FUNCTIONS FOR THE LOVE OF ART – THE NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION

E GEORGE ROGERS IN HIS STUDIO

One of the founding members of The Naples Art Association, E. George Rogers, was fond of saying “Educators cannot by a blessing inject knowledge into their pupils, but rather by stimulation draw out what is inside.” Similarly, The Naples Art Association (NAA) does not seek to inject a love of art into a person or a community, but rather seeks to provide the opportunity to experience visual art in a meaningful and personal way to every member of our community.

Art impacts every aspect of our lives, from ergonomics and quality of life to economics and innovation. One significant basis for our ability to think critically is directly fostered by practice engaging with creative and artistic materials and thinking deeply, analyzing the motivations, impacts and technical requirements of that work.

Art requires consideration to the cultural context that birthed the art. Some art can seem confusing or unoriginal at first glance, but in context shows a brilliance so severe it is able to challenge the status quo. Think about the minimalist work of Yves Klein, the perplexing reinvention of art through Dadaism, and the apparently superficiality of pop-art. Yet, every significant visual arts movement, no matter how radical or ridiculous, goes on to make lasting impact on our society by upsetting our cultural preconceptions. Everything shifts, from ergonomics and quality of life to economics and innovation.

JOHN SIMMS – HOPE & DREAMS II

The Naples Art Association has a long history of working to create unique artistic experiences for the love of art. Sixty years ago, when the population of Naples was approximately 1500, three artistic people who were thinkers and leaders in our community came together for the purpose of creating more art. Naples was on the verge of a minor cultural revolution. Art was shared at coffee shops, in backyards, and at plein air painting sessions. The Naples Players just began. The Naples Garden Club was about to launch. A sleepy fishing village was sticking its toes in the waters of culture and the water felt warm. Three years later, in 1957, the population would reach over 12,000 people. A few drops of culture, it seemed, was just what the Naples community needed.

Today, Naples is again booming, earning accolades for best employment growth, best beaches, fastest growth, best vacation destination and more. For years, Naples was thought of as a retirement destination first and foremost. People said nothing happens here.

RICHARD SEGALMAN – DANCER

Local teenagers grew up dreaming of the days when they could hit the road and move to a place where the stores are open past nine. Today, art and culture is changing that. Naples is booming economically, and Naples is also booming through the culinary arts, a robust music scene, world-class performing arts and an explosion of creativity via an ever more exciting visual arts scene. At the center of it all is The Naples Art Association. For over sixty years, NAA has been doggedly committed to the visual arts. Their understanding of the immense influence of visual arts to impact each of us and our community continues to drive them to provide exciting, engaging, and expanding visual arts opportunities to everyone.

The Naples Art Association is a respected and award-winning non-profit organization committed to championing education, interest, and involvement in the visual arts in Southwest Florida. Its 2015-2016 season is bursting with inspiring, real opportunities to get involved including 14 exhibitions, three weekend long outdoor art shows in downtown Naples, five Art in the Park art shows, four Dinners with Artists, For the Love of Art: NAA’s Annual Art Celebration Fundraiser, Goddess Night, over 100 classes and workshops, ARTScool summer art program for kids, and a myriad of collaborative outreach programs.

FACING THE POSSIBILITIES

SHELLEY LAKE
PATRIC PALKENS, ORLANDO BALLET

Art in the Park begins its 58th season on Saturday, November 7th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Throughout the season, Art in the Park provides the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while you shop for unique art by local artists. Stroll down Park Street and enjoy the oldest outdoor art festival in Naples.

Then on November 12th, join your artistic community for a very special preview reception of three fantastic exhibitions: Selfies/All Media, Members’ Gallery: Face the Possibilities and Call Up the Figure. November 12th is also a unique opportunity to preview and get first selection at NAA’s Sugar Plum Shop. The Naples Art Association’s gift shop, Originals, will expand its inventory and present a great selection of hand-made in the US, unique and gorgeous holiday gifts: everything from ornaments to jewelry and more. The Sugar Plum shop will be open during gallery hours from November 13th through January 2nd. Call Up the Figure features a wide range of artistic approaches and styles depicting the human figure. Representing the human figure is a mainstay of art in the Western World and a long held Naples Art Association tradition.

