Dear Art League Family and Friends,

Not so long ago it looked impossible to reopen the Art League. Thanks to your support and response to a very dire financial situation we can tell a good news story. We reopened gradually within the guidelines of the CDC, put people back to work and we’re managing to stay afloat. However, merely staying afloat just won’t do it over the long term. That’s why this holiday message is important for you to know just how much you mean to the future of the Art League.

The most immediate goal now is to move out of merely staying afloat into recovery. The recovery stage may last a very long time, and that’s OK, because at this stage the financial condition will begin to stabilize. The ultimate goal is to get to a place of long-term sustainability. It is here where the Art League will be on solid ground with a successful and prosperous future in sight.

There are two ways we need your support now. The year-end Annual Appeal is earmarked every year at this time to raise unrestricted funds needed to support operations for the next year. Your donation will have a substantial impact on reaching the goal. Thanks to everyone who has already made a donation. If you haven’t made a donation, you can donate online, mail your check to the Art League at 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746 or give us a call at 631 462 5400 x 222.

The other way you can help out now is by becoming a new member or renewing your membership. Membership renewal fees are down over 50% due to the pandemic and uncertainty of where things were headed. Membership fees are a sustainable source of revenue needed to create community events and opportunities to fulfill the Art League’s mission. When you become a member, you’re saying you want to stand up and be counted in the Art League’s future success.

The Art League is driven by its mission. Since, 1955 the Art League’s mission has focused on enhancing Long Island’s cultural life through the practice, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts. Collaborative community events, fine art exhibitions and outreach brings joy and creativity to every segment of the society. This is the promise to you and the communities we serve. With your support the mission is front and center.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. We couldn’t be more thankful for your support.

Warmest regards,

Charlee M. Miller
Executive Director

Shaping What’s Happening at the Art League

Dear Art League Family and Friends,

Several weeks ago, I was interviewed by Tom Kuser, host of “The Full Story” at WSHU 91.1 FM National Public Radio. They were taking a look at “The Arts, Surviving the Pandemic”.  Tom  heard about the Art League’s building on the market and wanted to know what’s happening.  Thanks to your support we took the building off the market, reopened classes and put some employees back to work! We are incredibly grateful to have come this far. However, there’s a lot more work to do.

What’s emerged from the pandemic crisis is the chance to return even stronger than before. It was a “now or never” opportunity to restructure the business model, make better use of the space, generate new revenue and consolidate operations.

In February and in August, 2021 we rented two large studios: one to a working artist and the other to a not-for-profit organization both with long-term leases. Both tenants, also involved in the arts, are ideal “roof mates”! Studio art classes were consolidated to run in the remaining studios on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Operating hours were reduced to thirty-five hours per week compared to pre-pandemic of sixty hours.

Covid-19 forced many people to use technology more than ever.  Hats off to Art League students who started registering for classes on the website!  Instructors for the first time are able to access their own rosters with student contact information, track enrollment, and take attendance online. What could normally take years or never to shift people to technology happened in weeks.  This translated to costs savings and efficient processes!

What amazed me most was the amount of support we received from you in the spring and annual appeals in 2020 and the spring 2021 appeal. The level of support from donors increased in some cases one hundred percent from previous donation history. The number of new donors exceeded expectations and business partners, foundations, donors and new major donors rose to the challenge.

The level of support needed to sustain the Art League over the long-term needs to grow even more in the coming months and years. I hope this update excites and inspires you to realize how your support makes a difference and how we must count on you again for the 2021 year-end annual appeal.

The Art League is the most enviable art center of its kind on Long Island serving a wide and diverse community for whom the arts are a fundamental part of life. Thank you for your loyal support.

Best always,

Charlee Miller
Executive Director

Donations can me made online at any time