Greater Naples Leadership Masters Class XXIII
Cultural Arts Day November 14, 2018
ENGAGE WITH THE ARTS
Session Day Materials - Contents
A. Goals & Objectives
B. Agenda
C. Biographies
D. Volunteer Opportunities
E. Locations & Directions
(Please click on a heading to be directed to that section in the document.)
Dress Code: Business casual for comfort in air-conditioned rooms and for walking
Venues : 1st Venue: Naples Art Association, 585 Park Street
2nd Venue: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.
Session Leaders: Jayne Bennett, Beth Grossman, Pat Mullin, Julie Wade Engage with the Arts
A. Goals
• To provide GNL Master Class participants with practical ideas and inspiration to engage with the arts as a participant, a volunteer, and/or as a patron • To expose the Class to the breadth of Naples’ visual and performing cultural arts offerings and their importance to the community • To reinforce the possibilities for connecting with the arts in ways they hadn’t previously considered
Objectives
• To present a sampling of local artists, arts organizations, & venues • To share more about the plethora of opportunities available for engagement • To provide information about the wealth of volunteer opportunities in the cultural arts arena
B. Cultural Arts Day Agenda
8:15 Gather at the Naples Art Association, Watson Gallery, 585 Park St. Park in garage at 735 Eighth St. South, across from Cambier Park. Coffee & snacks provided. (See section E for address & directions.)
8:30 Welcome & Introduction Bill Hogan, Class Chair
8:35 Introduction of Cultural Arts Day Team & Overview of the Day Julie Wade
Engage with the Visual Arts
8:40 Art in Public Places, Group Interactive Exercise Beth Grossman
8:55 Panel Discussion
• Moderator: Julie Wade • Aimee Schlehr, Executive Director, Naples Art Association • Cynthia Adams, President, Naples Art District • Laura Burns, Executive Director, United Arts Council of Collier County
9:20 Q & A with volunteer/participation opportunities highlighted
9:35 Discussion of Art Exhibit of instructors’ work in Watson Gallery by Aimee
9:45 Comfort Break
Return to Watson Gallery for personal belongings. The Masters Class will break into 4 groups to visit 4 distinct studios in the Naples Art Association and observe artists & their work. These artists will explain & demonstrate their individual approaches to artistic projects.
The Visual Arts Come Alive
10:00 Introduction to Studio Artists and Studio Tours Beth Grossman
• Dennis Goodman – Photography • Jim Rice – Pottery • Micki Ravitz – Jewelry • Paul Arsenault - Oil Painting
11:30 Comfort Break Drive to Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard. Meet in the Board Room on the 3rd floor of the John Kohan Administration Building on the east side of the Artis-Naples campus. (See section E for address & directions.)
Engage with the Performing Arts – 1
12:00 Lunch in the Boardroom: Hosted by Artis-Naples
12:10 Introduction to Kathleen Van Bergen and Artis team Pat Mullin
12:15 Kathleen van Bergen, CEO & President, Artis-Naples: Remarks & Introduction of her Executive Team
• David Filner, Vice President, Artistic Operations • Ashley Mirakian, Vice President, Marketing & Patron Engagement • Frank Verpoorten, Director & Chief Curator, the Baker Museum
12:45 Q & A
1:00 Introduction to Docent-Led Tours Jayne Bennett Divide into 4 groups before comfort break
1:05 Comfort Break
1:15 Assemble in the main lobby of Hayes Hall; break into 4 groups. Docents will lead groups through the Sculptures on the lawn and Hayes Hall galleries. 1:55 Groups will return to the Boardroom.
Engage with the Performing Arts - 2
2:00 Introduction: Engaging with Drama in Collier County Julie Wade Panel Discussion on Theater Arts Pat Mullin moderator
• Kristen Coury, Founder & Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse • Mark Danni, Founder & Artistic Director, TheatreZone • Bryce Alexander, Managing Artistic Director, The Naples Players
2:35 Q & A
2:55 Comfort Break & Snacks, walk down to Daniels Pavilion
The Performing Arts Come Alive
3:10 Introduction: How we can experience live performances as participants, patrons, and volunteers Jayne Bennett
Live Performances
• Emcee: Jane Bennett • Music Scores: Judy Evans, Founder, with her Pre-K violinists • FGCU: Student actors perform number from Urinetown • Irina Fedosova & Strahinja Lackovic, Anastasiia Baikova & Andriy Panasenko, instructors and dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Cultural Arts Day Finale
4:05 Wrap-up and Conclusion: How the many Cultural Arts offerings in Naples provide a wide variety of ways to become engaged with the Arts. Evaluations Julie Wade
4:10 Closing Remarks Bill Hogan
(Back to Table of Contents) C. Biographies
Engage with the Visual Arts
Aimee Schlehr Executive Director, Naples Art Association A fifth generation Floridian and true arts enthusiast, there is no one more dedicated to promoting the arts and artists of Naples than Aimee Schlehr, executive director of The Naples Art Association (NAA).
