Naples has been called “the best small art town in America.”
A brief stroll around town reveals that the visual arts play a central role in the Naples community. Galleries abound, inviting those seeking fine art pieces for their homes and browsers alike. Additionally, open gallery spaces provide top notch opportunities for Naples residents and visitors to explore a wide variety of art experiences.
Where to begin exploring Naples’ gallery scene?
Try the First Wednesday “Art Alive” gallery/studio open house sponsored by the Naples Art Alliance, and make an evening of it! Over 26 studios and galleries, representing over 80 artists open their doors from 5-8 pm the first Wednesday of the month. See artists at work and enjoy a wide variety of artistic styles and media. Art Alive is located along Artisan’s Plaza, off Shirley Street (north off Pine Ridge) in North Naples.
Another evening option is Art After Dark at Crayton Cove on Feb. 8. Seven galleries will participate in evening open houses and demonstrations - but don’t be limited by this one special date. Crayton Cove (8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S.) is a beautiful enclave of shops and galleries, anchored by the Naples City Dock. Enjoy a margarita at The Dock, or French food at Bleu Provence to top off your own gallery crawl.
A bit north of Naples, but well worth a mention, is Yoko Ono Imagine Peace, a unique interactive art display at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery on the campus of Edison College in Fort Myers. This display is open through March 29, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a Yoko Ono art installation.
For the second year, The Mercato will host Peter Max: A Retrospective 1950-2013. You can stroll through this road show gallery at your leisure during regular business hours at The Mercato or join in one of the receptions, scheduled for Feb. 15 and 16. I had the chance to visit the first Peter Max exhibit last year and was thrilled to see the variety of pieces large and small, especially his “Angel” themed pieces.
Don’t forget the Baker Museum at Artis Naples on Pelican Bay Blvd. The museum maintains numerous galleries with special exhibitions throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Enjoy the gift shop and courtyard, and take advantage of free admission during Art After Hours starting at 6 pm the last Wednesday of each month. Current exhibits include Florida Contemporary, Connected and Disconnected - the Sculpture of Hanneke Beaumont, and Rediscovering Egypt.
The Von Leibig Art Center features ongoing displays year round. Currently, the Center features a display entitled “Diamonds: The Naples Art Association Collection,” celebration the Association’s 60th anniversary. Admission is free and the location couldn’t be better - a block south of Fifth Avenue, adjacent to Cambier Park.
Finally, enjoy browsing some of the fine art galleries around town. On Fifth Avenue South, stop in at Sheldon Fine Art and enjoy paintings and sculpture pieces, including works by a featured artist. DeBruyne Fine Art Gallery on Broad St. schedules special showings as well as its regular inventory of contemporary and antique pieces. And for a bit more whimsy, check out Gallery One, also on Fifth Avenue South.
Whether you are an art connoisseur or simply “know what you like,” the varied gallery scene in Naples will have something to catch your eye and enrich your spirit!
