Page 32 - Life In Naples Magazine - November 2015

NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION

THE NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION

FUNCTIONS FOR THE LOVE OF ART
O ne of the founding members of The Naples Art Association,
E. George Rogers, was fond of saying “Educators cannot E GEORGE ROGERS IN HIS STUDIO
by a blessing inject knowledge into their pupils, but rather
by stimulation draw out what is inside.” Similarly, The Naples The Naples Art Association is a respected and award-winning
Art Association (NAA) does not seek to inject a love of art into a non-profit organization committed to championing education,
person or a community, but rather seeks to provide the opportunity interest, and involvement in the visual arts in Southwest Florida. Its
to experience visual art in a meaningful and personal way to every 2015-2016 season is bursting with inspiring, real opportunities to
member of our community. get involved including 14 exhibitions, three weekend long outdoor
art shows in downtown Naples, five Art in the Park art shows,
Art impacts every aspect of our lives, from ergonomics and quality four Dinners with Artists, For the Love of Art: NAA’s Annual
of life to economics and innovation. One significant basis for our Art Celebration Fundraiser, Goddess Night, over 100 classes and
ability to think critically is directly fostered by practice engaging workshops, ARTScool summer art program for kids, and a myriad of
with creative and artistic materials and thinking deeply, analyzing collaborative outreach programs.
the motivations, impacts and technical requirements of that work.
Art requires consideration to the cultural context that birthed the FACING THE POSSIBILITIES
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 Art in the Park begins its 58th season on Saturday, November
quo. Think about the minimalist work of Yves Klein, the perplexing 7th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.Throughout the season, Art in the Park
reinvention of art through Dadaism, and the apparently superficiality provides the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful
of pop-art. Yet, every significant visual arts movement, no matter how Florida weather while you shop for unique art by local artists. Stroll
radical or ridiculous, goes on to make lasting impact on our society down Park Street and enjoy the oldest outdoor art festival in Naples.
by upsetting our cultural preconceptions. Everything shifts, from
ergonomics and quality of life to economics and innovation. Then on November 12th, join your artistic community for a very
special preview reception of three fantastic exhibitions: Selfies/All
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.
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.

32 Life in Naples | November 2015