What started as a part-time consulting job handling the NAA’s accounting, soon blossomed into Schlehr’s true passion. After just a few months, Schlehr was offered full time employment as the organization’s chief financial officer, where she focused her attention on strengthening the NAA’s financial foundation. Recognizing her strong leadership skills and dedication, the NAA’s board of directors quickly promoted her to COO, where she excelled in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a successful art center, planning future programming, and serving as an ambassador to the Naples community. With this in mind, the NAA board officially endorsed Schlehr for her current position in 2012.
Since then, she has served as the chief representative and spokesperson for the organization where she engages the area business and community leaders to encourage investment and interest in The Naples Art Association. In addition, she continues to oversee the organization’s financial management and guide the staff and volunteers toward the continual growth of The Naples Art Association. Her vision for the organization remains the same as the day she started: to strengthen the NAA’s roots in the community; to continue supporting and promoting artists; and to inspire new audiences to discover and create art.
Schlehr has been the recipient of several awards, including the 2015 Stars in the Arts Award. She is a 2012 Leadership Collier graduate; a 2012 National Association of Professional Women of the Year; and a 2012 Florida Weekly Power Woman. Schlehr serves as marketing committee chairperson and public art co-chair for the 5th Avenue South Business Improvement District; and is on the Public Art Advisory Committee for the City of Naples. Schlehr has served on the boards for Immokalee Housing and Family Services, Seminole Club of Naples, and the FSU Family Connection. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University and owned her own catering business for 15 years on Florida’s east coast. In her spare time, Schlehr loves travelling, cooking, keeping tabs on the FSU ‘Noles, and spending time with her family.
Cynthia Adams President, Naples Art District Cynthia’s first foray into the arts as a career started in 1995 when she left the corporate scene to start painting children's murals in Atlanta. At the beginning of 1997, she and her husband, Steve, moved to Naples seeking a nicer climate and he secured a job with Allen Systems (now ASG Technologies). Cynthia began working with interior designers, doing faux finishes and mural work. Within a year, she was so busy, (with Steve was helping every weekend) that he quit his job and they have been self-employed, in the arts, ever since!
Their faux finishing business was called 'It's Faux Real, Inc.' and they enjoyed a long, successful run working with the top builders and interior design firms in Naples and special projects around the country. Eventually, a stronger creative desire surfaced - they wanted to create art for themselves rather than art based on someone else's vision. Gradually, they gradually transitioned from decorative to fine arts, with a specific emphasis on contemporary abstract. They bought a commercial gallery and studio space on Shirley Street in 2002 and continue to operate from here for production and exhibition.
They are part of the original group that formed Underground Wednesday (an art 'walk') 11 years ago, which is thriving today with a membership of approximately 45 studios and galleries and over 100 artists who are represented here. Cynthia has recently become president of the Naples Art District and looks forward to another great season with increased membership and exposure.
In addition to painting and serving on the board, the couple travels and exhibits throughout Florida, trips to the Washington, D.C. area to participate in key art festivals. Cynthia teaches at the Naples Senior Center through the United Arts Council, and the couple typically hosts Summer workshops for the girls from PACE.
She and Steve have also assumed responsibility for the "Shooting Beauty" program, developed by producer and photographer Courtney Bent who brought this program to The Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled (FDD Naples). The program included two days in the field photographing with Naples special- needs adults. Then followed a week of editing, printing, and framing, as well as a reception and exhibition at the Von Liebig. This program is run in conjunction with the Naples Art Association.
Laura Burns Executive Director, United Arts Council of Collier County Laura has been passionate about the arts for her entire life. With a fine arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and as a certified decorative finisher, she was afforded the opportunity to work with some of the most elite agencies and patrons in Ohio before pursuing her master’s degree in Arts Administration and Non-Profit Management.
This passion has driven Laura to become an advocate. The real catalyst for her was in 2007, when she helped found the Hattie Larlham Creative Arts Program, based in Manuta, Ohio, a program is dedicated to freedom of expression for individuals with severe and profound disabilities.
She spent three years working in New Zealand as the Director of regional arts development for Creative Northland, Chairwoman for New Zealand's oldest youth theatre and a Director of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, contributing directly to arts and cultural development for the region, before relocating to Naples in June of 2016.
With the strong belief the arts act as a platform for dialogue through freedom of expression, she is excited to be here in Collier County, serving as the Executive Director of the United Arts Council since September of 2016, whose mission is to “Enrich lives and strengthen our community through the power of the arts.”
Studio Artists – the Visual Arts come Alive
Paul Rudolph Arsenault Painter A native of Montreal, Paul Arsenault grew up in Hingham, Mass., where his love for the sea and travel emerged. Following his graduation from the Art Institute of Boston in 1973, he began a 6-month stint as a deckhand on a research vessel. He signed off in Florida in 1974, and began his professional painting career. With Naples as his base, he has embarked on painting trips to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, and Europe. His heartfelt connection to the Hawaiian Islands, which began in 1984, has resulted in a commitment to reside and work in Hana on Maui for up to 6 months of the year.
Paul’s early exposure to and knowledge of working ports and exotic harbors, along with his talent for immediately zeroing in on the essence of a place, have made him a popular choice for commissions requiring extensive yet efficient travel. Paintings from his travels hang in public places and in private and corporate collections around the world. To great acclaim, he has recently painted and installed a 72-foot mural at the Naples Yacht Club.
