Galleries of Crayton Cove

Jim Hertz/Houses-Random Acts

Crayton Cove has been an area of commerce and recreational activities for many decades in Old Naples.

From its inception, the marine activity has been the “heartbeat” that has kept it going. Today, Crayton Cove has become a ”beehive of activity” in the Naples art world, with seven galleries currently calling this area their home.

The exciting thing for these artists and galleries is that it is the first time in Naples’ history that there are this number of artistowned studios and galleries in one concentration in the downtown area. The Galleries of Crayton Cove, a professional artist community, are all within a one-block walk, making them easily accessible to everyone visiting Naples.

The newest gallery in the area is Guess-Fisher Gallery: Nestled in the Cove, recently relocated from 5th Avenue South. It is now located in the Old Cove Building at 1187 8th St. S., #1 and represents six of our areas most respected artists, including Jan Ellen Atkielski, Phil Fisher, Natalie Guess, Lionel Heddy, Carol McArdle and Jerry Vallez, in a cozy spot that leads you into wanting to see more.

Atkielske-Everglades Sky

It has a fresh feel of new works continually gracing its walls, as the artists mostly paint “en plein air” and can even be found at the gallery, painting one of Crayton Cove’s quaint scenes that catches their eye. It’s not unusual to find one of the artists at the gallery offering the chance to chat with them in a relaxed environment, surrounded by enchanting works of art.

This personal involvement by each artist produces an energy that exudes from this “nest of creativity” and is something felt throughout this artist community.

Among the charming establishments in Crayton Cove, one of the galleries that catches attention in an animated way is “Random Acts of Art”, located at 761 12th Ave. S. This fine business also moved here recently from 5th Avenue South where they gained a wonderful reputation as a contemporary fine craft gallery that specializes in original hard-to-find art, all handmade in America.

Colorful houses and recycled metal fish cover the walls amidst fanciful fairies hanging from the ceilings. The gallery features cases full of unusual jewelry while the shelves are full of fun, functional pottery and beautiful blown glass. From funky to traditional, whimsical to practical, owner, Rani Richardson represents a number of award winning American artisans and craftsmen, creating a collection of enviable works.

A wonderful addition to our galleries is a working ceramic studio, Earth & Fire, in Crayton Cove since 1995, which is now located at 749 12th Ave. S. They offer the opportunity for some hands-on art action where anyone can make and or glaze a ceramic piece and take it home with them. The capable and talented instructors walk you through the process and help nurture an enjoyable experience.

They are known for their inventive ceramic parties for all ages where they have helped create memories such as tiny footprints, birthdays to remember, special events shared with special friends, and facilitated bursts of creative energy.

All of these things are part of the history of this little studio, nestled between the Gulf and the Bay.

These three are just a part of the professional artist community known as The Galleries of Crayton Cove. Along with Arsenault Gallery, Nora Butler Designs, Phil Fisher Gallery and Art Gallery Old Naples 2, they host an event on the Second Saturday of each month during season. From 6 until 9 pm, the public is invited to stroll the galleries and studios and view the artwork, while music from local performers fill the air to create an enjoyable experience for all whom attend. Conveniently, they are all within a one-block walk, intermittent among some of the finest restaurants in town.

When in the downtown area, this charming commercial niche should be on your itinerary of “what to see” in Naples.

Join us on December 14, at 12th Ave. S. & 8th St. S. Meet by the flagpole by the Bay.