DIRECTOR’S CORNER

January 1, 2023

Happy, Happy New Year

 

from  the Art League of Long Island!

I am thrilled that each of you has decided to join us – as a valued member, as a student, or as an exhibiting artist.  You have truly found your home among the BESTOF THE BEST.  The Art League has the best,and most stunningly beautiful, exhibition space on Long Island.  The best, and most articulate, motivating, and inspiring instructors.  The best studio spaces with proper ventilation, clean equipment, and sunlight.  And you have made the decision in 2023 to give yourself the gift of community, expression, and artistic challenge with us, among the best of the best on Long Island.  We could not be more excited to have you.

This year, we have new class offerings in atelier-style drawing and painting; graphic novel design; handbuilding techniques; and teen anime and manga.  Workshops in Advanced Watercolors, Identity & Self Expression, and Goldsmithing will follow.  You will be able to sell your fine art pieces at the beloved Art in the Park event in June.  You are also able to enter your classwork into our Strolling Gallery shows or into our recurring exhibitions.  I have full confidence that our reputation as the leading visual arts organization, the best of the best, will grow even stronger, with your continued participation.

The best of the best comes with a price tag; this we know.  I am proud to say that the Art League of Long Island has not raised our class prices, membership fees, or exhibition fees since returning from the pandemic.  And, when you register for a class or for an open studio, you aren’t just paying the instructor’s salary, you’re helping us maintain our equipment, paint the walls, and purchase new easels and tables.  When you enter into an exhibition, you aren’t just paying the juror fees, you are assisting us with maintaining our parking lot, roof, lights, security, sheds, and landscaping.  When you purchase a membership, you assist with helping us retain the highest level of standard and integrity in our instruction.

Consider a donation today.  Donations, no matter the amount, help us keep our costs low while providing means to pay for improvements, repairs, lighting, and supplies.  You can donate directly here.  Help us maintain THE BEST visual arts center on Long Island with your continued support.

 

Best,

Marianne Della Croce

Executive Director

November 29, 2022

Giving Tuesday
Message from the Director

It’s that time of year – making lists and checking them twice, purchasing ingredients for puddings and pies, preparing that spare bedroom for your overnight guests…getting your house in order.

The Art League is getting its house in order too. On the heels of the pandemic, we are up against refinancing the Art League’s ten-year term mortgage due for renewal in early 2024. And so, our 2022-23 Annual Appeal is more important and urgent than ever. The goal is to raise one hundred thousand dollars between now and year-end 2023. Please be as generous as you can. We’re humbly asking you to consider increasing your annual gift this year. Your gifts are needed to strengthen our financial position to qualify for the refi. A great way to increase your support without feeling it as much, is with our Automatic Renewal Gift Program (ARGP). Monthly or quarterly gifts will provide the Art League a reliable source of support throughout the year and it will help support the loan. You can donate here.

Since 1955, artists, teachers, designers, and dreamers come to the Art League for inspiration. Our vision is to attract, inspire, teach and awaken the hearts and minds of all who long to immerse themselves in a community where art is a fundamental part of life. To fulfill the vision, we must usher in a period of recovery and renewal and most importantly, build a stronger philanthropic community over the next five years. We want nothing more than to be the viable organization the Art League deserves to be. One that has become the most enviable art center of its kind on Long Island. With your help, we will make it happen.

I wish you and your family the happiest and healthiest holiday season. And as you continue to wrap the presents, write out the cards, and get your house in order, please remember ours as well. Thank you.

Warmest Regards,
Marianne Della Croce
Executive Director, Art League of Long Island