As we approach the end of the year, rather than winding down, the Art League is kicking things into high gear. We have a full slate of exhibits and events happening at the Art League between now and the end of 2014.

Tomorrow night, on the 7th, Franklin Hill Perrell will conduct the last in a series of three lectures. This one is titled “Long Island Masters: Artists in our Midst”, covering the works of celebrated artists who have called Long Island home. Stay alert and look around you, you just might see one or two of them in the audience. This Sunday is the opening of the Art League’s 59th Annual Members’ Exhibition. We’ve come a long way from that first annual exhibition. In the past few years we’ve had the need to split the show into two parts to accommodate more than 200 works created by our many talented members.

Next up, the answer to a question the Art League has heard many times, “How do I promote my art and get it out there”? The Art League’s new board chairperson, Debbie Wells, will give a talk on November 24 at 7pm titled “The Artist’s Self-Promotion Checklist”. As an award-winning graphics designer and communications specialist, Debbie will advise you on best practices used in branding, social media, and media outreach.

The Art League’s 51st Annual Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair will take place on December 6 and 7. This is a fun, family-friendly event chock full of unique shopping opportunities, live art demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Then on 12/13/14 (remember that date!), the Art League hosts the first InbeonCon, a comic “convention” that focuses on the artists who create all those cool animated characters. Artists will exhibit and sell their work, and there will be other fun activities. Visitors to the event are invited to come dressed up as their favorite character in keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere! Many thanks to computer graphics instructor Eric Hutchison for organizing this event, with 50% of the proceeds to benefit the Art League.

As 2014 draws to a close, it is also that time of year to plan annual year-end charitable giving. We will soon be reaching out to our supporters and friends of the Art League and ask you to consider donating time or funds to support the many activities, events, and opportunities we bring to the community, something we have been doing with gusto for 59 years. In the meantime, avail yourself of the many things the Art League has to offer. Please stop by and visit the gallery to see the exhibit, join us at the Holiday Fair, or sign up for our eye-opening lectures.

PS.  Veteran’s Day is Tuesday, November 11 and as we honor those who have served their country, I’d like to remind our brave active duty and veterans as a token of our appreciation the Art League offers free membership plus an additional 10% off every class.  This offer is valid not just for the one day but all year long.

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.