Hi All our Fine Art Magazine Blog reader Happy 4th of July from al or us to all of you. !!!!

Happy July 4^th, the 250th of the Declaration of Independence!!!

The Preamble of Our Constitution States:“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”

So I continue to take pictures of the waters around where I live. IN this way I hope have people see the need to secure their domestic welfare within the environment in common defense of human health as a trust to preserve tranquility, and  the general welfare.    

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Images Left to right:©allrightes reserved, Jamie Forbes/sunstormfineartpub.co.inc. left to right: July 4, 2024 “Galactic Dust Sun Set Series #1 July 4  2024, Egret at the Pier, July 4, 2016, Galactic Dust SunSet series. #2 June 30, 2026, 

OX Jamie, Holly, Red, and Little Man ❤️

Asian Cultural Council founded by John D Rockefeller 3rd history., Gala News and Global impact! See below!

My Opinion: It's important to incorporate diversity as an artistic exchange fostering understanding into our everyday lives. The Asian Cultural Council founded in 1963 by John D Rockefeller 3rd. has been doing just this for sixty two years. 

Our Fineartmagazineblog.blog.blogspot, and SunStormFineartmagazine.com applaud Asian Cultural Council the Foundations  collective efforts sustained over time to enrich lives everywhere through the arts. ~Art Opens the window to our would~ Jamie Forbes Publisher, Finearmagazinebog.blogspot.com & Sunstormfrineartmagazine.com

In 1963, John D. Rockefeller 3rd established the Asian Cultural Program of the JDR 3rd Fund to support cultural exchange in Asia and the United States through grants to individuals and organizations working in the visual and performing arts. With Porter A. McCray as Founding Director, the Asian Cultural Program developed its signature grantmaking style, emphasizing individually tailored programs based on the needs of each grant recipient.

John D. Rockefeller 3rd articulated the continuing impact of the organization’s approach towards international exchange: “Traditionally, Americans have viewed international relations primarily in political and economic terms with comparatively little attention given to the cultural dimension…The result is that our world outlook has tended to be bound by our own culture instead of being broadened by a sensitivity to other cultures.”

From his own experience of traveling and working throughout Asia, John D. Rockefeller 3rd believed that “enhanced knowledge of other cultures was a worthwhile end in its own right…and as a means to a further end—through knowledge and respect for other cultures we come to respect and appreciate the peoples themselves.”

In 1980, the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit to continue the work of the Asian Cultural Program. ACC established offices in Tokyo (1983), Hong Kong (1986), Taipei (1995), and Manila (2000), as well as partner foundations, to carry out our founder’s belief that “the fostering of cultural relations can be a form of insurance for the future of this dangerous, but exciting world.”

 

This Years Asian Cultural Council Raises $1.6M at 2026 Gala, Advancing Cultural Exchange and Global Impact

The biennial benefit held on May 6, 2026 honored Michelle Yeoh and Wendy O’Neill, celebrating more than six decades of cultural exchange and global impact.

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing international dialogue, understanding, and respect through cultural exchange between the U.S. and Asia, announced it has raised$1,631,500at its 2026 Biennial Gala, held on Wednesday, May 6 at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The evening brought together artists, philanthropists, and cultural leaders to celebrate ACC's 63-year legacy of fostering worldwide connection.

  

"The success of this year's gala reflects our community’s deep commitment to cultural exchange,” stated Judy Kim, Executive Director, Asian Cultural Council. “The gala recognized two honorees whose careers and commitments exemplify that mission: Michelle Yeoh and Wendy O’Neill. Michelle has redefined what is possible for Asian artists on the world stage, using her platform as an actress and global advocate to champion greater representation, cultural understanding, and artistic excellence. Wendy, through more than fifteen years of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to ACC, has helped shape and strengthen this organization’s impact for generations of artists and cultural leaders. Both embody the belief, central to ACC’s mission, that cultural exchange is not a passive act, but a force for lasting change. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and whose generosity made this evening such an extraordinary success.”

The evening also featured captivating performances by two ACC alumni, Grammy Award–winning violinist Jennifer Koh (ACC grantee 2011) and renowned Indian Kuchipudi dancer Shantala Shivalingappa (ACC Grantee 2008, 2010, 2012). Their work serves as a living testament to the impact of ACC.

