Artists in Partnership to honor more woman in the arts

Artists in Partnership, Inc. has announced that the portal for nominations for the next class of women to be recognized at the 7th Annual “Women in the Arts” Awards Party and Fundraiser is open. It will remain open until Friday, Dec. 15.

The nomination form is online at AIP4Arts.org. Filled-out forms can be emailed to AIP4Arts@gmail.com or mailed to Artists in Partnership, Inc./Nominations, P.O. Box 952.

All finalists will be honored at the 7th Annual “Women in the Arts” Awards and Recognition Gala at the Allegria Hotel on Thursday, March 21 next year.

“The event is always so inspiring,” said Johanna Mathieson, executive director of Artists in Partnership. “The women who are in attendance are just so impressed and so appreciative.”

The organization held its sixth annual Women in the Arts fundraiser at the hotel in March, an event attended by about 180 people that honored 15 local artists and was marked by music, dancing and dining.

Harvey Weisenberg, a former New York State Assemblyman and Long Beach police officer, teacher and lifeguard, was the Platinum Sponsor of the event, donating $10,000 to the fundraiser. Weisenberg, widely known as “Mr. Long Beach” for his length of time in the city and his political and civic activities has made a number of charitable donations in recent times, including to Ukraine in its effort to fight the brutal assault by Russia.

The 15 honorees were chosen for their participation in, and support of, the arts in Long Beach. A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the founder of AIP, Susan Lang James. Awards were also given to Nassau County Poet Laureate Paula Curci, Long Beach Library Director Tara Lannen-Stanton and the Long Beach Herald’s 2021 Person of the Year, Liz Nachman.

“Women are really the power behind so many things, particularly when it comes to the arts community,” Mathieson said.” They’re the ones that are so often behind the scenes and operate in many different ways. They’re not always necessarily sitting in front of a camera or the canvas, but they really exemplify the spirit and the humanity that goes into creativity and into the arts. So, I wanted to do something special for them.”

A female-themed music group, led by Arts Council board member Katie Mitchell and her friends, Jenny Arrigo, Abbie Golding, Pamela Lewis, John Hurley, Paul Resnick, Rich Benson and Tom Clancy, highlighted the evening. 5 Ocean provided food.

To date, AIP has recognized 95 women in a variety of categories. They plan to hit the 100-mark next year.

“The value of what the arts brings us, when we have the opportunity to engage in music or dance or healing arts, really needs to be celebrated,” Mathieson said. “It really needs to be brought to the forefront and, especially the women, they need that validation. They give so much.”

Maybe she’s a visual artist, photographer, musician, dancer, healing artist, business owner, politician, teacher, community activist, or rising star, and her work touches or inspires you, or has had a positive influence where you live or work. Whatever the case, they want your nomination.

Call them at (516) 307-2787 and leave a message with your contact information. if there are any questions.