Most of us know that the Art League is an oasis for feeding the spirit and for the expanding one’s soul through art classes offered, through art lectures and art exhibitions. Within all of us, there is something inside us – call it the soul – that needs expression – and it’s the offerings of the Art League that for decades have given it an outlet.

The pandemic closed so many places, even temporarily closed the Art League. In doing so, It closed a way of living, a way of doing things creatively. Later, when we heard that for dire financial reasons, the League would be closing up and the building sold, we asked ourselves, how can that be? For decades, the League has always been where we’ve gone for spiritual food, for spiritual sustenance in practicing the arts. In doing so we’ve enriched our community. It’s a place for meeting up with like-minded people. Learning of a possible closing, my stomach began to churn; it was sort of like author, James Dashner describes an emptiness “. It’s like waking up with no teeth in your mouth. You wouldn’t need to run to the mirror to know they were gone.” Will the Art League be gone? Just a memory?

Don’ be too distressed by how things seem to be broken. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. And that’s where competent leadership comes in and members who are committed to see that the Art League remains.

In her email, Director Charlee Miller outlined the League’s financial situation, “The 2020 very successful fundraising campaigns that brought in over one hundred twenty-eight thousand dollars came from one third of our membership! If you have never donated to the Art League, this is the time to show your support.”

Ok, Art League members, you know what to do.

John (Jack) Fink, Northport NY Art League member since the 1970s