Along with travel, annual fundraising shows in Naples and Nantucket have been a hallmark of his career, and since 1980, these have benefited a variety of non-profit organizations devoted to health, environmental protection, and historic preservation.
Paul’s vibrant and widely collected paintings reflect a rhythm and pattern that distinguish his easily recognizable style. His lifelong pursuit to paint contemporary life in coastal communities is enhanced by his passion for history and his natural storytelling ability.
Arsenault’s paintings are available at his gallery at 1199 Third St. South in Naples.
His work is also shown at the South Street Gallery in Hingham, MA; the Hana Coast Gallery, Hana, HI; the Blue Harbour Gallery, Nantucket, MA; and 1020 Art in Tallahassee, FL.
Dennis Goodman Photographer Nature's beauty is the source of my strength and inspiration. Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, I learned to love the miracle of the nature that surrounded me. In 1985 when I moved to Naples, Florida, I realized that the unique beauty here spoke to me in a way I had never before experienced. I developed a great passion to preserve my vision of the landscape and wildlife of God's amazing creations through photography. And so my journey began. I got married, started a family and a few businesses along the way. Nevertheless, my camera was always close at hand. When I had the time, I went in search of secret places and uncommon perspectives. I found ways to incorporate my love of photography into my everyday life. As I shared these images with friends and family, I often heard, "Why aren't you sharing these with more people?" After a while, I thought, "Why aren't I?" Drawing on my own, personal inspiration and the loving support of my wife and family, I took a leap of faith and pursued my passion by opening a gallery. I devoted myself to photography. Since then, I've learned what it means to work and grow within my true calling. Most of my work is focused on the Florida Everglades. The connection I feel for our land and its inhabitants is indescribable. It's a spiritual expedition that includes the endless vistas populated by birds, alligators, snakes, diverse foliage and so much more. There is no better reward than searching for-and sometimes finding-that perfect moment and capturing it in a photograph. Sharing these images with others provides even greater inspiration as I share the stories I see unfolding right in front of me. I hope that my photography helps people realize how important it is to observe and protect the natural world around us. I look forward to the stories of the Everglades to continue to be told for generations to come.
Micki Ravitz Jewelry Maker Micki began her career as an artist after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis where she studied art. She studied oils in Chicago with Joseph Teresi and taught art in the Highland Park school system. After considerable experience in oils and watercolors, she branched out into the creation of porcelain jewelry.
She has a line of her own signature jewelry that is sold at craft shows and in specialty stores throughout the nation. In her Naples studio, she has created a unique line of jewelry fashioned from clay, gems, minerals, and antique beading. It is designed to enhance a woman’s own hair, eye and skin colors.
According to Micki, “My inspiration comes from nature. Our universe has beauty that no artist can duplicate. Our designs echo the shapes and lyricism of the world around us and are combined with gems, minerals and fossils. I visit dealers from all continents, from obscure mines in far off places and find stones that accent the designs. I also love to include antique beads, chains and cording. Each piece is a unique mix of these elements assembled by hand.
One of my cardinal beliefs is that jewelry should make its wearer shine, that it should complement and enhance a woman’s most exquisite natural jewelry: her eye, hair color and skin tones, which are usually the soft and subtle colors of nature. I am most excited when I can make a difference in the way a woman sees herself as a result of adding my jewelry to her wardrobe. There is magic in discovering the special piece for each woman, that is unlike other jewelry she finds in a store”.
Her jewelry line includes necklaces, earrings, pins and bracelets. All are available at select stores and shows.
Jim Rice Ceramic Artist Jim has been very successful in establishing The Clay Place, the first professional pottery operation in Naples in 1973. He received his technical training at the Ohio State University, has taught in Colorado, Maine, and Florida, then moved to Naples to pursue his career.
He has created environmental ceramic pieces including fireplaces, wall murals, pool tiles, fountains, animals, and planters. His repertoire of functional works includes place settings of dishes, serving bowls, and decorative pieces highlighted by his lively fish platters. His custom work and commissions are installed in private homes and public buildings throughout the country.
Jim has converted his craft into a fine art and his works reflect confidence, vigor, and the joy of living.
Engage with the Performing Arts - 1
Kathleen van Bergen CEO and President, John and Joanne Fisher Chair, Artis-Naples Since 2011, Artis—Naples’ CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen has charted a dynamic artistic path for the organization while simultaneously providing sure and steady financial and administrative oversight. During this time, she has established a reputation for making deeper and more relevant connections to the wider Southwest Florida community. In recognition of these efforts, Gulfshore Life magazine named her one of its 2012 Men & Women of the Year, suggesting that her title be expanded to include “collaborator- in-chief.”
A violinist by training, Kathleen has made music a central part of her life. She has revitalized the Naples Philharmonic, long recognized as one of the cornerstones of Southwest Florida’s arts community. In April 2013, she named internationally renowned conductor Andrey Boreyko as Music Director, his first American post. Under the leadership of Kathleen and Andrey, Artis—Naples continues to seek out connections between visual and performing arts to deepen the patron relationship through multiple disciplines. This mission was broadened in 2017 with the addition of the Naples International Film Festival.