Exhibiting artists include José María Castillo, Rainer Lagemann, Reynier Llanes, Richard Segalman, Shelley Lake and John Wesley Simms, Jr. Face the Possibilities calls on artistis to expand their horizons and body of work by embracing their artistic potential and discovering new media, techniques and subject matter. And, Selfies/All-Media is a themed-juried exhibition of work by NAA Members that plays on the current obsession with self-portraits and our use of them for communicating our whereabouts, emotions and social status.

INTRODUCTIONS AND EDUCATIONS

With over 100 classes and workshops offered throughout the season, The Naples Art Association continues to be a leader in art education and professional development. New offerings this year broaden the appeal and variety of classes offered. The brochure for the 2015-16 season is available online at NaplesArt.org.

Taking a class is a fantastic way to meet and socialize with other like-minded individuals. The professional instructors, high-quality supplies and beautiful location make classes and workshops at the von Liebig Art Center a highly rewarding experience. This year, an expanded roster of three hour “Just for Fun” workshops allows each of us and our busy lifestyles a brief respite through creative self-expression. On November 4th, join artist and instructor Jane Mjolsness for a workshop on creating a mosaic planter. On November 12th, artist and instructor Anne Chaddock guides one of her ever-popular Wine & Dezine evenings. Have fun and walk away with a wall worthy masterpiece.

For kids, NAA offers two Holiday Youth Art Programs on November 23-25th and December 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, & 30th, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Holiday Youth Art Program features accredited art instructors who guide your child through fun and engaging educational art experiences.

Class sizes are small in order to provide your child with individual attention. NAA Holiday Youth Art Program students have a great time creating artistic projects that they can take pride in.

DINNER WITH ARTISTS

JUAN DIAZ PHOTO CREDIT: MICHELLE REED

Art feeds the creative soul and Dinner with Artists, sponsored by PNC Wealth Management, will delight your senses. Feast with your eyes and palate at this spectacular series hosted by the Naples Art Association.

Join renowned artists paired with executive chefs who collaborate on creating and presenting original works of art and culinary masterpieces.

Dinner with Artists is an interactive artistic experience in an intimate and engaging setting. Each event includes a multi-course gourmet meal
and wine.

This year’s Dinner with Artists series is comprised of four evenings held in two locations: the elegant Veranda E at The Escalante and right here at our beautiful von Liebig Art Center. Each location brings with it unique and intimate ambiances that provide excellent backdrops for an event that buzzes with creativity and artistic style.

On December 1st, starting at 5:30 p.m., The Naples Art Association at the von Liebig Art Center will transform into a five star restaurant and serve up the richly narrative and transforming works of Juan Diaz combined with the world-class talents of Chef Brian Roland. He considers himself an artist whose medium is food.

Juan Diaz’s work has been included in important exhibitions at The Baker Museum. The Naples Depot Museum and Florida Gulf Coast University, as well as the Alliance for the Arts. His light performance art series has been treasured by the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida, The Naples Art Association at the von Liebig Art Center, The Sidney & Berne Davies Art Center and the Naples Film Festival.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, The Naples Art Association will host a magical art extravaganza like no other at the von Liebig Art Center – For the Love of Art. A night to celebrate the arts! On February 13th, beginning at 6 p.m., attendees to the event will call upon the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water to herald forth another era of creative magnificence.

We are all tired of galas, although we are committed to supporting the nonprofits who represent our core values and important passions.

Endless single choice dinners served in staid country club halls dressed in black-tie formality have held us all captive one too many times. For that reason, The Naples Art Association partnered with Artistic Science to call upon the power of the elements to bring forth a new technique in nonprofit fundraising – we like to think of our For the Love of Art Celebration as an ultimate artistic party, a sort of anti-gala.

BEING A MEMBER

With so many activities presented by The Naples Art Association, it is easy to see the personal benefits to getting involved. Becoming a member, volunteering, or attending events are all fine ways to get more involved with art and become engaged with other people who enjoy creativity. Thanks to the fact that The Naples Art Association is a non-profit organization, many of the activities are offered free or at a significant discount to the cost of producing them. However, the greatest benefit to membership is being a part of a group of creative people who have joined together for the purpose of making a significant, creative and positive impact in Southwest Florida.

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!