Naples Art unveils extraordinary opportunities for Season

Naples Art has kicked off the much anticipated 2019-2020 season infused with a bold renewal of their commitment to the Naples community and beloved artists. Declaring the renewal is a new logo, reflecting their refined name. Coming into focus on the commitment to their mission, Naples Art Association will now be known simply as Naples Art.

For over 65 years Naples Art has been the center of arts and culture in downtown Naples, a town square for the arts and a laboratory for creativity, innovation and expression. They provide the community with inspiration and opportunity, through production space and the amplification and exhibition of these creative voices to cultivate a lifelong appreciation of art. Another exciting addition to this season is the unveiling of the Naples Art Membership  Program. Beginning with the 2019-2020 season, Naples Art is launching a valuable membership program filled with unique and enriching opportunities for our community to support the Arts.

The program supports the significant and important work of the creative center, investing in the cultivation of creativity and appreciation of the arts. Membership levels begin at $25. Join Naples Art by securing your membership today at NaplesArt.org or call 239.262.6517 to learn more.

Yet another brand new, and one of the most exciting additions to this season’s line up is the Art Business Entrepreneur Academy. This completely unique two year program is designed specifically for high school students seeking a guided path into the visual arts. The economic impact of art and design exceeds that of sports worldwide. Creative jobs have increased from 10 percent to 30 percent of the United States economy. Florida ranks number seven in the country for revenue generated by creative industries, generating a whopping $4.68 Billion of economic activity and supporting over 132,000 full-time jobs.

The creative economy in Florida is vibrant and growing, presenting opportunities for artists of all types to live, work and thrive, for those who know how. Unfortunately, those who are passionate about creating rarely have the business acumen to succeed on their own. Naples Art has identified this significant and unmet need in Collier County.

Young adults in high school who are interested in the creative arts as a career path currently have little or no access to art related business classes and visual arts education. This unfortunate gap in education for creative young adults dissuades many from pursuing their passion and discourages them from entering this field, where it is shown to
have so much promise. To inspire more artists to develop their talents and incubate a cultural revolution in Collier County, Naples Art is spearheading this 24 month educational program to specifically meet these needs. This program will result in an informed,  motivated, and skilled group of young adults ready to move forward in their careers, converting their passion of being an artist into becoming a successful entrepreneur.

If you would like to support these future arts and culture leaders, please contact Executive Director, Aimee Schlehr
at aimee.schlehr@naplesart.org for information about sponsoring this ground-breaking program or their parallel Art Business Entrepreneur Program available for adults that is new this year as well. Naples Art has a fabulous lineup of shows and events in progress for the 2019-2020 season.

The longest running and most beloved among locals, Art in the Park has remained the monthly outdoor show showcasing the talents of local artists. Believed to be the first outdoor art show held in Naples in 1957, Art in the Park carries on the tradition of providing the community access to the very creative fine art and craftwork of artists. Naples Art is proud to host this juried art show held on the first Saturday of each month from November through April.

The second of three in the Dinner with Artists series occurs January 15th at the beautiful Venue Naples featuring local celebrity chef Brian Roland and brilliant abstract flowers collage artist Denise Cummings. Art feeds the creative soul and Dinner with Artists will delight your senses. Feast with your eyes and palate at this spectacular series
hosted by Naples Art. 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. Tickets are $130 per person or $250 per couple. Tickets available at naplesart.org

The grand finale of the Dinner with Artist series will be held April 7th at Venue Naples. Naples Art has joined forces once again with Collier County Public Schools to showcase two of Collier County’s many outstanding high school artists. A visual and culinary artist will be selected to present their talents at a night of inspiration and celebration. Proceeds from the evening’s cash call will be awarded to both students to help further their education in the culinary and visual arts. Students and mentors will be announced in January. Tickets on sale now and are available at naplesart.org

Major sponsors for Dinner with Artists include: eBella magazine, Florida Weekly, Dragon Horse Ad Agency, Happenings magazine, Spotlight magazine, 90.1 WGCU, Sunny 106, WAVV 101, 96.9 WINK-FM, FOX 92.5, Alexander’s Restaurant and Venue Naples.

Finally, kicking off the New Year will be our multiple award-winning outdoor show, the 24th Annual Naples New Year’s Art Show, featuring artists from across the United States and abroad January 4 – 5, 2020. Location 5th Ave. South. Hours: 10 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday Admission free but donations are accepted. For more information about any of the show, events, classes, workshops or exhibitions that Naples Art offers, visit NaplesArt.org.