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shop. Admission is free and opens the door to a greater
which she managed for the next 25 years.
Already an accomplished artist, Grace began painting local landscapes almost
immediately. Within a few months, in March 1950, an exhibition of 20 of her oils was
held at the original Naples Beach Hotel that was then closer to the pier and was the
center of Naples social life in the early days.
Meanwhile, two other newcomers to Naples with a similar passion for art were
about to find each other and begin a lifelong friendship. They were George Rogers
and Elsie Upham.
In 1954, George placed an ad in the Collier County News calling artists to a meeting showcases the talents of close to 300 local, national and
at the Naples Woman’s Club. Several artists responded, including Grace Lake. Within
a few months the trio had filed a petition to charter The Naples Art Association.Grace
Lake was named its first President. Over the next few years, each of these dynamic,
energetic and visionary trios served as President.
Back then, Naples Art membership was a little over 30 men and women.
Members met regularly and in 1956 began to exhibit their work in collective shows
at Grace Lake’s flower shop on Third Street South or sometimes on the grounds of
the old hotel.
In the 1950s, art instruction wasn’t available in Collier County Schools. So, from
the very beginning, in addition to exhibiting their own work, members volunteered
their time, energy and resources to encourage art in others and began an outreach
program that continues to this day. The first outdoor art shows, now known as Art in
the Park, was started to showcase original handmade artwork of member artist.
The twin foundations of art appreciation and art education had been laid. Upon
this solid base, one of the oldest cultural institutions in Naples began to take shape. scope for creativity.
MILESTONES SET THE STAGE FOR GROWTH
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
Life in Naples | January 2016
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!
MILESTONES SET THE
STAGE FOR GROWTH
In 1980, Naples Art Members and volunteers
organized the first Spring Art Show in Cambier Park. It
was a huge success. Now known as the Naples National
Art Festival and a must-see event on many Neapolitans
calendars today, the show is consistently voted among the
top ten art festivals in the country by attending artists.
Held each year in February, the Naples National
international artists working in a wide variety of media.
The event draws more than 20,000 visitors and
has a major economic impact for the downtown area
restaurants and merchants.
By 1983, Naples Art’s membership had swelled to over
700 members and the number of students attending classes
had passed 400.The Association was firing on all cylinders.
The National wasn’t the only event preoccupying
organizers. For several years during this decade Naples
Art hosted a number of Beaux Arts Balls. Usually held
in January, they had very inventive themes, and everyone
seemed to enjoy getting dressed up for the special
occasions. One theme was Circus, Circus, for example,
while another had a Japanese theme, giving plenty of
By the end of the decade, Naples Art was truly gaining
momentum. Membership was at an all-time high. Events
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