The Art Guild welcomed over 200 art lovers, artists and friends to this year’s Art Lover’s Fling fundraising event on Friday Dec. 7 at the Village Club of Sands Point. This highly anticipated event honored patrons of the arts, Karen and Ed Adler, artist Stan Brodsky, and the memory of artist Ann Pellaton.
Funds raised by the Fling go towards The Art Guild’s educational programming for children and adults, scholarships for high school students pursuing the visual arts, and care and upkeep of their home at Nassau County’s Elderfields Preserve in Manhasset.
“At a time when art education programs are being reduced or cut out entirely, we are delighted and grateful to see so many people come out to support our honorees and our programming,” said The Art Guild’s executive director, Lisa Kaye Grossman. “This support will help us continue to provide and expand our educational offerings and community outreach in 2019. We are looking forward to cultivating partnerships with other organizations and hope to provide scholarships for elementary students and workshops for disabled adults and children.”
A Port Washington resident, Pellaton was a prolific artist who worked in a variety of media. Constantly experimenting, she created art until shortly before her death in September. The Art Guild’s former executive director, Diane Bares, presented Pellaton’s family with her award, saying that she was “the little lady with great talent, an infectious laugh and a zest for life. It is an honor to recognize Ann Pellaton, a woman of amazing talent who was loved by all.”
As she presented Stan Brodsky’s award, Ellen Hallie Schiff, vice president of The Art Guild, spoke of his long career teaching and producing art. “Stan always encourages his students to look inward to find their particular artistic voice and helps them become more of the artist they want to be.”
Brodsky is a post-abstract expressionist whose extensive travels have influenced his work. He taught at C.W. Post campus of Long Island University for 31 years and was named professor emeritus of art. Now 93, he continues to teach and works from his studio in Huntington.
Karen and Ed Adler of Sands Point were presented their award by Village of Sands Point trustee Lynn Najman, who spoke of their love and support of many forms of the arts from painting to theatre. “Ed was chair and now a board member of Greenwich House, which brings art programs to schools. Karen and Ed are also proud to support local artists through the Port Washington Library gallery which bears their name.” They are also supporters of City Center, Lincoln Center Theater, and the Manhattan Theatre Club.
Proclamations and citations from Nassau County, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, and New York state Assemblyman Tony D’Urso were also presented to the honorees.
The lively evening featured dancing to one of Long Island’s best bands The Touch, and silent auctions on over 40 pieces of art work by member artists and instructors. Other silent auctions included experiential opportunities and there was a myriad of raffle choices.
The Art Guild would like to thank the honorees, all who attended, over 100 sponsors and donors, the hard-working committee members, staff, and volunteers, who helped to make the evening a great success. Sponsors of the festive evening included: Karen and Ed Adler, Marceil and John Kazickas, Ilene & Steven Silberstein, Pam and Larry Tarica, Dr. & Mrs. James M. Crawford, The Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation, Shelley and Jeff Holtzman, Amanda and Jon Coppola, Anne and Vincent Mai, Dina and Phillip Adsetts, Audrey and Russell Berman, Miriam and Robert Caslow, Ruth and Tony Chung, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Susan Isaacs and Elkan Abramowitz, Hyman and Verna Livingston, Elin and Michael Nierenberg, Carol and Louis Schepp, Karen and Steven Seltzer, and Kay and Leo Ullman.
The Art Guild is located at Nassau County’s Historic Elderfields Preserve, 200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset. For more information, go to theartguild.org or call 516-304-5797.
