THE LBIF MISSION

 

Our mission is to promote the arts and sciences on Long Beach Island and the surrounding communities by enlightening, educating, and stimulating thought and discussion about current trends in the arts and sciences through educational and cultural programs for all ages.

The LBIF is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identification, national origin, religion, race, sexual orientation, economic status or status as veterans. The LBIF welcomes all to our organization.

LBIF HISTORY

 

Founded in 1948 by Boris Blai, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences is an outstanding community and cultural facility. Dr. Blai, a student of sculptor Auguste Rodin and founding dean of the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, envisioned a facility that would foster individuals and their talents. The LBIF has continued this vision by offering thousands of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs to the community. Since its first season, the LBIF has committed itself to the enhancement of the creative arts and the physical sciences, and though it began as a seasonal operation, the LBIF has grown into a year-round organization providing a place for learning, free expression, and the exchange of ideas and understanding. The LBIF invites all visitors and residents to participate in the many programs and activities offered in its 75th year on LBI!


The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences: A History: 1947-2014

by Julie S. Berkowitz

Long-time LBIF member and former board member Julie S. Berkowitz, has captured the long and interesting history of the LBIF in a new book, The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences: A History: 1947-2014. This book is 180 pages long, and contains over 160 photographs and newspaper clippings from that period. The history begins with the Foundation’s establishment in the 1940s, then continues decade by decade up to the 2000’s, ending in 2014.

The launch of this book coincided with the art exhibition opening reception on Saturday, June 25, 2016 of “Then & Now”, an exhibit that tracked the history of the evolution of styles, mediums, and interests of faculty who continue to bring artistic excellence to LBIF, both past and current. 

The book is now available online for purchase.

A letter from the LBIF’s President + Executive Director

Michael Sparks Photography

 

At the LBIF, we have been busy planning for the upcoming season for our community and for our families with a range of annual favorites as well as exciting new programs and events. The LBIF remains stronger and more vibrant than ever before.

The Foundation has been a cultural center on LBI for 74 years. These past two years we have managed to accomplish more than we expected. With anticipation, we look forward to returning our in-person programs and events which include:

• our award-winning Summer Camp and Youth Programs

• our vibrant Tennis Club

• our Ceramics Residencies

• our outstanding Exhibitions

• our Dance company Performances

• our Musical Concerts

• our annual in person Seashore House Tour

• our Foundation Arts Festival… and more

The LBIF Board and Staff are grateful to our members, visitors, and community for confidence in us to remain safe, open and engaging.

Without you, the LBIF would not exist. We are so grateful to our members for their support. Our members and supporters are fundamental to what make the LBIF possible. Please consider becoming a member this year!

As we plan for 2022 and beyond, we appeal to our members to support the Foundation with an annual gift. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will enable the LBIF to need our operational needs and continue to provide a robust slate of offerings and events.

Your contribution and involvement will mean more than you can imagine at this critical time for the LBIF, and we truly thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Daniella Kerner, Executive Director
Kevin Covert, President – The Board of Trustees at the LBIF

MEET THE TEAM

  • Daniella Kerner

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    dkerner@lbifoundation.org

  • Katherine Whitlock

    MARKETING + WEB + GALLERY MANAGER
    kwhitlock@lbifoundation.org

  • Jennifer Miller

    CAMP + YOUTH PROGRAMMING
    jmiller@lbifoundation.org

  • Jeff Ruemeli

    CERAMICS + GALLERY MANAGER
    jruemeli@lbifoundation.org

  • Jenna Connelly

    ADULT PROGRAMMING + MEMBERSHIP
    jconnelly@lbifoundation.org

  • Joanne Guglielmo

    FINANCE MANAGER
    jguglielmo@lbifoundation.org

  • Jaime Caravella

    WEDDINGS + SPECIAL EVENTS
    jcaravella@lbifoundation.org

  • Christina Hoglander

    CERAMICS

Work with us!

Employment Opportunites at the LBIF

Employment Opportunities

The LBIF is a fast paced organization with a busy, vibrant, diverse summer programs in the arts, science, variety of classes, musical performances, films, yoga, fitness and much more. Work with us this summer, and join the fun!

  • Front Desk Receptionist and Administrative Assistant 

    Overview
    LBIF is a non-profit organization, and this position provides a college student with a valuable experience working within a multidisciplinary cultural environment. We are seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to join our team from May 1 to Labor Day 2025. This role is essential in providing exceptional customer support and ensuring the smooth operation of our office. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a customer-focused attitude, someone who enjoys interacting with people of all ages, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

    Responsibilities

    • Greet and assist visitors in a friendly, engaging and professional manner.

    • Manage incoming calls using phone systems, directing them to the appropriate personnel.

    • Provide excellent customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.

    • Perform clerical duties such as filing, data entry, and document preparation.

    • Proofread documents for accuracy and clarity before distribution.

    • Assist with administrative tasks as needed to ensure efficient workflow.

    Qualifications

    • Excellent customer service skills with a focus on client satisfaction.

    • Proficiency in using office software and phone systems.

    • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

    If you are passionate about providing outstanding support in an office environment and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

    The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, located in Loveladies on Long Beach Island NJ, is interviewing for the position of Front Desk Receptionist & Office Assistant for the upcoming Summer season. We are hiring for positions starting May 1 to Labor Day. Applicant must live within a 30 minute commute from the LBIF during the summer season.

    Customer Service, professionalism, courtesy, organized with attention to details are very important for this position. Office skills should include Word, Excel, with Constant Contact a plus. Candidate must have excellent verbal skills, polite and friendly, with an upbeat personality. The ability to multi-task, be a supportive team player, and attention to detail is very important.

