Art League of Long Island building in Dix Hills reopens after flooding repairs

A leading Long Island art institution has reopened its doors after extensive flood damage caused by a September storm.

The Art League of Long Island, which suffered a half-million dollars in damages this fall, reopened its two-story office on East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills on Feb. 6, said Amy Tischler, the nonprofit’s marketing and engagement coordinator.

“It’s our mission to provide visual arts education to everyone on Long Island,” said Marianne Della Croce, executive director at the nonprofit. “I think it’s a really important piece to provide to people, to have an outlet for expression … We’re just thrilled that people have come back.”

The Sept. 29 storm caused major flood damage to all nine Art League studios, the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, hallways, office space and the library. No artwork was damaged, Newsday has reported.

Enhancements to the property include a new concrete walkway, updated curbing to the foundation, a water dam, additional dry wells and six catch basins. Inside, the gallery has been repainted, and new flooring has been installed. The nonprofit also patched drywall, and improved insulation, lighting and storage. 

While some exhibits had to be postponed or canceled, community partners — including Spirit of Huntington Art Center, the Nassau County Museum of Art, Nassau Community College’s Art Department, and the Half Hollow Hills and Northport school districts — offered space for the league to continue hosting classes, Tischler said.

Funds for repairs primarily came from the nonprofit’s investment accounts, according to Della Croce. Little of the funding came from insurance. Some businesses also donated supplies to rebuild.

Della Croce said that the organization has also applied for federal disaster loans to cover repairs.

The first week after reopening, the art league held a ribbon cutting with the local business chamber and legislators, and a brunch for donors. A members’ exhibition featuring more than 130 artists opened with a reception on Feb. 10 and will stay up through March.

Reception so far, said Della Croce, has been “absolutely astounding.”

“I think that the community realizes what an important role we play,” she said.

Tischler said staff continued to work from home while the Dix Hills property was renovated, so they were “ready to go” when the building was ready to open; a good thing, because the nonprofit is as busy as ever, with many classes “full to capacity.”

“Everybody was really happy to come home,” she said.

Brianne Ledda covers the Town of Islip for Newsday. She previously covered Southold and Greenport for The Suffolk Times and is a graduate of Stony Brook University.