About the Foundation

Boris Blai, our founder, was a brilliant, visionary artist and educator. In 1948 he built the LBIF campus, having courage and imagination to transform 22.8 acres of sand and marsh into a center for the visual arts, performing arts, humanities and sciences. As a 75-year old nonprofit institution we continue to build upon this foundation and his vision to offer excellence in cultural programing for our community and beyond.

Arts

Each year we host many group exhibitions with regional, national and international artists and their artwork. Our exhibitions this year include Works on Paper, Plein Air Plus, our Foundation Arts Festival, and special themed shows such as Water Stories, Member/ Student/Faculty Show and a Holiday Market. Yearround studio arts classes and workshops offer a variety of mediums to explore, including ceramics in our exceptional state of the art ceramics facility.

Sciences

Exploring our Nature Trail, being part of Discovery Days, Science Saturdays, and Barnegat Bay Day are some of the highlights of our eco-science programs. Experiencing our coastal habitats and the natural environment on our campus brings the eco-sciences to life. The LBIF is unique in the realm of art institutions by its desire to explore the intersections between the arts and the sciences.

Weddings + Celebrations

Our 22.8 acre campus and wetlands create a spectacular backdrop for weddings and social gatherings. The opportunities to be creative and personal with every detail are endless. We encourage eco-friendly solutions out of our concern for the environment and our coastal surroundings.

Membership

We draw inspiration from our idyllic setting; the earth, sky and water that make Long Beach Island everyone’s “happy place”. Here children create memories and adults enjoy unique experiences that define summertime at the shore. Being a Member of the LBIF contributes to preserving our special history, supporting our cultural mission of advocating for the arts and sciences, and securing this amazing legacy that we have inherited for future generations.

Join the Fun!

Become a Member!

Founded in 1948 by Boris Blai, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences is an outstanding community and cultural facility. The LBIF’s main building was designed by noted architect George Daub. On LBIF’s 75th Anniversary, it is fitting to recognize Daub’s career and architectural work with a tribute essay featured in this catalog.

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. 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!

Barnegat Light

Surprise! A perfect replica of a 1750’s farmhouse with so much to see is nestled in Barnegat Light.

Architect

Robert Russell, AIA

HMR Architects

Builder

Homeowner

Interior design

Homeowner

Landscape/ Outdoor living

Homeowner

Enter through the ruby red front door to find a keepsake photograph of the owner’s mother, Mary Ursula, in her christening dress. It sets the charming, authentic style of the house. Beyond, a delightful tea room has multiple antiques including a piecrust table.

To the left of the entrance is an inviting sitting room with a revolving bookcase from the celebrated Tabard Inn. Pumpkin pine floors are throughout.

A serene Wetherburn blue is the authentic Williamsburg color of the hallway that leads to the dining room. Inside is the showstealer - a spinning wheel brought from Ireland by the owner’s grandmother!

The heart of the house is the huge kitchen/ family room with a striking walk-in brick fireplace. It holds a swinging cast iron frypan and a l00 year old Christmas cactus! The warm cherry countertops and an authentic tin pie safe enhance the setting.

Upstairs are four bedrooms with ensuite baths, each styled with genuine antiques from LBI.

The heart of the house is the huge kitchen/ family room with a walk-in brick fireplace

It’s all about Barnegat Bay in this soaring bright white beach sanctuary in Loveladies. With 280 feet of bay frontage, beautiful vistas of sparkling water are in every living space, even the luxurious bath.

Since you are never far away from the water’s edge, the color palette inside is sea inspired blues and greens in the softest hues. In bright contrast, artwork in primary colors adorn the walls throughout.

One of the owner’s favorite design elements is an original coffee table inspired by the ocean’s breaking waves. It is not to be missed.

Up a curving stairway with clear glass and shiny chrome railings you find the main bedroom, reached by an open walkway. The windows here are magnificent, promising a pristine view from early mornings to late day purple sunsets.

Outside, a cascading waterfall splashes into a 6 ft deep, free form pool flanked by ten stylish lounge chairs. A fire pit, spa tub, and dining spaces encircle the pool and the bay and assures that the wonderful life of LBI goes on and on.

A cascading

waterfall splashes into a free form pool flanked by ten stylish lounge chairs

It’s all about Barnegat Bay in this soaring bright white beach sanctuary

Loveladies

Stand four feet from the triple bedroom window and you are magically on board ship sailing the sea. It is one of many incredible views from this brand new lagoon front Loveladies retreat.

Architect Tyler Nussbaum

Builder T. Hill

Contractors

LLC

Interior design

Serenity Design LLC

Landscape/ Outdoor Living

Studio Nuss LLC

The 4,800 square foot house is built around a central courtyard that begins with a fire pit and soars to the blue sky above. A glass enclosed elevator rides to the sweeping 4th floor roof deck and breathtaking views.

There are all together six bedrooms and 6-1/2 baths in the house, yet the architect planned a single level of beach living that doesn’t require a step up or down.

White washed light oak floors take you into a white quartz kitchen that opens to dining for sixteen. A stunning linear light fixture echoes the symmetry of the entire house. An ocean-inspired bright blue octopus pillow nestles into an off-white living room with an attached screened porch for summer dining.

Outside a unique wraparound pool lies amid luscious crepe myrtles and fragrant roses.