The 2017-18 season finds the organization exploring the themes of Evolution|Revolution and Languages of Art through many genres including concerts, exhibitions, film and lectures. The Naples Philharmonic performs with acclaimed visiting artists including Yefim Bronfman, Midori, Audra McDonald and James Ehnes. The Baker Museum hosts masterpieces of French Modernism from The Brooklyn Museum and curates an exploration of Word Art. Artis—Naples continues to enjoy collaborations with a variety of partners, from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to Miami City Ballet, broadening the artistic experiences for its patrons. In a recent appraisal, The Wall Street Journal said the arts in Southwest Florida have entered “an impressive new phase” thanks to Kathleen’s vision. Prior to joining Artis—Naples, Kathleen held several key positions, including artistic and executive director at the acclaimed Schubert Club in St. Paul, Minnesota; vice president of artistic planning for The Philadelphia Orchestra; and vice president and director of artistic administration for the St. Louis Symphony. Kathleen has served on the boards of the American Composers Forum, the Rose Ensemble, Exhibits Development Group and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. She holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music and completed the Tuck Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business.
David Filner Executive Vice President, Artistic Operations Artis—Naples As Executive Vice President, Artistic Operations at Artis—Naples, David Filner oversees all Naples Philharmonic, Broadway, headliner, and presentation implementation and programming as well as all education initiatives including the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Youth Symphonia, Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Youth Chorale.
Mr. Filner began his career in the arts as a musician, performing as principal viola of New World (Miami) and Knoxville Symphonies, and as assistant principal viola of the Alabama and Charlotte Symphonies. As a chamber musician, he won prizes at the Coleman and Fischoff Chamber Music National Competitions with the Basmati String Quartet.
In 2002, Mr. Filner turned his attention to arts management and became Director of the Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop, a summer festival in Northern California for high-school- age music students. In 2005, he was appointed Director of Education and Community Engagement for the San Antonio Symphony and was promoted two years later to the position of Vice President and General Manager. In 2011, he was named a Fellow in the League of American Orchestras Orchestra Management Fellowship Program. During this fellowship, he worked at the Aspen Music Festival and School, as well as the San Francisco Symphony. He was named Interim President and CEO of the San Antonio Symphony in 2012.
Mr. Filner holds a master’s degree in viola performance from Rice University and bachelor’s degrees in English and viola performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory. He is the recipient of a Professional Certificate in Fundraising from the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and participated in the American Express Leadership Academy.
Ashley Mirakian Vice President, Marketing and Patron Engagement Artis—Naples Ashley Mirakian is Artis—Naples’ Vice President of Marketing and Patron Engagement. Mirakian oversees a team of marketers, patron services representatives and communications specialists. She is responsible for $17 million in ticketed revenue and 250,000 performance seats sold every year. In her three years with the organization, the thriving visual and performing arts nonprofit has seen record-breaking ticket sales and growth in its subscription base.
Ashley sees the role of her team as being the voice of the audience inside the organization and connecting audiences to up-close and personal experiences with art. She is especially focused on supporting the connections Artis—Naples has to the community it serves, and developing audiences for a bright cultural future in Collier County.
Mirakian has more than a decade of branding, marketing, public relations, customer service and audience development experience. She was previously Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Toledo Symphony (TSO) for six successful seasons executing a communications and branding plan leading to a triumphant Carnegie Hall debut for the TSO in 2011 hailed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the The New Yorker among others. She was also active in programming for the symphony’s Pops Series, and substantially increased single ticket and subscription revenue for the series through arena- style event marketing and dynamic pricing.
As a consultant, Mirakian successfully led the Toledo Opera through a significant re-branding and re- introduction process to the Toledo region. With her assistance, the opera has enjoyed sold out houses and a revitalized image. Prior to her appointments in Toledo, Ashley led the marketing and public relations departments of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Norfolk, VA and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in suburban Chicago. She has also held administrative positions with the Brevard Music Center (North Carolina), the Bloomington Area Arts Council (Indiana), and the New Haven Arts Council in Connecticut.
Her favorite memories of her time in Naples include the Florida debut of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the announcement of Hamilton in 2020, and Artis—Naples’ offer of over 5,000 free tickets to the community in the month following Hurricane Irma.
An Illinois native, Ashley's roots are as a musician and musicologist. She is a bassoonist, having performed with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Indiana University Opera Theatre and Yale Symphony Orchestra, among others. She lives in North Naples with her husband and two active little kids.
Ashley's academic background is in music performance and musicology. She is a bassoonist, having performed with the University of Toledo Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, IU Opera Theatre, IU Graduate Wind Quintet and Yale Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Frank Verpoorten Director and Chief Curator Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum Now in his 7th exhibition season at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum, Director and Chief Curator Frank Verpoorten has more than 18 years of experience at cultural institutions and museums in Brussels, Belgium, New York City, and Southwest Florida. He has curated and organized over 100 exhibitions on modern and contemporary art, most notably among them Surrealism in Belgium: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (2014), The Duchamp Family of Artists (2014), Museum to Scale 1/7 (2015), and Robert Indiana: Now and Then (2017).
