DIRECTOR’S CORNER

April 2023

Happy April!

The Art League continues to move forward!  And while we are busy planning your favorite programs and events, there is also one immediate need that continues to remain in the forefront, and that is our Annual Appeal.  We need to raise $100,000 by the end of the year.  These funds are necessary for the Art League to have in our coffers as we continue to look to refinance our mortgage next spring.  We absolutely need to refinance; the quarantine and its lingering effects on our finances are still being felt, and will continue to be felt for the next few years.

And so, I ask you, to please remember to continue to support the Art League over and above your tuition.  There are several ways to do so.  The first, and easiest, is by renewing your membership.  Your membership will give you various perks and benefits including discounts to your favorite classes.
You can also make a donation, to continue to support our wonderful programs for artists of all ages and backgrounds.  Your donation will help us to underwrite building expenses, studio expenses, and our other general operating needs.  Your donation enables us to continue to move forward, and will boost our balance sheet for the refinance.  I cannot stress this enough.  While I know there was intense concern around losing the building during quarantine, we aren’t out of danger yet.  We still are continuing to pull ourselves up from the financial challenges of the pandemic.  And so, every dollar makes a difference!

Thank you – for continuing to support The Art League of Long Island and by making it the premier, THE BEST, visual arts education school on Long Island.  Hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,
Marianne Della Croce
Executive Director

March 1, 2023

Dear Friends,

2023 is March-ing right along and we have so much to tell you!


If you stopped by recently, you will notice some artistic changes to our hallways!  Our three resident artists, Chris O’Donnell, Margaret Minardi, and Despina Zografos, have been busy creating murals of their original artwork on our walls.  We are amazed at their progress and how beautiful they are.  We thank you for your hard work on these beautification projects!
 
Interested in what’s happening in our gallery?  Our upcoming exhibition, the 61st Annual Long Island Artists Exhibition, will open on March 4th with a lecture from juror Neill Slaughter on March 30th at 7pm.  Our opening reception is on March 11th from 1-3pm.
 
Eager to learn more about our classes and how you can become involved?  Join our Open House on March 18th from 11am-2pm and visit with our Summer Art Adventure Program, visit our Silversmithing and Ceramics Studios in action, and visit with different instructors who will be giving free demonstrations.  You won’t believe what we have to offer and what works best for you and your family.  Free kits, courtesy of Staples, to the first 100 families through the door.
 
We are expanding our teen program leaps and bounds!  We are introducing a new observational drawing and painting class by Bill Graf this month.  Our Creative Cartooning, Pre-College Portfolio, and Anime & Manga classes are taking off!  Registration for our summer Pre-College Portfolio Program is now open as well.  
 
You’ve asked for more adult workshops, and we have them – Graphic Novel Design with Jay Stuart, Painting Bold with Watercolor with Antonio Massi, and Spring Tulip Watercolor Workshop with Liz Fusco.
 
We are bringing you more membership benefits.  We have our first Critique Night planned with Lori Horowitz on March 7th.  If you are an exhibiting artist, and would like to join a group of your peers in receiving critical feedback on your next piece, please stop by at 7pm.  We are also inviting you to receive a complimentary session with Elizabeth Castelli, certified life coach.  And, as a member, you can join our upcoming Studio Tour with Lorraine Rimmelin on April 19th.  
 
We are also pleased to create new partnerships!  We are working with artist Liz Coccoza to bring you three workshops on Queer Art this spring.  Liv received funding through the Huntington Arts Council for these programs.  We are also partnering with The Art Guild in port Washington and Gallery North in East Setauket to bring you our “Art Soothes the Mindful Soul” series in May.  
 
I could go on and on and on!  Please remember to continue to support the Art League by renewing your membership.  You can also make a donation, to continue to support our wonderful programs for artists of all ages and backgrounds.  Thank you – for continuing to support The Art League of Long Island and by making it the premier, THE BEST, visual arts education school on Long Island.  Hope to see you soon!
 
Sincerely,
Marianne Della Croce
Executive Director