Artists in Partnership hosts annual fundraiser

Artists in Partnership, one of Long Beach’s premier arts organizations, held its sixth annual Women in the Arts fundraiser at the Allegria 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 fund-raiser.  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 Person of the Year, Liz Nachman.

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.