Eastern Queens Light Fare

National Art League

By MICHAEL REHAK

Getting Started

Artists working at the National Art League.

Douglaston is an area steeped in history – from the classic Tudor-style architecture along Northern Boulevard to the symbol of the town itself, the 175-year-old Zion Episcopal Church, towering from its hilltop perch, to the early 20th Century homes up near the water.

As the church was celebrating 100 years, the National Art League was in its infancy. Now, 75 years later, it still maintains its roots as a place where aspiring artists can meet, work and critique various art forms and techniques.

So you won’t find Alice Chase Sullivan, who helped start the Douglaston Art League, which changed its name to the Art League of Long Island before settling with the name National Art League, but what you will come across is a place in Queens where time stands still as artists of all ages regularly take part in water color, sculpture and sketch classes, demonstrations and exhibitions working alongside some of the area’s renown artists.

With 10 art professors in its stable, one would be hard-pressed to not find one available to speak with when stopping in. Their instructional styles may range from classical realism to abstraction, expressionism and other contemporary approaches, but six days a week they are there teaching classes as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 10:30 p.m.

Digging In

The walls of the league’s two-floor building show off its history in portraits, with sketches and sculptures done by artists of the past and present. Going clockwise, starting from the left, you’ll pick up just how exactly the league was started, followed by newspaper clippings about various events and some of its members.

Between the walls, you’ll find art history at work. Classes where aspiring artists sculpt, paint or draw works from photographs or pieces provided by instructors, crafting them into their final products, are held throughout the day. Instructors and students – many of whom aspire to someday join the ranks of some of the Art League’s most notable – can be found creating works under the watchful eye of the portraits along the walls.

Although many of these successful artists frequently contributed funding, it wasn’t until 1955 when the NAL found a permanent home. Art exhibits, shows and demonstrations were usually held in people’s homes until NAL former president Louise Gibala acquired prime real estate on Douglaston Parkway for a mere $15,000.

Finishing Up

Through a recent renovation, NAL vice president Robert Stefani said the location has been made to look more appealing to visitors, as a front window glassed-in showcase has been added and a handicapped bathroom has been installed. Renovations are ongoing and the league does not get any federal, state or city funding, so its survival has been based on donations, which are always welcome.

Membership isn’t as easy as showing the NAL your quickest-drawn stick figure, however. Artist applicants must meet a standard of artistic proficiency that involves passage through the league’s Membership Jurying Committee. Three submitted examples of artwork must be submitted by photograph or original to the jury. Students can also apply for an associate membership and non-artists can join as lay members, sponsors, donors or patrons.

THE NATIONAL ART LEAGUE
44-21 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, N.Y. 11363
(718) 224-3957
www.nationalartleague.org

Class schedules vary in times from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Mon. through Sat.