Discover Yourself and Discover Community

Naples Art Light PerformanceFreedom and individualism are at the heart of the unique personality of The United States of America, but community and charity are the end goals. For many, freedom, individualism, community and charity are the component pars of a fulfilling and worthwhile life. Often freedom and individualism drive and early stage of life that focuses on making a living.

Then , age, wisdom and affluence culminate in a later sage where the focus shifts towards community and charity. For the people with the time and resources, charity and community are perhaps the most rewarding endeavors realizable.

In 1954, three community members with time and resources had a vision of enriching art culture through the acts of gathering community and disseminating culture. Since that time, The Naples Art Association has functioned as a nexus point for the efforts of community members who support art.

The accumulated efforts of Naples Art Association members bring art education to the community and Collier County Schools, exhibition opportunities for artists, creative opportunities for anyone with a heartbeat, art-therapy programs, and festivals to unite our community. Art and creativity empower freedom and individualism. Community driven non-profits, such as The Naples Art Association, empower community and altruism.

If you are looking for an opportunity to express freedom and individualism and/or contribute charity to the community consider becoming involved, or increasing your involvement with The Naples Art Association. Your contribution of time or resources will be leveraged through an organization with 60 years of history and experience bringing people together through the acts of Imagining, Discovering, and Creating.

A Celebration of Community

Art FestivalOn the evening of February 20th, The Naples Art Association was honored by a fantastic tung out in suppport of the local art community at The Naples National Art Festival Gala. the event celebrated 60 years of enrighcin ar culture and community through promotion and advancement of education, interest and participation in the visual arts.

The event was also a moment to reflect and look forward to the next 60 years and further opportunities to serve individual artists of all ages and leveles along their creative journeys and to inspire the community and all who visit to live and think artistically. Live and silent acution items stirred the excitement of attendees and rasied funs for the valuable programming that supports throiving art culture.

Art demonstrations attracted attention from art supporters who will no doubt return to the community with new ideas about how and what to create (or shop for). Juan diaz impressed with his work of art, created on site as part of his incredible LIGHT Performance Art Series. Most importantly, many individuals came together to support the arts. Support for the arts, creativity and innovative thinking help to ensure a thriving and innovating future in Southwest Florida.

Charity and community are born out of sincere gratitude for fellow man. The Naples Art Association continues to be so grateful to be an expression of the charity and creativity of the Southwest Florida community. It makes for a nice feedback loop. Gratitude and charity encourage individuals to make a difference by contributing time or resources to The Naples Art Association. The Naples Art Association, then, gratefully designs and implements the creative opportunities that empower individuals to express freedom and individualism through creativity.

Creative freedom and individualism leads to innovation and economic prosperity in our community. Prosperity allows individuals the time and resources to contribute to charity and community. Big thanks go out to all the attendees of The Naples National Art Festival Gala & 60th Anniversary Celebration and all the other individuals who come together to support creative and artistic opportunities through The Naples Art Association.

Imagine ! Discover ! Create !

Naples Art Festival 4Downtown, Art in the Park will feature Naples Art Association member artists in the longest running art festival of Naples on Saturday March 1st. A community favorite, Art in the Park continues to be a preferred way to spend a relaxing Saturday morning browsing fine art by local artists on Park Street just west of the gorgeous Cambier Park.

While you are nearby The von Liebig Art Center, stop in and browse our rotating exhibitions or learn more about valuable programming and outreach by The Naples Art Association. There is no charge for admission to The Art Center. Bring your family. There are makeand- take art projects available for children of all ages to engage creativity and begin cultivating the confidence and competence to grow into the successful innovators of the future. Bring your furry friend, too. Cambier Park is right next door for running, jumping and potty opportunities (just make sure to grab a baggy on the way in). Have fun shopping for art, creating and taking in the glorious Southwest Florida climate at Art in the Park and First Saturday Family Fun on March 1st in Park Street.

The Mercato Fine Art Festival will occur at The Mercato Shops in North Naples on March 1st and March 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until 500 p.m. If you are looking for an intimate festival experience in a hip, elegant and comfortable setting, The Mercato Fine Art Festival is an event that you will not want to miss. With opportunities to talk to and shop the works of over 100 artists from across the country, the festival is a great opportunity to get to know a little bit about the artist and process behind your newest treasure.