Originally from Brussels, Mr. Verpoorten moved to New York City in 2000, where he served in curatorial and directorial roles at the Dahesh Museum of Art, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, the Museum of Modern Art and, previously, as Cultural Attaché for the Representation of the Government of Flanders (Belgium) in the U.S.
Mr. Verpoorten attended the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium, earning dual master’s degrees in art history and cultural studies. He held research and curatorial positions at the Museum for Musical Instruments and the Royal Museum for Fine Arts in Brussels before moving permanently to New York in 2000. Mr. Verpoorten is fluent in Dutch and French and also speaks advanced German and Spanish.
Joining The Baker Museum in December of 2012, Mr. Verpoorten relocated to Naples with his wife, Rachel, an artist, and their two sons, Elliot and Morgan.
Engage with the Performing Arts - 2
Kristen Coury Founder, Producing Artistic Director, and CEO of Gulfshore Playhouse Kristen Coury founded the Playhouse in 2004, after she moved to Naples from New York City, where she lead the Playhouse from its humble beginnings to a staff of 41, an annual budget of $4.2M annually with no debt, and plans in place to create a state-of-the-art Theatre and Education Center at the gateway to downtown Naples. While in New York, she worked on Broadway for Walt Disney Theatrical's production of Beauty and the Beast, and for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company,The Really Useful Group, working on Sunset Boulevard and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She has directed many of the Playhouse productions to date, of which her favorites include: My Fair Lady, The Merchant of Venice, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, The Price, and the World Premiere of The God Game. Kristen made her feature film directorial debut with Friends and Family, a comedy starring Tony Lo Bianco, Anna Maria Alberghetti, and Tovah Feldshuh, which was released around the US and Europe. Kristen has directed several new works, produced a CD, and worked on a variety of musicals in various stages of development.
Kristen proudly serves as a board member of the Theatre Communications Group, the national service organization for the professional, not-for-profit American Theatre. She is also a frequent investor in Broadway productions, most recently the Tony Award-winning revival of Once On This Island. Kristen was named one of the “Top 40 Professionals Under 40” by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2008, a “Star in the Arts” by the United Arts Council of Collier County in 2011, one of the Men and Women of the Year by Gulfshore Life in 2013, and a “Leading Lady” by Naples Illustrated in 2018.
Bryce Alexander Artistic Director, The Naples Players Bryce Alexander is thrilled to have found his new home at The Naples Players in 2016. He has worked at theatres around the country including the Guthrie Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Company, Colorado Shakes, At-Hand NYC, and many more. At Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver, Colorado he helped to change the national theatre landscape through a commitment to connecting local community organizations to high-quality theatre. With a reputation in community engagement, accessible programming, organizational development, and high-quality production standards, he has ushered TNP into the next generation. His vision for the future has been built on the organization’s amazing foundation and has dramatically increased partnerships throughout Southwest Florida; seen major investments in training programs for volunteers and performers; has amplified youth education initiatives, increasing enrollment and scholarships; created sustainable and engaging new programs and productions; and further cemented the sterling national reputation of The Naples Players as a theatre for the community.
Mark Danni Founding Artistic Director, TheatreZone Mark Danni is the Founding Artistic Director of TheatreZone. He has been involved with many Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional productions as a Director, Music Director, Conductor and Drummer/Percussionist. Mark has directed many Broadway veterans and celebrities such as Gary Sandy (WKRP In Cincinnati), Nancy Dussault (Too Close For Comfort), Andrea McArdle (Broadway’s original Annie), Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line), Georgia Engel (Mary Tyler Moore, & Everybody Loves Raymond), Eddie Mekka (Laverne & Shirley), David Garrison (Married With Children) and Jim and Kassie DePaiva (One Life To Live). Mark was invited to re-create and direct his critically acclaimed TheatreZone production of Sweeney Todd with Opera Roanoke in Roanoke, VA, and his regional premiere of The Boy From Oz received national acclaim and a visit from Australian David Spicer who holds the rights to the show. He has conducted the National Tours of Les Miserables and Barnum, and has played drums and percussion on Broadway with Chicago, Annie Get Your Gun, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Joseph... Dreamcoat, Grand Hotel and Nunsense. Mark also toured the country and the world with The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Fame, Hair, 42nd Street, Nunsense and Evita. Mark, originally from Buffalo, NY, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a proud member of The Stage Directors & Choreographers Society (SDC) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Performing Artists – The Performing Arts Come Alive
MusicScores! Pre-K Literacy/Violin Program Judy Evans, Founder & Program Director Judy Evans is the Founder and Program Director of the MusicScores! Pre-K Literacy/Violin Program. She designed and oversees the pre-k program currently in thirteen Collier County Head Start sites. Over 400 four year olds participate in the group violin lessons. MusicScores! cost-effectively enhances learning by providing violin instruction that introduces literacy, focus and listening skills, as well as social and motor skills. The pre-K violin literacy program has received state and national attention.
