experiencing the diversity of The Arts In Naples

by Claudia Polzin
Consultant to Nonprofits

It is easy in Naples to find the obvious art venues – but sometimes it is good to experience some of the different and perhaps unique experiences we can have in our beloved Naples. Begin the month on January 7 with a Big Band concert – but this is not just an opportunity to explore the much loved music of the Big Bands but a time that you can support music education in our schools. The concerts are free so everyone can enjoy them – but donations are taken during the intermission. These donations support the cost of the concerts but proceeds also support the work of this group as they encourage young people to learn about the music of the Big Band era in our country. So enjoy the music and support our young people on January 7 or 22 in Cambier Park at 2 p.m. 

Something new this year is found at TheatreZone – you can have a backstage tour with artistic director, Mark Danni. Unfortunately, one of the casualties of Hurricane Irma is a delayed opening for TheatreZone – but the season still promises to be a great one. If you have  ever wondered how a production is put together – you have the opportunity to find out with their first Behind the Scenes tour on January 13.

Explore downtown Naples the weekend of January 13 – a special exhibit ‘Human Trafficking Awareness” will open at the Naples Art Association. Our area not only has wonderful arts experiences but has the dubious notoriety for human trafficking. This exhibit uses art to educate our children about human trafficking so that they can recognize people that they should avoid and protect themselves, their family and friends.

On January 14 you can also enjoy a concert in Cambier Park – 2 p.m. the Naples Concert Band will feature a concert of music by Rossini, Stephen Foster, Gershwin and Sousa. Seraphic Fire is Florida’s Grammy nominated vocal ensemble – and we are fortunate to have them on the West Coast for a concert series. The second in the series will be held on January 18 at 7 p.m. at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of a tragic girl who leads an unfortunate life is set to music similar to a classic Bach passion – St. Matthew’s Passion. The New York Times called this Pulitzer Prize-winning setting of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “poignant “and “consoling.”

Clyde Butcher is a treasure of Florida – from January 18-20 you can meet Clyde Butcher at the Big Cypress Gallery for a book-signing and the opening of his new works. Butcher is an American large format camera photographer who is best-known for his black and white wilderness photography. His early studies included a degree in architecture, but he turned to photography as a way to show his drawings. However, in the early years he could not afford a camera so he built a home-made pinhole camera. He was inspired by the works of Ansel Adams and is now often said that he is the next Ansel Adams. He will always be identified for his work with the Everglades but he is dedicated to photographing
precious landscapes throughout the world. Close the month with a vocal tour of France – Gulfshore Opera will present a Vocal Tour De France in the Daniels Pavilion on January 31 at 7 p.m. The music of France encompasses the court of
Louis XIV to the cabaret of the Moulin Rouge. This is a chance for you to experience the vocal traditions of France from the comfort of the intimate setting of the Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples.

Begin 2018 exploring the diversity of the arts in Naples – enjoy music, photography, and the visual arts – perhaps in a format that you have not experienced before.