Page 17 - Life in Naples November 2018

ARTScool scholarships, The Naples Art Association
provided $10,000 in A RICH HISTORY
tuition assistance, and
gave $30,000 in free art
1954 – 37 artists found the Naples Art Association.
classes - all in the last
year alone! 1980 – NAA members and volunteers host what is now
One such outreach known as the Naples National Art Show, which showcases
program through the work of 300 participating local and nationally-
the STARability recognized artists and their work to an audience of up to
Foundation, which 20,000 attendees each February in Cambier Park.
supports people with
1997 – The NAA begins hosting children’s fine arts
disabilities by providing life transforming opportunities that classes and free outreach programs for developmentally
emphasize teamwork, connection to the community to build
disabled students.
awareness, and respect for individual abilities. Beginning in 2016,
the NAA and STARability partnered to present “Shooting Beauty” 1998 – The Naples Art Association’s new 16,000-square-
a photography workshop and exhibition. foot, two story building is officially dedicated and open to
the public.
According to Karen Govern, STARability’s executive director,
“We were able to put cameras into the hands of 46 individuals, with
2000 – The Naples Art Association hosts its first ARTScool
a variety of challenges, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism,
program providing children ages five through 17-years-old
down syndrome and other challenges. Many had never had the with individual arts instruction with a side of academics
opportunity to take photos on their own. This workshop expanded during the summer months.
their vision of our community by taking photos. Our participants
have taken some stunning images. The reception that the NAA has 2016 – The organization officially unveils its new signage
recognizing the building as the Naples Art Association.
hosted for us putting the beautiful photos on display have made our
photographers feel like stars. They are so proud of their work and
2017 – The Naples Art Association hosts Naples’ first
hearing the public praise their efforts is priceless! This is one of our wearable art show – hailed as the “Fundraiser of the Year”
most popular programs we offer and we hope to continue to offer by Florida Weekly.
Shooting Beauty twice a year for many years to come.”
The NAA also provides a platform for artists to show their
work to a large audience
(over 80,000 people
viewed and purchased
art at exhibitions and
outdoor shows last year!)
and a place where the
community is given access
to local artwork.
“Having participated
in the Naples National
Art Show (NNAS) for
four years, I know the
benefits of a show of this caliber,” said artist Wesley Neal Rasko,
NNAS 2018 Best of Show winner. “Being chosen as Best of Show Naples and the local artists who have advanced their gift together
by a panel of respected judges gives me the confidence that my in informal settings whereby there is an intimate exchange of
work is appreciated and admired. There are so many benefits of sharing between the artist and the community.”
participating in one of the NAA’s outdoor art shows including the Ricki Baker echoes that same sentiment, “No matter how
marketing, stunning atmosphere, access to art collectors, and more. long you call Naples home - year ‘round, part of the year, or a
I would encourage any artist thinking of participating to take month’s escape from the cold - the Naples Art Association can,
the next step. And, for those in attendance, there is something so does, and will enrich your life. When we arrived in Naples, we
special about an outdoor art show.” were pretty smug about the sophistication and variety of the art
The NAA wouldn’t be the artist home that it is without its many where we come from. Happily, we have been thrilled and excited
dedicated volunteers. Volunteers are the heART and soul of the by everything we’ve seen and done at the NAA. The exhibits
Naples Art Association. Each year, hundreds of men and women and special events are sensational, the classes are engrossing
assist at outdoor shows, exhibitions, and even the front desk. and beautifully taught, and our involvement has been warmly
Linda Penniman, a longtime NAA volunteer said, “I love the welcomed. It’s clear that the professional staff are determined to
NAA because it supports our amazing local artists. Their classes grow, offer high-quality programs, and have an even bigger impact
are wonderful. They do a terrific job of bringing the citizens of on the economic well-being of this extraordinary community.”
Life in Naples | November 2018 17