Michelle Yeoh was presented with the 2026 Gala Honoree distinction for a career spanning over sixty films and a sustained commitment to humanitarianism. A trailblazing figure in global cinema, Yeoh won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023 for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once and has given voice to a generation of strong, complex Asian female characters across decades of acclaimed work, from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Crazy Rich Asians to Wicked and Star Trek: Discovery. Beyond the screen, she has spent a decade serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, where she focuses on empowering the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Wendy O'Neill received the 2026 Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Award, presented to philanthropists who have made outstanding contributions to advancing international understanding between Asia and the U.S. Established in 2009 in honor of ACC's first Chairman and wife of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, the award recognizes O'Neill's exceptional support and dedicated service to ACC, including eleven years as Chair of the Board of Trustees, and her enduring belief in the transformative power of cross-cultural dialogue. Her academic grounding in East Asian and Chinese history — combined with early professional experience in China trade and investment — has informed her work across institutions such as the China Medical Board, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Proceeds from the gala help sustain ACC’s grant programs for artists, scholars, and arts organizations. Since its founding in 1963, ACC has awarded over $100 million to support approximately 6,000 fellowship exchanges across 16 disciplines to grantees from 26 countries and regions. 

 

About The Asian Cultural Council (ACC)

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is a grant-giving and grant-seeking global nonprofit organization founded and headquartered in New York City that fosters cultural exchange between the U.S. and Asia, and within Asia. ACC awards grants to artists, scholars, arts professionals, and organizations, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in a culture other than their own to advance international dialogue, understanding, and respect. For more information, please visit  https://www.asianculturalcouncil.org.

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#artfundiversity#artfunforall#artfunchinese#artfuncelebration 

 

 

 

In the Long Island Area? The Town of Islip Arts Council hasP open call for artists in all disciplines: See below dates an exhibitions.

STAY CONNECTED BECOME A MEMBER            CLASSES

CALL FOR ART

ANYTHING GOES welcomes all artistic disciplines, media, styles, or subject matter. Whether your work is traditional, contemporary, abstract, representational, or experimental, we encourage you to share your unique vision. There is no size limitation.  All ages are welcome to submit. No size limitation. All media will be considered. Dates to Remember: Submission Deadline: July 21 Artist Notification: July 22, end of business day Artwork Drop-Off: July 25 and July 28, 11am - 4pm Exhibition Dates: August 1 – August 31 Opening Reception: Friday, August 21, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Artwork Pick-Up: September 1 - 5, 11am - 4pm Submission Fee: $25 for members (Become a Member at isliparts.org) $35 for non-members No previously exhibited works in our gallery will be accepted. Please be sure to complete all required information on this form.

SUBMIT HERE

DEADLINES APPROACHING

SUBMIT HERE

AQUATIC ART SHOW at My Town's Cafe The Islip Arts Council will curate an aquatic-themed art show at My Town's Cafe in East Islip July 1 - August 28, 2026. Works inspired by the beauty of the ocean, seashells, aquatic creatures, and beach life are encouraged. Works may range from realistic seascapes and marine studies to abstract or imaginative interpretations of aquatic themes. Media Considered: All media. Works must not exceed 30"x30" and must be for sale with a price limit of $300.00 Submission Fee: $25 IAC Members / $35 Nonmembers SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 26

SUBMIT HERE

Summer Members Exhibition: Color and Light - Works Inspired by the French Impressionists French Impressionism was a radical late 19th-century art movement that broke from traditional, studio-based academic painting. Instead, artists attempted to capture fleeting moments, modern life, and the changing effects of light.  Rather than focusing on sharp details, artists concentrated on how light defined a moment, often painting the same subject at different times of day. Led by artists like Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, Impressionism paved the way for modern art by challenging and eventually overturning established conventions. IAC challenges its members to explore this classic style in modern day terms. Submission Deadline: June 27 Exhibition Period: July 4 - 30  Submission Fee: Free for IAC Members. Become a Member at isliparts.org

CURRENTLY ON VIEW AT THE GALLERY

En Plein Air Group Exhibition

En Plein Air showcases works done "in the open air," or outdoors. On view now at the gallery June 10 - 30. EN PLEIN AIR FEATURED ARTISTS Steven Behler Susan Herbst Katrina Kuan Genevieve Lambert Monika Maniecki Drigo Morin Silvia Maria Rey Jairo Ortiz Daniela Velez-Smith

