The Arts in Downtown Naples

"I dream a lot. I do more painting when I'm not painting. It's in the subconscious."

~Andrew Wyeth

There are so many upcoming events on the calendar for the downtown Naples area, it's almost impossible to keep up with it all! One great site to log onto to get details of what is happening is The Naples Art website. Mark your calendar now for the 2011 Lecture Series schedule. Also, the entire Studio Art Classes and Workshops are also listed on this site! One of mt most favorite events will be held at The von Liebig Art Center is the Non-Juried All Artist Members Show of Shows Exhibit and Members' Gallery Opening Show of the Season! November 6th through November 27th.

The Naples Art Festival season is kicking off its 54th season, [no wonder Naples was named best small art town in the nation] on November 6th with ART IN THE PARK! This is held on Park Street from 10 am to 4 pm and will showcase the von Liebig's member artists! The Naples Fall Fine Art & Craft Festival will be held on November 27th & 28th [see, I told you there's a lot of upcoming events]!

Have a great day,

The Naples Art Blogger

Ordering One Happy Mail

One Happy Mail To Go Please!

I remember when I was a little girl and the JC Penny and Sears Christmas Catalogs arrived. I spent hours going through every page, over and over again...dog-earring page corners, circling items, paper clipping...dreaming, wishing...praying for the objects of my desire...toys, clothes, books, stationery, new sheets [yes, and I still love picking out a new set of sheets every year at Christmastime] Over the years my Christmas list has changed a bit....more practical gifts became the norm for most of my "middle" years...crock pot, car vacuum, calgone...Now it is more important to me to make Christmas special for my grandbabies...it is their dreams and wishes I want to see come true...BUT, [big but] something arrived in the mail yesterday...a catalog the likes of which usually gets thrown into the recycle bin before I ever get a chance to know that it ever made its way into our mailbox...I think somehow my husband knew, "Michele would probably like to browse through this catalog." He was right!

This is what I like to call "H a p p y Mail"!

It's the Blick Studio Holiday 2010 Gift Guide. Their slogan is "Artists Pick Blick"--The prices are extreeeeeemely competitive...and I've ordered from them before--the online instructions are simple...Click here to take a peek: DickBlick.com Or you can just call their toll free number: 800.828.4548.

This artist picks Blick, and I can't wait to dog-ear a few pages...Oooooo! They have a 'gifts for kids' section! I am going to enjoy this FOR SURE...dreaming, and wishing, and praying for objects of my desire...heading home now to have a happy mail...bye!

What's on your Christmas wish list?


The Naples Art Blogger

"Underground Art Wednesday"

Sprinkled about the industrial park in North Naples one would be surprised to find an eclectic mix of artists' studios and wonderful galleries...a haven for working artists tucked back in amongst the typical industrial metal buildings and drab commercial facades....
Most folks take that drive south on Airport Road, then west on Pine Ridge without ever giving a second thought to what treasures may be discovered on those streets with names like J & C Blvd., Shirley Street and Trade Center Way. For the 33+ years that I've lived in Naples, these streets have never conjured up more than an image of an electrical supply house or tile distributor...But somewhere along the way one artist became two, and two became three, and now there are no less than a couple dozen studios and galleries...this is the North Naples Art Alliance!


Sweet Art Gallery

Last Wednesday, October 6th, I had the pleasure of attending the first "Underground Art Wednesday" of the 2010-2011 season. I was told that this is their 4th year. This unique event occurs on the first Wednesday of every month from October thru April from 6-9 PM. Typically many of the studios in the North Naples Art Alliance participate. I began the evening at Sweet Art Gallery located at 2054 Trade Center Way. I was astounded at the caliber of art on display--there is no shortage of local talent in Naples. As an example, Sharon Erbe, whom I have long admired and whose work I enjoy so completely for the joy it evokes...the movement and color in her paintings is pure happiness. She is one of the proprietor's featured artists. DeDe Sweet was warm and gracious. She pointed out immediately upon our introduction, that 'Sweet' is her real name---and it fits her too a T! She is so passionate about her gallery and 'her' featured artists! I was especially struck by the work of one up and coming painter, Juan Diaz. I absolutely want him to be one of the very first local artist that I interview for this blog!

I invite all art lovers, decorators and designers to the next "Underground Art Wednesday" on November 3rd...and please look for the red pick-up truck in the parking lot because I'll be there!




Here are a few shots from inside Sweet Art Gallery!

Seeing Red!

Look around you...there are amazingly ordinary beautiful things in ALL shades of  red for your eyes to behold! These photos were taken while looking up at a canvas cover at a sidewalk cafe'. When was the last time you "saw red" and it felt this good?

Tell me, what do YOU see in these pictures?