As the Music Foundation of Greater Naples Outreach Chair, Mrs. Evans also coordinates the Master Classes for Middle School Band and Orchestra students; the after school elementary Class Piano program and Teacher In-Service Workshops.
Mrs. Evans retired after thirty-eight years of teaching public school orchestras in Ohio and Florida. Orchestras under her direction performed in Australia, New Zealand, Washington, D.C. and three times in Carnegie Hall. Her orchestras have performed for state and national music education conferences. She reinstated the Collier County Orchestra program in 1979. Naples now has over 1200 string students in their secondary schools.
Judy Evans has held officer positions in many local, state and national music education associations. Honors include being named FMEA’s State Music Educator of the Year in 1995, Collier County Public Schools Golden Apple in 1996, BaldwinWallace Conservatory’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1997, Florida American String Teachers Lifetime Achievement in 2011 and Collier United Arts Council Star in the Arts in 2016.
Judy currently serves as chair of the national American String Teachers Association’s Increasing Access to Strings Committee. Judy is a frequent consultant, adjudicator and guest conductor for school orchestra programs. Judy is co-editor of the national American String Teachers Orchestra Curriculum Guide. Mrs. Evans is currently adjunct professor, string education at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music.
Florida Gulf Coast University FGCU is part of TheatreZone’s outreach program where once a year a play is done at FGCU in the Fall. This is TheatreZone's 4th joint production with FGCU's Bower School of Music & the Arts. TheatreZone get's a special agreement from the Actors' Equity Association to employ four professional Equity actors and the rest of the cast be FGCU students.
They are going to perform a couple of pieces from their current show Urinetown.
FGCU CAST members
Gerritt VanderMeer (Officer Lockstock) is a professional actor and serves as Associate Professor of Theatre at Florida Gulf Coast University since 2012. Previous appearances with the BSMA/TheatreZone Professional Musical Theatre co-Production include: President Wintergreen in Of Thee I Sing, and Judas in Godspell. National Tour: Harold Hill in The Music Man. Regional Theatre: Florida Repertory Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Trinity Repertory Company, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Old Globe, Pioneer Theatre Company, Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.), Texas Shakespeare Festival, Geva Theatre, Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, The Geffen Playhouse. Film and Television: The Good Wife, Law and Order, Ugly Betty, Rescue Me, All My Children, As the World Turns. At FGCU, Professor VanderMeer is the co-leader of the Adventure Abroad faculty-led Study Abroad program in Summer 2019 to Italy, Greece and the Ancient Mediterranean.
Rachel Salerno (Little Sally) Rachel is ecstatic to be a part of this show! Rachel is a sophomore at FGCU majoring in Theatre and the recipient of the Theatre Scholarship. She works as a Disney princess for children’s parties with Wish Upon A Star and for the last three years, she has worked as the music director at the Cultural Park Theatre Summer Camp. She is currently music directing The Wizard of Oz at Cultural Park. Favorite roles include Bret in Calvin Berger with City Scenes Theatre, Anita (Regina) in Rock of Ages HSE at North Fort Myers High School, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at NFMHS, Clarice in Servant of Two Masters at FGCU, Rose in Dogfight with City Scenes, and Cheerleader in War At Home at NFMHS. Thank you to FGCU and TheatreZone for this opportunity, and much love to her little siblings and parents!
Julia Hajjar (Hope Cladwell) a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University, is thrilled be apart of this joint production between TheatreZone and FGCU. She has performed recently in Chicago (Hunyak, u/s Roxie Hart), The Music Man (Zaneeta), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham), Catch Me If You Can (Cheryl Ann) and The Rocky Horror Show. Hugs and kisses to my family and friends, and hope you enjoy the show!
Alec Taylor (Mr. McQueen) is currently a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University, and is excited to perform in his first musical at the college level. He was born and raised in Tennessee, and worked at Advantage Models and Talent throughout middle school where he would audition for TV shows and movies. After moving to Florida for high school, Alec discovered his love for theatre. Past credits include: Usnavi in In the Heights, Reuben in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Gangster #1 in The Drowsy Chaperone. FGCU credits: Pantalone in The Servant of Two Masters and Schuppanizgh in Black Comedy. Besides theatre, he enjoys playing video games, reading, and watching multiple different sports.
Jack Norkeliunas (Hot Blades Harry/Old Man Strong) is a junior at FGCU. He is a Finance major and a Theatre minor. He’s recently performed in Catch Me if You Can, Cabaret, Sister Act, Music Man, and Chicago. He wants to thank his friends and family for all of their support. Enjoy the show!
Kalie Miner (Little Becky Two Shoes/ Mrs. Millennium) is a junior at FGCU and is extremely honored to be a part of TheatreZone’s collaboration of Urinetown. Recent credits: The Naples Player’s production of The Music Man this past spring, The Addams Family, Peter Pan, and Legally Blonde The Musical. She would like to send a huge thank you to her family and friends who have supported her throughout this journey and who believed in her when she struggled to believe in herself. This performance is dedicated to you.