PLEINATHON 2026 Exhibition

Pleinathon is an all-day Plein Air Painting Marathon. For our fourth year, participants took a ferry over to Fire Island and painted Sailor's Haven, home of the rare Sunken Forest. On view June 10 - 30 PLEINATHON FEATURED ARTISTS Abby Armada Abigail Bennett Teresa Clark John Clark Rico Ford Maria Jessica Katrina Kuan Genevieve Lambert Justine Woracek

FEATURED ARTIST: MICHAEL GENRICH

On view June 23 - August 1 Artist Reception: June 27, 1-3 pm

Michael is an artist on Long Island. Throughout his life, art has served as a hobby, distraction, safe haven, and a vehicle for self-exploration and healing. He has explored many media and found a love for acrylic paint for its versatility and ease of use. Michael blends diverse textures, materials, colors, and creative techniques to express his inner landscape as authentically as possible.   "Exposure" is Michael's first solo exhibition. It is a collection of abstract acrylic paintings created over a six-year period, offering an in-depth look at vulnerable aspects of his inner life. "Exposure" explores creativity, transformation, raw emotion, spirituality, and culminates in expressive effort, uncovering an important truth.   The nature of the art on display is layered and invites you to stop and gaze at it; to feel what resonates within you and reflects back to you, to recognize forms within the formless, and to connect with Michael on an intimate level. Michael will host his own reception on Saturday, June 27, 1-3pm. Free to the public!

THIS WEEK: CELEBRATE PRIDE AT IAC

Queer Night: Pride Flag Mural Painting and Crafts Celebrate PRIDE at IAC! Join us for a night of community and crafts. We will be painting the Pride Flag at the gallery. Friday, June 26, 6-8 pm. $10 donation will cover all craft supplies, paints, drinks and snacks!

RSVP HERE

SUMMER ART CLASSES

Watercolor For All With Jody Banaszak  Mondays 1-3 PM  Students will learn the basics and advanced techniques of watercolor painting. Step-by-step demonstration will be given alongside personal instruction. Session 5: Aug 10, 17, 24, 31, Sept 7, 14

Oils, Acrylics, or Pastels With Randy Weisbin  Tuesdays 2 - 4 PM Work in oils, acrylics, or pastels painting subjects of your choice in a relaxed workshop environment. Individualized instruction suited to beginners as well as more experienced students. Drawing, tonal value, color theory, composition, technique, and other basic elements of art will be addressed. New students should request materials list upon registration. Session 6: Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, Sept 1, 8 

Open Studio With Lisa Carrano  Wednesdays 2 - 4 PM Utilize our space and work independently on your own projects in a relaxed art gallery setting. Come with questions and explore your creativity choosing your preferred media. An experienced Studio Artist will be available for assistance. Session 5: July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12 Session 6: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16, 23

Colored Pencils or Pastels With Marlene Bezich Fridays 10 AM - 12 PM All levels are welcome. This class allows both pastel & colored pencil artists to study their medium of choice. Individual attention goes to both media through separate demonstrations. Session 5: July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14 Session 6: Aug 28, Sept 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2 

The Art of Drawing With Marlene Bezich  Fridays 1-3 PM  This course will allow students to select their chosen media while sharpening their skills exploring their preferred subjects. Each media has a basis in drawing; thus, all can be studied together. We will cover all of the various drawing criteria including but not limited to Value, Perspective, Composition and Accurate Rendering. Color theory will also be discussed. The instructor will conduct demonstrations in each media throughout the session to ensure each student receives individual attention to their media of choice. Come join us and expand your artistic journey! Session 5: July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14 Session 6: Aug 28, Sept 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2

REGISTER FOR CLASSES HERE

KIDS CLASSES

This 1-hour class will introduce students to Kawaii art fundamentals like color, shapes, and technique. Students will learn to draw Kawaii-style animals and objects, complete with shading and shadows. This class will help to build a foundation for further study of Kawaii art. Tuesdays, 12-1pm Session 1: June 30, July 7, 14, 21 $65 REGISTER HERE

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