty staff of over 70 teaching artists during peak periods. Art teachers tell us that the Art League is their employer of choice. Our programs and events generate a great deal of event-related spending that benefit other businesses, attract business and community leaders, new residents and enhance the quality and beauty of our towns, villages and neighborhoods. The contributions the Art League returns to you can be measured in prosperity, employment and overall quality of life. If you haven’t given thought to how art as an industry contributes to the economy, here’s some information that may surprise you.

New data released on March 6, 2018 by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) reported that the arts contributed $763.6 billion to the U.S. Economy, more than agriculture, transportation or warehousing. In the U.S. the arts generate $370 billion in income and employs 4.9 million workers across the country. In New York alone, the industry contributed $114.1billion to the economy or 7.8% share of the total U.S. contribution.

Besides the abundant contribution to the economy, the Art League is a place where people gather, study art for enjoyment or very seriously, develop new friendships, share creativity and inspire each other. When you invest in the Art League by making a donation, taking a class, volunteering, attending an event, visiting the gallery or becoming a sponsor or business partner, you are in turn investing in yourself, your family and the communities where we live, work and play.

Thank you again for your support!

Warmest regards,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director

Art League of Long Island  

A special thanks to the Art League Family of supporters, students, volunteers, staff and faculty!
We’ve reached the 2017 Annual Appeal Challenge Goal of $25,000!

Dear Art League Family,

There’s lots of excitement around the Art League these days. Thanks to you the Art League reached its goal and raised $25,000 from the Annual Appeal Challenge. We are ready to begin the work needed to develop a new database management system and website. Thanks to everyone that responded so generously to the Art League’s 2017 Annual Appeal! And if you were not able to contribute to the Annual Appeal, thank you for being a student, volunteer, instructor, staff, visitor or member of the Art League.

It’s been an overall good year in 2017. Improved financial results were achieved at fiscal year-end August 31, 2017. The 2017 business plan focused on reorganizing processes and infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. Staying true to the Art League’s mission requires the organization to generate sufficient sources of revenue while managing to keep expenses down while the cost of doing business goes up. The Art League depends on revenues from tuition, donations, gallery exhibitions, artwork sales, foundations, sponsorships and Grants. However, finding Grants for operating capital is difficult to come by. As a not-for-profit organization the Art League is championed to enhance Long Island’s cultural life, inspire communities and artists, create space and offer an exceptional art education. Balancing the need to fulfill its mission and funding operations is a constant challenge.

More good news! The Art League received a Grant from the New York State Economic Development Assistant Program (“NYS EDAP”) for $125,000. The funds must be used for renovations, repairs and improvements to the Art League’s building. These capital improvements must have a “life” of 10 years. The Grant does not support new technology. Timing couldn’t be better as the building is almost 15 years old. Some of the projects include 3 new HVAC units, outside LED parking lights, new office computers and upgrades to the computer lab, a state-of-the-art surveillance system, improved gallery lighting and several other projects. We hope to get started on these projects by third quarter 2018. We have three years to complete the work under the Grant.

Thank you again for making it possible to begin work on a new database management system and website. Please be sure to peruse the 2018 catalog to see some of the exciting new classes, lectures and events. Don’t miss “Opera Night Long Island” coming up on Sunday, February 4, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Renowned internationally acclaimed rising opera professionals will inspire you with the “Language of Love”, in time for Valentine’s Day.

My warmest regards,

Charlee Miller

Executive Director