Mercato Art FestivalThe Mercato Fine Art Festival hosts a wealth of regional talent, artists with unique perspectives on our community and surrounding areas. Join the Naples Art Association at The Mercato Fine Art Festival. There is a five dollar suggested donation.

The Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts on March 22nd and 23rd is held along Fifth Ave South in Downtown Naples. One of the last opportunities to shop fine art by national artists of this festival season, The Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts is popular for its great mix of interesting artists who are eager to meet shoppers and share information about techniques, inspiration and process. The setting of the festival is absolutely gorgeous with the dozens of golden trumpet trees in full bloom. Parking is never a problem with free off-site parking to and from Fifth Avenue South. For more information on festivals, visit NaplesArt.org.

There are three intriguing and informative lectures in March at The von Liebig Art Center. The lectures are each part of the ART Connects series that is designed to ignite your imagination and help you discover the world from new angles. On March 13th at 5:30 p.m. the venerable Clyde Butcher and his wife, Niki, will present a lecture titled “Clyde & Niki Butcher: A Glimpse Behind the Camera.”

To celebrate a milestone anniversary in 2013, Clyde and Niki Butcher continued their adventurous journey thru life with a five month photography trip around the USA. They will share insights from their trip and some of the stories behind the photographs in Clyde and Niki Butcher: Celebrating 50 Years Together. A preview reception for exhibitions including Clyde and Niki Butcher: Celebrating 50 Years Together will occur the following day, Friday, March 14th at 5:30 p.m.

On March 14th, The Naples Art Association presents the NAA Adult Student Exhibition and Members’ Gallery: A Touch of Red. Preview receptions are a great opportunity to discover great art, shop, and have discussions with artists and art supporters. For more information on the preview reception or any of the exhibitions, visit NaplesArt.org or call 239.262.6517239.262.6517.

On March 18th at 5:30 p.m. in The von Liebig Art Center, Carmelo Blandino will present the next of his popular lectures: “For the Love of it: Creating and Collecting Art in the 21st Century.” Carmelo will lead a panel discussion on the business of collecting art and the business of creating it.

Panel participants will be interviewed by an art collector covering the topics of creating art, inspiration, art markets, galleries and museums. The evening will take the form of an open panel discussion that will take you behind the scenes of two interesting points of view. Kristine Meek will present “Everything You Wanted to Ask an Art Dealer” on March 25th at 5:30 p.m. at The von Liebig Art Center.

Kristine will lead a fun and friendly conversation about collecting and appreciating fine art with answers to typical questions as well as an opportunity to ask additional questions anonymously or in person. All ART Connects lectures are $10.00 for Naples Art Association members and $15.00 for non-members. For more information or to order tickets, visit NaplesArt.org. Art and Music, a collaborative effort between The Naples Art Association and The Naples Jazz Orchestra, continues with a very special night with American Jazz legend Carmen Bradford.

Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Altadena, California, Carmen Bradford grew up with music in her home and in her heart. It was only natural that Carmen would follow in the footsteps of her great family legacy being the daughter of legendary trumpeter/ composer Bobby Bradford and world renowned vocalist/composer Melba Joyce. Her grandfather Melvin Moore sang with Lucky Millender’s Big Band in the 1940’s making Carmen the third generation of incredible musicians.

She has carved out a place in music history for herself and is playing an integral role in this uniquely American art form called jazz. At present, Carmen Bradford is doing it all whether it’s a duo concert with Shelly Berg, Big Band with the ladies of DIVA, or her new favorite performing with symphony orchestras around the world. Carmen Bradford’s body of work reflects a vast depth of musical experience and technical brilliance. She is also recognized for the overwhelming passion she brings to the lyric.

She has truly contributed to the perpetuation and preservation of jazz, and continues to do. On March 24th, beginning at 5:00 p.m., Carmen will spend time with the guests at The von Liebig Art Center before she takes to the stage for that evening’s performance at the Cambier Park Bandshell. Tickets are $75.00 and include one reserved seat to the concert in the Park; wine and appetizers catered by Artichoke & Company and inspired by the favorite recipes of famous jazz musicians. Proceeds benefit art and music scholarship programs provided by each organization. For more information or to purchase ticket, visit NaplesArt.org

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, enjoy the second largest art resource library in Southwest Florida, 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 community and the arts. Tour the galleries, 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!

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