Artistic Delights in Autumn at Artis – Naples

As the warm summer breeze gives way to the cooler autumn air, Artis—Naples comes alive with a new series of captivating artistic offerings on the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus and beyond to kick off its 2023-24 season. From the visual and performing arts to the celebration of independent filmmaking, the coming months are filled with unforgettable experiences for art aficionados, music lovers and film enthusiasts.

The Baker Museum launches a remarkable slate of exhibitions, beginning with the vibrant work of Brooklyn-based Latinx artist Tamara Kostianovsky in Tamara Kostianovsky: Botanical

Tamara Kostianovsky (Argentine, b. Israel, 1974). Textile Jungle, 2022. Discarded textiles on wood, 96 x 56 x 6 in.
Courtesy of the artist and Slag Gallery. Photo Roni Mocan.

Revolution. Opening on September 2, the exhibition explores humankind’s connection with nature through the forms of animated birds, layered tree stumps, lively plants and even vividly colored cow carcasses—all demonstrating the artist’s concerns with consumption—plus new work inspired by the bird and plant life of Southwest Florida. Other visual arts highlights include Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present, featuring works by photographer Frank Stewart, world traveler and former lead photographer for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, as well as Florida Contemporary 2023- 24, the annual exhibition presenting the works of notable visual artists currently practicing in Florida. Both of these exhibitions open on October 14.

The Naples Philharmonic commences its season with their popular free chamber concerts, offering a selection of the finest chamber works ever written in venues throughout the Southwest Florida community, September 7-10. Later in the fall, on October 20-21, the orchestra kicks off the 2023-24 Masterworks series with a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Lee Mills. Other performing arts highlights include the first All That Jazz performance of the season on October 11, the 13th Annual Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler on October 6 and the Sypert Salon series’ opening performance of Beethoven’s “Archduke” Piano Trio on October 15 and 17.

Frank Stweart (American, b. 1949) Radio Players Series (on bus) 1978. Gelatin Silver print 14 x 11 in. Collection of Sing Lathan and Bining Taylor

As always, October is an especially magical time of year for film lovers in Naples. This season, the Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) celebrates 15 years in the community, once again uniting film lovers to experience some of the latest and greatest independent films. On October 26, NIFF 2023 kicks off in style with one of Naples’ greatest celebrations of the year: the Opening Night Film and Party. From the glamorous red carpet entry and the opening night film screening to the extravagant after-party in an illuminated Norris Garden, guests will rub shoulders with fellow cinephiles and visiting filmmakers alike while they party the night away. Following this grand opening, the ensuing three days, October 27-29, feature more than 60 narrative, documentary and short films, both at a location to be announced and under the stars with outdoor screenings in beautiful Norris Garden. The film festival draws to a close on October 29 with the Closing Night Awards Ceremony, Film and Wrap Party in Daniels Pavilion, highlighting the best films featured at NIFF this year—plus one last film screening in Hayes Hall: Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, with the score performed live by Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic.

FEATURED PHOTO: Conductor Lee Mills

Tickets and additional details can be found at artisnaples.org.

NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OFF-SITE FILM SCREENINGS, LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED.