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To Bring Together All Classes To Encourage Self-Expression

By NANCIE WK1KKI. "To bring together all classes of people into a mutual bond of interest; to encourage self-expression in art, music, literature and the performing arts; to encourage the aesthetic experience offered by the arts and to further a bet ter life in the surrounding,community by holding and sponsoring public exhibitions, lectures, classes and concerts and in other ways stimulating creative arts in Cape May County." — Constitution of Cape May County Art League, founded 1929 If Jude Burkhauser has her way, artists and craftspeople in Cape May County are going to be noticed, and the community is going to be better for it Burkhauser is the director of the Cape May County Art League, headquartered in the carriage house of the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May. This Art League, which proudly calls itself the oldest county art league in the nation, has been active since its inception in October, 1929 Its intention then was to bring all forms of the arts to the county. This remains one of its primary purposes. Burkhauser and other League members believe that there is a "renaissance” occurring in the county, that Cape May County is “ripe” for the growth of the arts. THE COUNTY is attracting people from near and far, and many of them are taking up residence here, said Burkhauser. This, she believes, should be an incentive for artists to come to the area to live, provided that the community gives its support. She pointed out that the county Board of Frspholders recently supported a state law that permits up to 1.5 percent of the estimated cost of any new public building be used to purchase original art.

"I think it makes a big difference in people's lives to be exposed to original art," said Burkhauser, who believes such work placed in the public eye will improve the quality of life IMPROVING the quality of life is an important aspect of the Cape May County Art League It is active in bringing cultural activities to this area, as well as promoting the work of local artists. Sometimes, however, it’s difficult to concentrate on planning events when energies must be diverted to raising money. "We are completely dependent on our membership and fund raising,” said Burkhauser. Thirteen percent of the League's operating expenses are paid by the members. The other 87 percent must be raised through activities. "We're operating a lot on goodwill,” she added She is trying to establish a trust fund to relieve some of the burden of fund-raising. Her intent is to interest large corporations in purchasing artwork as an investment, or in underwriting programs which are of particular interest to them But until such a fund can be established, the League relies heavily on fundraisers which match its cultural purpose "Yearly we have an Old House Tour,” explained Burkhauser. “That's one of the big fund-raising events of the year.” ON JULY 9 and 10 the Art League will sponsor the 35th Annual Old House Tour of Cape May County There are 39 buildings on the docket for the event, including homes, churches, inns and other historic structures from Cape May Point to Woodbine. The tour was originated by the League in 1949 as a means of recognizing historic sites in the county Restorations are ongoing by individual owners as concerned residents try to preserve the area's early charm. iPagc 18 Please)

Special Section of the Herald and Lantern July 6, 1983