    This is an ideal position for a college student. Hours are up to 21 hours per week; from 7:30 am until 4pm, Mondays-Fridays. Weekend hours (8 am until 3pm) and weekend night hours (typically from 5-10pm) are also available. Salary range is commensurate with experience.

    The LBIF is a fast paced non profit arts & science center with a busy, vibrant, diverse summer programs in the arts, science, classes, musical performances, films, yoga, fitness and much more!

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: From $15.50 per hour

    Expected hours: 15 – 21 per week

    Schedule: June through August

    • Monday to Friday

    • Weekend availability

    Experience:

    • Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

    • Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)

    • Social media management: 1 year (Preferred)

    Work Location: In person

  • Summer 2025 Internship Opportunities

    We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic College Student to join our dynamic team. There are limited paid internships available, and unpaid internships. These positions offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment while contributing to meaningful projects. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn, adaptable, and ready to take on various tasks that support our team’s objectives, and lives within a 30 minute commute to our campus in Loveladies on LBI.

    This internship is designed for individuals looking to enhance their professional skills while making valuable contributions to our organization. We welcome applicants who are passionate about their field of study and eager to gain practical experience.

    If you are an Undergraduate or Graduate Student in College, please consider joining our team as a committed intern, ready to help promote and serve LBIF's mission. Our summer season is a busy one and we can offer valuable experience to help prepare you for college or gain additional experience while you are in college. Take a moment to learn about our internship opportunities, qualifications, and requirements to see if interning at the LBIF is right for you!

    About the LBIF

    As a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, the LBIF's mission is to promote the arts and sciences on Long Beach Island and in the surrounding communities by enlightening, educating, and stimulating thought and discussion about current trends.

    The LBIF has continued this vision by offering thousands of classes, workshops, exhibitions, events, and educational programs to the community - all of which have been possible due to its dedicated staff, members, interns, and volunteers.

    If you are interested in applying, please send your cover letter and resume to dkerner@lbifoundation.org

    In your letter please be specific as to which area of professional development you are interested from the list of positions available and listed below.

    AVAILABLE SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

    • EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: Classes +Workshops

    • SUMMER CAMP for Children K-12

    • SCIENCE CAMP for Children K-12

    • SOCIAL MEDIA (creating innovative content)

    • MARKETING (skills include excellence in writing, copy-editing, PR)

    • SPECIAL EVENTS + HOSPITALITY

    • ART GALLERY ASSISTANT FOR EXHIBITIONS

    • ART HISTORY + RESEARCH

    • PHOTOGRAPHY (must have a camera and know Photoshop)

    • GRAPHIC DESIGN (skills include proficiency using In Design)

    • CERAMICS Assistant (experience in ceramic arts)

    • FACILITIES Assistant (experience in studio management)

    • General Administrative


    INTERN QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

    • Fully reliable with accessible transportation mandatory; the ideal applicant lives within a 30 minute commute to our Campus.

    • Must possess the ability to work independently and within a team environment

    • Resourceful, creative, and a self-starter

    • Excellent organizational skills

    • Adept at multi-tasking

    • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

    • Proficient with PC-based programs (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Some positions may require additional program knowledge requirements

    • We offer both paid and unpaid internships. All interns must be able to commit to a weekly schedule with a minimum of 10 hrs/week. We will be flexible with your schedule, but do ask that you are able to commit to one weekday and one weekend per week, which will change based on programming, and depending on specific internship responsibilities

    • Interns may be asked to bring their own laptops


    General Duties

    • Assist with daily operations and administrative tasks as needed.

    • Conduct research and compile data for ongoing projects.

    • Support team members in preparing presentations and reports.

    • Participate in meetings and contribute ideas for project development.

    • Help with social media management and content creation.

    • Shadow experienced professionals to gain insights into industry practices.

    • Complete assigned tasks within deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.

    Skills

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

    • Basic understanding of social media platforms and digital marketing.

    • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

    • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

    • Eagerness to learn new skills and take on challenges.

    • Time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively.


    Job Type: Part-time

    Expected hours: 10 – 15 per week

    Benefits: Flexible schedule

    Schedule: June through August

    • Monday to Friday

    • Weekends as needed

    Work Location: In person

 

Make a donation

 

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences has always provided a place for learning, artistic expression and the exchange of experiences and understanding on LBI, but we need your help to preserve and continue it. Sustaining the Foundation takes tremendous time, money and resources. Please help us to continue and increase our excellent programming by renewing your membership now.  Your dollars support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the LBIF and make up almost 33% of the LBIF annual budget at this time.

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Your donation is tax deductible. If you have questions or would like to make a donation, please call the office.  If you would like to make a donation online, please use the PayPal button below. Your gifts go directly to support our innovative workshops, public programs, exhibitions, and children’s activities. Give today to help keep the arts and sciences alive on LBI!

Donate in honor of your friends and family

Sponsor us

 

Did You Know?

The LBIF is supported almost solely by the local community, including individuals and businesses. More than 90% of the LBIF’s annual revenues come from fees for the programs the organization offers and from generous contributions by community members. Most gifts received from the community are between $50 and $1,000. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single contributor that underwrites the operations and programs the LBIF provides each year. The LBIF is supported financially in the following ways:

  • Program and Class Fees: 40%

  • Membership Contributions: 33%

  • Special Events: 10%

  • Individual and Business Contributions: 9%

  • Government and Private Grants: 4%

  • Other (rentals, investments, etc.): 4%