Dix Hills, NY - The Art League of Long Island (ALLI) proudly announces the grand reopening of its cherished space after enduring significant water damage in September due to flooding rains. Following an extensive and diligently managed reconstruction effort led by Anthony Lauto of Camber Strategies, ALLI stands renewed and fortified from the ground up.

The comprehensive reconstruction effort included renovations to both the building and grounds. Critical infrastructure enhancements, such as the installation of six catch basins, a new concrete walkway, updated foundation curbing, a water dam, and additional drywells, ensure a solid foundation for the future. Essential repairs extend to the parking lot and internal spaces, encompassing sheetrock and drywall patching, improved insulation, repainting of the Jeanie Tengelsen and Strolling Galleries, installation of new flooring, and studio enhancements for improved lighting and storage.

The total investment in these efforts amounts to approximately $500,000, entirely funded through internal resources. The Art League of Long Island expresses immense gratitude for the support received from the community, with special acknowledgment to Home Depot, contributing $10,000 worth of kitchen furniture and furnishings, and Zurn who generously donated $11,000 in plumbing products. All donations contribute to aligning programs with the renewed space and establishing an endowment for future sustainability.

Established in 1955, the Art League of Long Island is dedicated to providing visual arts education for artists of all ages and skill levels. Committed to fostering creativity, the Art League serves as a platform for artists to thrive, offering diverse programs, exhibitions, and outreach initiatives.

Despite facing challenges, the Art League community remained resilient. Temporary accommodations were arranged for classes and exhibitions through the "On The Move" campaign, hosted by supportive partners such as Spirit of Huntington, Nassau Community College's Art Department, Nassau County Museum of Art, and the Half Hollow Hills and Northport School Districts. Classes in ceramics, watercolor, pastels, jewelry, collage, and painting, not to mention our Teen and Young Artist programs found satellite homes. They also partnered with Empire Mazda of Huntington, to host an onsite Instructor’s Exhibition that opened this past weekend on January 20, 2024.

The Members' Exhibition, opening on February 10, 2024, will mark the inaugural exhibit in the newly reconstructed Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery. Simultaneously, the annual GoAPE High School Student Exhibition will be showcased at the end of the month in the Strolling Gallery. Classes resume on February 6, 2024, in freshly repaired, cleaned, and painted studios, with a Grand Reopening Open House scheduled for March 23rd. Looking toward the future, ALLI is working hard to reestablish its LGBTQIA+, Mental Health and Veteran programs within the next month. The Art League has also hired new instructors and scheduled new classes, offering even more time slots and diversity.

Marianne Della Croce, Executive Director, expresses her delight, stating, "The buzz of excitement is palpable among all staff and instructors as we return to the building. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this significant milestone. We are ready to open the doors on a new era at the Art League of Long Island."