Sommer Senne (Soupy Sue/Cladwell’s Secretary) is thrilled to once again perform with TheatreZone and to be a part of the Urinetown cast. She is a junior at Florida Gulf Coast University and is double majoring in Music Education and Journalism. Professional credits include Babes in Toyland (Curly Locks) and A Christmas Carol (Martha Cratchit) at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre and Of Thee I Sing! (Ensemble) at TheatreZone/FGCU. She was also in the Big League Productions tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Her community production credits include Cinderella (Portia) and Mary Poppins (Mrs. Banks). Sommer has sung the National Anthem for several professional sports teams and was part of the 2015 and 2016 Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She would like to thank her parents and brother for their love and support and Mark Danni for this wonderful opportunity. Enjoy the show!
Ricardo Rivera (Billy Boy/Business Man #2) This is Ricardo’s debut in the Fort Myers area. He is a Music Education major with a Vocal Concentration at the Bower School of Music at FGCU and is a member of FGCU’s Chamber Choir. He would like to thank his parents for always supporting his musical endeavors and also his church at FGCU and in his hometown, for always being a second family to him. He is very excited to play the role of Billy Boy Bill and hopes you enjoy the show! God bless you!
Joshua Needle (Officer Barrel) is beyond honored to be in his first TheatreZone/FGCU production. Last year he was seen in FGCUs Production of Servant of Two Masters as the Second Porter. Credits Include: Into The Woods (Narrator), Almost Maine (Pete), Little Shop of Horrors (Mr.Bernstein), and The Addams Family (Mal Beineke). Joshua would like to thank his amazing family for being his rock and supporting his dreams, his friends for making him laugh and always giving him a reason to act, and a special thanks to his Poppy Don for being his #1 fan through thick and thin.
Jordan Maloney (Josephine Strong/ Old Woman) is beyond excited to be playing Josephine in TheatreZone/FGCU’s production of Urinetown. She’s been doing theatre for about 7 years. Favorite roles: Brother Dan in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Charity in Sweet Charity. Being from the Florida Keys, Jordan is very involved in scuba, free diving and fishing. She wants to thank her brother Jack, her mom and Tom for always supporting her through her performing.
STAFF working with FGCU production
Mark Danni (Director) Mark is the Founding Artistic Director of TheatreZone, an Equity professional theatre company in Naples, FL – see above. This is Marks 4th collaboration with FGCU after having directed Godspell, Xanadu and Of Thee I Sing.
Robin Frank (Music Director) is Chorus Master, Music Administrator, and Director of Educational Outreach for Opera Naples. She engages Southwest Florida’s youth through Opera Naples’ Student Apprentice Program, Elementary In-School tours, community outreach performances, and Resident Artist Program. An accomplished pianist, she is the rehearsal pianist for Opera Naples’ main productions as well as the pianist for community concerts. She is also the company’s orchestra personnel manager and librarian. Aside from her work with Opera Naples, Frank is an adjunct professor in the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University, the accompanist for The Festival Singers of Florida, and frequently performs with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and The Naples Players. She is a frequently sought guest accompanist for choral festivals around the country. She has a Masters degree from Westminster Choir College in Accompanying and Vocal Coaching and a Bachelors degree in Music Education from The Florida State University.
Dance Exhibition Irina Fedosova and Strahinja Lackovic, Dance Studio Owners/Head Instructors Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Naples Irina Fedosova has been dancing since age five. She was born in Russia and emigrated to New York in her early twenties. She met her partner, Strahinja Lackovic, while they were teaching at the same studio. In 2015, the pair moved down to Naples to pursue teaching positions at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Naples. Due to their success as instructors, they quickly moved up the ranks and, in May 2016, purchased the studio and have been growing it ever since. Irina is one of the top female instructors in the region.
Strahinja Lackovic was born in Serbia and emigrated to New York in his mid-twenties. He met his partner, Irina Fedosova, while they were teaching at the same studio. In 2015, they both moved down to Florida to pursue teaching positions at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Naples. Due to their success as instructors, they quickly moved up the ranks and, in May 2016, purchased the studio and have been growing it ever since. Strahinja is one of the top male instructors in the region.
Andriy Panasenko moved to Naples from Ukraine in 2018. He began dancing when he was 5 years old at his parents’ dance studio. He was a finalist in the Ukrainian, Austrian, Italian, Slovakian, and Czech Open DanceSport competitions. Due to his success, he was named Master of Sports in Ballroom dancing. Andriy and his wife Anastasiia were invited to work with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, and Disney Cruises as choreographers, dance instructors and featured performers. He is excited for the new opportunities that he will gain while working here at Fred Astaire.
Anastasiia Baikova began dancing when she was 16 years old at the same studio as Andriy. Together they were finalists in the Ukrainian National and International DanceSport competition. Along with Andriy, Anastasiia worked as a featured performer and dance instructor on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, Disney cruises for 7 years. After traveling across the world, Anastasiia and Andriy decided to settle down here in Naples. She is excited for the new opportunities that she will gain while working here at Fred Astaire.
