By love-89.com Flushing Town Hall recently hosted its 45th Anniversary Sapphire Gala, marking the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. The evening was filled with stunning performances and exquisite cuisine, as art enthusiasts from various backgrounds gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
This year’s gala recognized three outstanding artistic leaders, including Mei-Hua Li, founder and Executive Director of the Taiwanese American Arts Council (TAAC). With over 20 years of curatorial and cultural organization experience, Li has been a passionate advocate for connecting multicultural artists with the community. Her contributions extend beyond local realms, as her curated exhibitions have garnered international acclaim, attracting audiences and professional jurors from around the world and raising awareness of the value of Asian artists and contemporary art.
“Flushing Town Hall feels like home to me. I live in this community and have witnessed how this building has become a hub for the arts. I am proud of its achievements, and it’s truly an honor to receive this recognition,” Li shared.
Ellen Kodadek, the Executive Director and Artistic Director of the Town Hall, highlighted that the gala was not only a celebration of their past 45 years but also a starting point for their vision for the future. She stressed their commitment to promoting the work of artists and ensuring that the arts maintain a significant presence in the community.
Alongside Li, the gala also honored Abha Bhatnagar Roy, founder of the Srijan Dance Center and the chief teaching artist at Flushing Town Hall, as well as the Queens chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). These leaders have made exceptional contributions to art education and community development, injecting vitality into the local arts scene.
Molaundo Jones, the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement at Flushing Town Hall, mentioned that the venue hosts over 100 performances, exhibitions, and workshops annually, encompassing a multitude of art forms, including music, theater, and visual arts, with most events being free or low-cost and suitable for all age groups. This year, the Town Hall will also launch a new website and undergo a brand refresh, aiming to engage more community members in their artistic endeavors through these digital transformations.