A City Abuzz – Naples Art Association

Now, Naples is buzzing, frenetic with movement. Last year was a record year for tourism in the area and this year our community seems poised to break that record.

We have so much to be proud of, from our blossoming economy to our fantastic health and well-being to our beautiful beaches and nearby unique ecosystems. All of it comes from movement: the movement of people, the movement of oceans and seas, and the movement of flora and fauna. Movement is core to our existence. At The Naples Art Association, movement is of course a key element to the art and creative expression that powers the mission and vision of the organization.

BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT

Recently, an exhibition of moving kinetic sculpture was installed around the front deck of the von Liebig Art Center, home of The Naples Art Association. The exhibition features the works of internationally renowned sculptor Lyman Whitaker. Whitaker is widely respected for the sophistication of his Wind Sculptures™.

Since the 1980’s he has focused his artistic ability on gracefully capturing the spirit of the wind through his kinetic art. Lyman’s sculptures are handmade of copper, steel and stainless steel – metals chosen for their beauty and durability. An applied patina encourages the natural verdigris of weathered copper. Each Wind Sculpture™ spins on a sealed ball bearing. The exhibition will be on display through February 2016 and sculptures are available for sale at the von Liebig Art Center or can be shipped anywhere in the country. Become a part of the movement and realize the spirit of the wind by heading downtown to the von Liebig Art Center on the northwest corner of Cambier Park.

KIDS LOVE SUMMER. KIDS LOVE ART

Kids move. Often, they seem like the personification of movement. As adults, we want the best for our children and grandchildren. We want them moving in the right direction.

According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, the arts foster young imaginations and facilitate children’s success in school.

Furthermore, practice in the arts provides critical thinking, communication and innovation skills essential to a productive 21st century workforce. Practice and education in the arts are vital components for a healthy and well-adjusted childhood.

ARTScool is a popular summer art education program serving nearly 1,000 students aged 5 to 14 each year. And, it’s super fun! Students choose their own classes from an extensive offering taught by professional artists and instructors.

Children are able to get creative while developing healthy social skills. ARTScool features accredited art instructors who provide children with individual attention and weave “STEAM” or science, technology, engineering, art and math, as well as other academics into artistic sessions. Registration is now open online at naplesart.org and in person at the von Liebig Art Center. Morning and afternoon classes are available. The program is affordable at only $125 for a 5-day class and financial aid is available. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available for working parents.

Some of the classes offered through the ARTScool program include: ClaysCOOL, Dragons & Castles, Photoshop Fun, Comic Strips & Books, Sun Prints, Brushstrokes for Young Folks, Origami & Paper, Code Explorers – Solving Mysteries, Zoo Art, Fun with Fabric, and many more. Each program offers exciting creative opportunity coupled with important and enriching academic information. One year, NAA’s ClaysCOOL students earned a world record by creating the world’s largest clay chain!

KEEP MOVING DURING THE WARMER MONTHS

Don’t worry adult readers, The Naples Art Association offers a variety of cool activities for you during the warmer months as well.

Classes and workshops run through May 30th and include topics such as: Sketching for Beginners, Watercolor Goes Abstract, Creating a Spa Set, Beginners Acrylic Landscape Painting, Creative Expressions: Alzheimer’s, Figure Drawing with Instruction and many more. If you are interested in cultivating a creative and artistic new hobby, or are an experienced artist looking to hone and practice your skillset, classes and workshops at The Naples Art Association provide the opportunity with talented instructors at all skill levels. As member and artist Dan Jensen said, “You can’t play golf every day,” and classes are a great way to spend some time. And, for experienced artists Dan offers this advice: “Even Tiger Woods needs a golf coach.” As the weather heats up and moving around outside becomes more of a chore, enjoy the pleasant climate of the von Liebig Art Center while you soak up some cool lessons and foster your creative side.

STROLL THROUGH THE PARK

Get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while you shop for unique art by local artists at Art in the Park on April 4th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Stroll down Park Street and enjoy the oldest outdoor art festival in Naples. Art in the Park runs each month on the first Saturday of the month. As a cherished community tradition, Art in the Park represents a grass roots artful movement with ties to the very early days of The Naples Art Association when the three founding members: E. George Rogers, Grace Lake and Elsie Upham would invite the  neighborhood to pop-up exhibitions in yards or at Grace Lake’s florist shop. Art in the Park is a laid back one day festival-like celebration of the arts that encourages artists and art supporters to discuss the process and products of local fine artists. April is the last opportunity of the season to view and shop the works of the talented Naples Art Association Art in the Park artists.

AN ARTISTIC COMMUNITY ARTFULLY ENGAGED

The Naples Art Association is always looking for unique and engaging ways to move members of our community. Goddess Night is a women only evening designed for women by women to benefit educational programming by The Naples Art Association on April 9th. The energy each year at Goddess Night is palpable as women enjoy a champagne reception, informative break-out sessions and a seated dinner. This year, the keynote is Anne Fleming, General Manager of Waterside Shops. Session speakers include: Mona E. Ceurvels, Certified Consulting Hypnotist and HypnoBirthing® Practitioner, Debi Grilo, Director of Teachers and Teacher Development at Bala Vinyasa Yoga, Dinah Leach, Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Bayfront Bistro, Jeanne Seewald, J.D., M.B.A, C.P.A., Managing Partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP, Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi, owner of Purely You Spa, and Cyndee Woolley, A.P.R., President and CEO of C2 Communications, LLC. Tickets for Goddess Night 2015 have been sold out since February. Proceeds from Goddess Night support outreach and children’s education.

A community favorite artsy workshop, Wine and Dezine is a great night out with friends on April 16th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This workshop is all about letting go of inhibitions and painting, whether you think you can or not. This is the most fun you’ll ever have with a brush. Friends, fun, wine and leave with your own masterpiece in just three hours. Just relax as each workshop takes you step by step through the wonderful world of painting. If you have tried a wine and art evening through another organization, you will be impressed at the quality of the final product you are able to create at Wine and Dezine. Instructor Anne Chaddock is a master at helping artists at all skill levels create wall-worthy masterpieces. Tickets are $45 and should be purchased in advance. Wine and other supplies are included. For more information call 239.262.6517 or visit NaplesArt.org.

Beginning May 4th, the last session of Creative Expressions: Alzheimer’s in 2015 will provide the opportunity for your friend or loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia to get moving with art. Creative Expressions: Alzheimer’s is an art therapy program led by certified art therapists with guest appearances by artists and musicians. The program has been a huge success, helping the participants to engage in fun and novel experiences with their caretakers without any of the stress of trying to remember. Art provides an outlet for expression that is
soothing and empowering. Typical participants see gains in long and short term memory during the session, not to mention all of the fun the class provides.

AN INVITATION TO CONNECT

Come see why The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center has been voted one of the best galleries in Naples with more local art for sale by a wider variety of local artists than anywhere else in Naples. There are many ways to engage in creativity offered by NAA: enjoy one day workshops and art fusion events, take a class with a master instructor or find the perfect gift in our one of a kind gift shop.

Admission is free and opens the door to a greater participation in arts and our community. Tour the galleries, shop, take a class or volunteer. The Naples Art Association works to support your creative evolution. Visit Naplesart.org for information on upcoming events and schedule of classes and workshops. The Naples Art Association is built from the resources and passion of our community to serve the members of our community. Come be a part of the art: Imagine! Discover! Create!