By Aimee Schlehr
Season is in full swing and Naples Art has a fabulous lineup of shows, events and opportunities in progress for the 2019-2020 season. December at Naples Art is filled with several exhibitions and new opportunities for both our community and artists.
We are now offering memberships to Naples Art for even more access, as well as an extraordinary opportunity for both student and adult artists. For students, Naples Art has developed the one-of-a-kind Art Business Entrepreneur (ABE) Academy. This 24-month program provides students with the business skills to run their small company as well as master level art classes not available in high school, all this is further reinforced by hands-on experiences to refine their skills.
For our adult artists, this same spirit of learning how best to navigate the world of business, honing skills and gaining representation is captured by our ABE Program. Learn more about these and several other opportunities at www.NaplesArt.org.
The longest running and most beloved among locals, Art in the Park has remained the favorite monthly outdoor show showcasing the talents of local artists. Believed to be the first outdoor art show held in Naples in 1957, Art in the Park carries on the tradition of providing the community access to the very creative fine art and craftwork of artists. Naples Art is proud to host this juried art show on the first Saturday of each month from November through April.
Following the extraordinary Scene to be Seen event on Nov. 1, the wearable art that was featured at that event was showcased with much fanfare for the first time ever. A must do next year if you missed it.
For exhibitions, several annual and every other year favorites are happening this month.
Now through Jan. 5: Water Works: Artistic Celebration of Our Most Vital Resource. See the exceptional ways artists represent water in various types of media from paintings to pottery, glass, fiber art and more! Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Dec. 6 – Jan. 9: 53rd Founders Exhibition. Founders exhibitions commemorate the founding of the first non-profit visual art organization in Collier County. The exhibitions are held each even-numbered year and serve as a platform for local artists to share the spotlight with their peers at the national level. Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Dec. 5: Reception for Water Works and 53rd Founders Exhibitions. Join us to celebrate artists and their works among art enthusiasts from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with wine, cheese and fruit refreshment at Naples Art.
Kicking off the new year, will be our multiple award-winning outdoor show Jan. 4 & 5, the 24th Annual Naples New Year’s Art Show, featuring artists from across the U.S. and abroad. This art show is held along 5th Avenue South. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Admission is free and donations are encouraged.
ART Focus presentations offer an explicit focus on art. Naples Art hosts a variety of presentations by exhibiting artists, collectors, art professionals and exhibition jurors. Our next ART Focus is Jan. 7 from 10 to 11 am with John Loscuito, Florida Gulf Coast University Art Gallery director. During his six years at FGCU, he has curated over eighteen exhibitions featuring nationally recognized artists that explore a broad range of themes and materials. Art FOCUS is free for ABE Program participants and artist family and above members, all other guests $10 at the door. Coffee and pastries will be served.
Next, the second of three in the Dinner with Artists series occurs Jan. 15 at the beautiful Venue Naples featuring local celebrity chef Brian Roland and brilliant abstract flowers collage artist Denise Cummings. We will sell out so get your tickets today at naplesart.org. Art feeds the creative soul and Dinner with Artists will delight your senses. Feast with your eyes and palate at this spectacular series hosted by Naples Art. Join renowned artists paired with executive chefs who collaborate on creating and presenting original works of art and culinary masterpieces. 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. Tickets available at www.naplesart.org
Major sponsors for Dinner with Artists include Happenings Magazine, eBella Magazine, Florida Weekly, Dragon Horse Ad Agency, Spotlight Magazine – Naples, 90.1 WGCU, Sunny 106, WAVV 101, 96.9 WINK FM, FOX92.5, Alexander’s Restaurant and Venue Naples.
For more info about the shows, events, classes, workshops or exhibitions, visit www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517. We wish you all a very art-filled holiday season.
Aimee Schlehr is CEO and executive director of Naples Art.
