PHOTOS: East End Arts Celebrates 40th Birthday

celebrated its 40th birthday on Sunday, two weeks into 2012, as about 70 birthday cards adorned the walls of the East Main Street gallery and dozens rotated in and out of the doors on a brisk, sunny day.

The event marked EEA's first fundraiser of 2012, as the non-profit has seen some state and federal funds dry up during the economic downturn, according to Annika Shapiro, president of the Board of Directors. While the organization received a $200,000 grant from Bank of America recently, which will come in two $100,000 installments, Shapiro said the award basically fills the void from losing other funds.

As EEA turns 40, most of the funding will be used to upgrade the organization's aging infrastructure. Sunday's celebration, as well as a gala planned for May 17 and future fund raisers this year, will further benefit EEA's operations.

Shapiro said that following the birthday party, the cards and balloons will soon be taken down as the first upgrade of the year will be done to the interior of the gallery. "We're getting a 40-year facelift," she joked.

Westhampton Beach-based contractor George E. Vickers, Jr. Enterprises will refurbish the floors while Robers Smith Painting will paint the interior. All work is being done gratis, she said.

The EEA's next exhibit opens on Jan. 27, and will be held at  Eastern Campus as renovations are being finished at the East Main Street gallery. "Character," which will open at the Montaukett Learning Resource Center, will run from Jan. 27 through Feb. 24.