For the Love of Art

The door opened but I couldn’t go through.  I stepped back to take in the art gallery before me.  Fine Art  collectors abound in our community and this private collection was nothing short of eye candy. I was warmly welcomed into The Arlington home of  Charles Marshall and Richard Tooke. They provided an enthusiastic tour of their home gallery, sharing stories and the history of several of their prized pieces of art.  Richard and Charles enjoy art in all forms visual and performing and are well known in the Naples Philanthropic and Art community.  

Let’s learn a bit more about these individuals and enjoy several pieces from their collection:

Charles, originally from New York state has enjoyed living in Naples since 2002. A retired Lt. from the Air Force, those you know him realize that he is indeed an  officer and a gentleman. Charles exudes joy and is always smiling, he speaks to everyone as though they are the most important person in the room. A graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, this led to opportunities to work in Architecture and teach Engineering Drawings. Charles love of art is embedded in his DNA, as a youngster he watched his father who was an architect and artist sketch and paint. This learned skill of drawing and working with watercolor served him while working on his BA. He began collecting art while living in NY where he worked as an architect. Transitioning to Naples was seamless after visiting here as a “Snowbird” for years. Once here he quickly acclimated to the areas art scene. He has been a donor of major painting and sculpture works to such local businesses as Naples Botanical Gardens, The Arlington and Baker Museum of Art. Charles has membership in multiple local organizations which support the Arts, the community and our environment.

Richard, a native Floridian  relocated to Naples in 2002 with several stops prior to “landing” in Naples. A Veteran who proudly served his county in the Army,  he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Design from University of Florida.  Feeling his education was not yet complete he continued his studies at Columbia University receiving his Masters in Fine Arts. He thrived during his 31 years at The Museum Of Modern Art where he retired as Director of Rights and Reproductions, Photographic Archives and Photographic Studios. When did his interest in art begin? Always. Richard began collecting fine art in the 60″s living his dream in NY the Mecca of the art world. One highlight was to curate an exhibition in Tbilisi, Georgia  which eventually made its way to the U.S. There is no shortage of stories around his illustrious career. Making the move to Naples was a planned destination after wintering here for years. The lush environment, desirable climate and cultural values were a perfect fit. His love of the arts prompted him to become active in the Patty and Jay Baker’s Museum, located at Artis – Naples.  He served as President of Friends of the Art Museum for several years, and also become involved in several philanthropic endeavors  and was masterful at fund raising. Donating works of art from his home gallery is very meaningful as it is a gift for others to enjoy. He has donated to Botanical Gardens, The Arlington and The Baker Museum of Art.