Page 36 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

SOMETHING FOR

by Laurel Meny
W ith season coming to a close here

in sunny Naples, the Naples Art
Association (NAA) still has a
few tricks up its sleeves for the
remaining time. With a delicious meal and a live
artist demonstration for adults and interactive
arts classes for kids, there truly is something for
everyone at the NAA!
On Tuesday, April 11, the wildly popular
Dinner with Artists series will conclude with the
dynamic duo of renowned chef, Cesar Fernandez,
and Naples’ beloved sculptor Joel Shapses at
Shula’s Steak House Naples.
Dinner with Artists pairs renowned artists
with executive chefs who collaborate on creating
and presenting original works of art and culinary
masterpieces – all in an intimate and engaging
setting. Each event includes a multi-course
gourmet meal and wine. And, each location brings
with it a unique and intimate ambiance that
provides an excellent backdrop for an event that
buzzes with creativity and artistic style.
Sculptor Joel Shapses’ work is prominently
displayed in private collections and public places
throughout North and South America. After he
retired from his dental practice in Fort Lauderdale,
Shapses set up shop in Naples and continued his
true passion – sculpting. His remarkable skill for
portraying balance and movement is expressed in
his abstract forms. The creative forces that give
vitality to his realistic pieces is seen throughout
his life forms. One recent piece that he was
really able to flex his sculpting muscles on (pun
intended), was a trophy that he was commissioned
to create for the winners of the International
Federation of Body Builders/National Physique
Committee competition that was held in Naples
this past August. The winners took home a

36 Life in Naples | April 2017