Keep The Arts In Brookwood Hall

Supervisor Croci

Town Hall

655 Main St

Islip, New York 11751

Dear Supervisor Croci,

As an Islip Town resident I am against your decision to move the Islip Art Museum and Islip Arts Council out of Brookwood Hall.  I have enjoyed this museum for several years and I have been delighted with the progression of arts, music, culture and history, especially since the management of the Museum by the Islip Arts Council. Brookwood Hall has been home to these cultural treasures for nearly 40 years and now combined with the Historical Societies only adds to the sense of culture and diversity when one enters this building. Office space and conference rooms will not give the community the sense of culture, history, art, or education. Quite frankly, the public will feel as if they’ve awkwardly entered private space. I can expose myself and my family to the newest, cutting edge contemporary art, explore the history of our town, take art classes taught by professional artists and watch a live musical performance all in one building and all within a limited budget (or in many cases free).  Our youth are exposed to art, history, music and outdoor park space. In a time where the arts are being excluded in public schools these events all under one roof are invaluable. Moving the Islip Arts Council and Islip Art Museum out of Brookwood Hall would be moving the community away from culture and art by depriving so many people of the positive experience they have when entering Brookwood Hall as the cultural arts center of the town of Islip.

The Islip Art Museum has been a cultural treasure in Brookwood Hall for 40 years moving this space will eliminate the possibility of our mature or disabled patrons visiting. There will not be enough space for classes and lectures, and again disabled citizens would be excluded from this cultural experience.

It is a known fact that investing in the arts brings recognition and prosperity to the local community.  This is clearly evident by the growth shown with the Islip Arts Council, Islip Art Museum, and the School of Cultural Arts with Brookwood Hall as the cultural center.  The thousands of visitors who come through that building each year for the contemporary art, history, art classes, lectures, and workshops will certainly not visit offices and conference rooms.

I do not support this decision, and I am urging you to not close the door on this cultural arts center and leave the Museum, the Islip Arts Council, and the School of Cultural Arts in Brookwood Hall where they belong.

Respectfully,