Portrait Of An Art League

One doesn't have to go far to see a world class art show—not with the National Art League so close to home.

And that's because for over 80 years the NAL has been making art history happen right here in Queens, attracting both new and emerging artists as well as some bigger names in contemporary American art, to its studio in Douglaston.

Founded in 1930 by Alice Chase Sullivan, daughter of the famous American painter William Merritt Chase, according to legend, the league came about during a chance conversation about art that Chase Sullivan had with her hairdresser.

"The hairdresser, as it turned out, was an art enthusiast, and by the time Mrs. Chase Sullivan left his shop, he'd offered her the use of his back room as a meeting place for local artists," said Marie Marsina, president of the National Art League. 

Thus the Douglaston Art League—predecessor to the NAL—was born.

"Before long she [Chase Sullivan] and 13 friends, which consisted of painters and commercial artists were meeting weekly. They'd set up a study in the studio, paint for a few hours and critique each other’s work," Marsina said.

Soon after, the group began attracting more and more members, and by mid-1940, membership had increased to over 100 member-artists.

"But it wouldn’t be until 1955, when the league, led by a dynamic president named Louise Gibala, would acquired the facility it currently calls home, for the sum of $15,000," she said.

Today with a membership of over 300 artists, the National Art League remains a beacon for an ever-growing art scene in Northeast Queens.

"It is the only facility of its kind, providing the community with a number of activities and extensive educational opportunities," Marsina said.

Still, Marsina was quick to point out that the league isn't just a place where artists can come to learn.

"What's great about the [National Art] league is that it provides a space for emerging artists to showcase their work," she said.

Dedicated to the advancement of contemporary art, the NAL is constantly coming up with ways to keep the art scene in northeast Queens vibrant.

"We host nine annual art shows that are open to members and the community. We host theme, student and children exhibitions and the League is managed by an eight member executive board of all unpaid volunteers," Marsina said. 

Looking ahead to the future, Marsina stressed the importance of institutions like the NAL.

"We live in a time of great challenge for the arts with school programs and funding becoming less and less available. So places like the NAL, where aspiring artists can meet, work and critique various art forms and techniques are critical," she added.