November 22, 2023

Dear Friends of the Islip Arts Council,

When we were growing up, our parents reminded us regularly that we had a lot to be thankful for - a family who cared about us, good health, a roof over our head, the clothes on our back, and food on our table. It’s a lesson that we have never forgotten and remember every day, especially on Thanksgiving Day.

At the Art Council, we added some items to that list. We are thankful to all the musicians who performed in concerts in 2023 and the artists in our exhibitions in the arts council gallery at the South Shore Mall. We are very grateful to our donors for all the support that is given to us throughout the year, as well as during this time of our Annual Appeal. 

In 2023, we had our first film festival. It was very successful. We presented the 15th annual TEENYS to a packed audience at East Islip High School. We presented Shakespeare in the Park in partnership with Studio Theater of Long Island Troupe at five different locations. In the Summer of 2023 we presented musical concert series at Heckscher State Park sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust, King Park in Bay Shore sponsored by Bay Shore BID and Chamber of Commerce, and the Long Island Maritime Museum sponsored by Suffolk County. We brought back Opera and had our first ever Art Crawl thanks to the support of Suffolk County and Legislator Flotteron. We addressed social issues through the Art with a Purpose Exhibition Series sponsored by the Suffolk County Office of Culture Affairs giving a voice to Cancer Survivors, Veterans, Black Artists, and the LGBTQ+ community. We hosted our first ever Draw-A-Thon sponsored by New York Community Bank Foundation. Our art classes and workshops were filled and very well received by everyone. 

We look forward to adding new classes and workshops in 2024, and look forward to an exciting exhibition schedule. We realize these activities could not be possible without our valued staff, board members, volunteers, and the support of our patrons and friends like you. With this in mind, we are excited to launch our end of year appeal and hope you will consider renewing or becoming a member of the Islip Arts Council.

What are the benefits? Exclusive members only pricing, giving our members discounts on classes, workshops, and purchases in the IAC gift shop; advanced notice and invitations to all events and programs; networking opportunities; support of fellow artists and collaboration opportunities; and, professional development.

We are blessed to know how much our members appreciate what we do, the feedback has been encouraging.

We enjoy serving our community and being an important part of your life.

In closing, we want to thank you and all our sponsors and wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

Gratefully yours,

Lynda A. Moran, Executive Director

Waldo Cabrera, IAC Board President

On behalf of Board Members and Staff of

Islip Arts Council

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

ISLIP ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY AND BOOKSTORE HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm

CLOSED Sunday and Monday

CLOSED Thanksgiving Day

ISLIP ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY

South Shore Mall

1701 Sunrise Hwy, Suite N1

(next to Dick's Sporting Goods Main Entrance)

Bay Shore, NY 11706

ISLIPARTS.ORG

631-888-3525