We are proud to announce a new initiative in our ongoing commitment to deliver high quality arts education at the Art League of Long Island. The Atelier method of art instruction focuses on getting down to the basics of drawing and painting, borrowing from the classical techniques used by master artists going back many centuries. While we have already offered classes and workshops embracing these methods, the Atelier program offers a renewed and intense focus whereupon the student learns under one master artist over a period of time that goes beyond one six-week session. Students who participate in the program can be expected to study with their mentor throughout the year, and at their own pace learn and build on skills developed over a period of time. Through their own classical training and experience Michelle Palatnik, Laura Freeze, and Jock Anderson teach beginner and advanced drawing and painting skills. Kiril Tzotchev, a classically trained MFA European sculptor guides students in the application of classical technique to fine art sculpture, while also offering a nod to modern abstract sculpture. Michelle Palatnik will be offering a free three-hour preview of her Teen Portfolio program on Saturday, November 1 from 10am to 1pm. Space is limited, so please RSVP. Details of the program and free preview can be found below.

I’d also like to remind our members to take advantage of the privileges of being an Art League membership. All members are invited to submit one piece of art work for inclusion in our annual Members’ Exhibition. All who submit their application in time for the deadline get to show their work in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery. Lisa Chalif, curator of the Heckscher Museum of Art will select Awards of Excellence and Honorable Mentions. The deadline is Monday, October 20!

While on the subject of exhibition opportunities, High School Advanced Placement art students are invited to submit works through their art teachers for inclusion in the Art League’s annual Go APE Advanced Placement Student Exhibition happening March 15 through March 29, 2015. Teachers must select the works to be submitted, so start nagging your teacher now as the deadline is February 10, 2015.

After the summer hiatus, Art After Dark is back! Join us on Friday, October 24 at 7pm for an evening of art, music, mingling, and refreshments. Many thanks to Rich Rivkin, and Joanne Nielsen for organizing the event, featuring demos by Art League instructors Jahn Guarino and Michelle Palatnik and exhibits by over a dozen local artists. And thanks to Todd Grossman for the live musical entertainment. Bring your friends and family, the event is free and open to the general public.

In the meantime, please stop by and see the current photography exhibit showing in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery “Pattern & Rhythm Through the Lens, and Laura Meshover’s Class Exhibit showing in the Strolling Gallery, both on view through November 2.

The Art League’s Open House this past Saturday had a tremendous turnout. It was nice to see many new faces among the crowd of Art League students, members, and supporters. Many thanks to everybody who helped make this event such a success! From the instructors who came out to do the live art demonstrations (Stephanie Navon Jacobson, Peter Messina, Mary Nagin, Denis Ponsot, Jahn Guarino, Amal Karzai, Donna Moraff, Ruth Sachs, and Irene Vitale) to the instructors who came out in full force to represent their work and the Art League, to the volunteers, and staff, thank you for a job well done! Thanks also go to guitarist Kenny Pascual for entertaining the crowds with his musical charm.

This Friday Franklin Hill Perrell will conduct a thoroughly engaging talk, Manet’s Paris, in his second of three in the About Art Lecture Series. Franklin’s final lecture in the series on November 7 explores works by celebrated artists of local origins in Long Island Masters: Artists in our Midst. Reserve your seat in advance for one or both lectures now. Many thanks to Daniel Gale Sotheby Realty for sponsoring this delightful lecture series.

Through the generous support of local businesses and private individuals who proudly support the arts, the Art League gratefully acknowledges the sponsors of our 2014-2015 exhibition season: Memorial Fund of Mary Abrams, Norman Abrams, Artpix Studio, The Artful Circle with Debbie Wells and Franklin Hill Perrell, Bunnye & Fred Avril, Daniel C. Brown, Dawn to Dusk Landscaping, Elan Strategy Consulting, Olivia & Harlan Fischer, Memorial Fund of Marjorie Marran Feeney, Eleanore & Bob O’Sullivan, Eleanor & John Perkins, Pat & Bob Ralph, Marge Sammis, Mary & Chuck Schlapp, and our lead sponsor Bridgehampton National Bank.

As the Art League approaches its 60th anniversary, it is my hope to continue working more closely with a larger community of supporters to continue bringing you the best in exhibits, events, classes and workshops.