By Aimee Schlehr
Naples Art is kicking off a much-anticipated 2019-2020 season infused with a bold renewal of their commitment to the Naples community and beloved artists. Declaring the renewal is a new logo, reflecting their refined name.
Coming into focus on the commitment to their mission, Naples Art Association will now be known simply as Naples Art. For over 65 years Naples Art has been the center of arts and cultural in downtown Naples, a town square for the arts. They provide the community with inspiration and opportunity, through production space and the amplification and exhibition of these creative voices to cultivate a lifelong appreciation of art.
Another exciting addition to this season is the unveiling of the Naples Art Membership Program. Beginning with the 2019-2020 season, Naples Art is launching a valuable membership program filled with unique and enriching opportunities for our community to support the Arts. The program supports the significant and important work of the center, investing in the cultivation of creativity and appreciation of the arts. Membership levels begin at $25. Join Naples Art by securing your membership today at www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517 to learn more.
Yet another brand new and one of the most exciting additions to this season’s line up is the Art Business Entrepreneur Academy. This completely unique two-year Art Business Entrepreneur Academy is designed specifically for high school students seeking a guided path into the visual arts. The economic impact of art and design exceeds that of sports worldwide. Creative jobs have increased from 10% to 30% of the U.S. economy and Florida ranks number seven in the country for revenue generated by creative industries, generating a whopping $4.68 billion of economic activity and supporting over 132,000 full-time jobs. The creative economy in Florida is vibrant and growing, presenting opportunities for artists of all types to live, work and thrive, for those who know how.
Unfortunately, those who are passionate about creating rarely have the business acumen to succeed on their own. Naples Art has identified this significant and unmet need in Collier County. Young adults in high school who are interested in the creative arts as a career path currently have little or no access to art related business classes and visual arts education. This unfortunate gap in education for creative young adults dissuades many from pursuing their passion and discourages them from entering this field, where it is shown to have so much promise.
To inspire more artists to develop their talents and incubate a cultural revolution in Collier County, Naples Art is spearheading this 24-month educational program to specifically meet these needs. This program will result in an informed, motivated, and skilled group of young adults ready to move forward in their careers, converting their passion of being an artist into becoming a successful entrepreneur. To support these future arts and culture leaders, contact me at aimee.schlehr@naplesart.org.
Oct. 23 kicks off the first in the series of three Dinner with Artists events. Join chef Alexander Bernard and artist Marco Bronzini at Alexander’s Restaurant for a completely unique, art-filled culinary experience. Dinner with Artists is an interactive artistic experience in an intimate and engaging setting. Each event includes a multi-course gourmet meal and wine. Tickets are $130 per person or $250 per couple.
Chef Alexander Bernard is the featured chef and he will be hosting at Alexander’s Restaurant, his hidden jewel in the heart of Naples. Chef Alexander has been serving his distinctive cuisine to Neapolitans and visitors from throughout the world for more than 25 years and has an avid following.
Partnered with chef Alexander is featured artist Marco Bronzini, who is bringing an extraordinary life experience with him to share. At age sixteen Marco Bronzini was introduced to British sculptor John Skeaping, and he went from provincial Beaucaire, his hometown in the South of France, to London, the art world center in the mid 1970s. He was accepted with a four-year scholarship to the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1975 and within the next few years he would meet people like the Astors and great art collectors like Paul Mellon.
On Nov. 1, Naples Art will indulge the local community with an exclusive night typically only had in New York, Paris or Milan. Behold intense creativity, extreme inspiration and extraordinary vision at the 2019 Scene to be Seen – Runway Art Show. This extraordinary event elevates haute couture to spectacular works of art in a classic luxury runway format. The Scene to be Seen event begins with music and cocktails transitioning to a breathtaking runway show then onto a not-to-be-missed after-party, a la fashion week. Ticket availability is very limited, and they are available at www.naplesart.org.
Aimee Schlehr is executive director of the Naples Art.