(Back to Table of Contents) D. Volunteer Opportunities
Artis—Naples Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus Led by CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen and Sharon and Timothy Ubben Music Director Andrey Boreyko, we offer audiences more than 450 paid and free events annually within a variety of venues and settings situated throughout the 8.5-acre Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus and around the community. Artis—Naples welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year for a broad array of artistic and educational opportunities perfect for audiences of all backgrounds and interests. The cultural campus is home to five buildings, including two performance halls (Frances Pew Hayes Hall and Myra J. Daniels Pavilion), The Baker Museum, the Toni Stabile Education Building and the Kohan Administration Building.
In the 2014-15 season, Andrey assumed the title of Music Director and serves in this capacity for Artis— Naples. Andrey is internationally recognized as one of the most exciting and dynamic conductors working today. This appointment, extended into 2020, marks his first American post.
The Wall Street Journal says Kathleen and Andrey have ushered in “an impressive new phase” for classical music in Southwest Florida.
The Naples Philharmonic The Naples Philharmonic has long been recognized as one of the cornerstones of Southwest Florida’s arts community. As the resident orchestra of Artis—Naples, the Naples Philharmonic performs more than 140 orchestral and chamber music concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts annually between September and June in the 1,477-seat Hayes Hall, the 283-seat Daniels Pavilion and around the Southwest Florida region.
In 2009, Jack Everly was named Principal Pops Conductor and continues today in that role bringing pops performances that celebrate music in its many forms.
The Baker Museum The Baker Museum is one of the foremost fine-arts museums in Southwest Florida. The museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collection. With more than 15 years of collecting and exhibiting, the museum is dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, generating traveling exhibitions from both its permanent collections and outside sources. Notable recent gifts to the museum include an impressive selection of modern and contemporary art from the collection of Paul and Charlotte Corddry and gifts from noted collector Olga Hirshhorn, including her famous Mouse House collection. The museum recently hosted critically acclaimed exhibitions including Gods and Heroes: Masterpieces from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and Painting Women from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
The Baker Museum proper is closed for the duration of the 2018-19 season as we proceed with the Repair and Expansion project. In the meantime, the museum will host a variety of exhibitions open to the public in the Hayes Hall galleries and throughout the grounds of the cultural campus.
Friends of Artis—Naples: Volunteer opportunities include joining a ddicated team of docents, working with the education department and more.
For information about volunteer opportunities, please visit artisnaples.org/support/volunteer or contact Jeremy Tipton at 239-254-2684 or [email protected]. Visual Arts
Marco Island Center for the Arts The mission is to promote education and appreciation of excellence in the arts. The home of the Lauritzen/Rush Galleries & Beth Rhodes Center for Art Education, it presents art exhibits, education programs in the arts for all ages, and is host to Celebrate the Arts Festival. Open year round. Contact: Hyla Crane, Ex Dir 239-394-4221 1010 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145 www.marcoislandart.com
CFTA (Centers for the Arts) Bonita Springs Committed to enriching the culture of a diverse community by providing opportunities for artistic expression, education and appreciation in a supportive and nurturing environment. Instills individuals with a feeling of self-worth and confidence, knowing that art encourages positive attitudes and helps people cope with change. 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 www.artcenterbonita.org
Goodland Arts Alliance Our mission is to preserve, promote, and advance the cultural presence in the Village of Goodland through art, history, and education. Contact: Tara O’Neill 239-642-0528 www.goodlandartsalliance.org
Naples Art Association For 65 years the Naples Art Association has been dedicated to inspiring creativity and creating opportunities to engage in the visual arts. Programs include art classes and workshops, exhibitions and outdoor shows and unique events showcasing the talent of artists in SW Florida. The NAA serves people of all ages and skill levels interested in connecting to their community through the visual arts. Contact: Aimee Schlehr 239-262-6517 585 Park St., Naples 34102 www.naplesart.org
Naples Artcrafters Established in 1967, promotes excellence in fine arts and crafts within the community. The organization strives to support established artists and crafts persons as well as supporting and encouraging those who are new to the art and craft community. Its members include painters, potters, jewelers, and just about every artistic or craft discipline imaginable. The NAC sponsors outdoor juried shows monthly from October through April at Cambier Park, one block south of Fifth Avenue, downtown Naples. Contact: www.naplesartcrafters.com
Naples Art District Gallery owners and artists in North Naples exhibit works of art, hold special events and even teach creative classes and workshops. Contact: Cynthia Adams [email protected]
Southwest Florida Pastel Society The Southwest Florida Pastel Society promotes and educates individuals about the pastel medium. The group continues to grow, and meets monthly to enjoy speakers and share ideas. In addition, members provide demonstrations and education programs, and speak at various venues. Contact: Lynn Miller 315-546-4143 [email protected] www.pastelsociety.org
United Arts Council of Collier County The UAC is the State designated local arts agency for Collier County. The Council’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the community through the power of the arts. Their vision is to be the most recognized source for arts services and cultural information, and to be the premier provider of arts education for at-risk students and low-income adults. UAC connects arts organizations, artists, galleries, and arts educators with one another, with local audiences, and with tourist-related businesses. They work closely with business and government leaders to ensure the arts remain an important part of our community.
Contact: Laura Burns, Executive Director 239-254-8242 [email protected] 953 4th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34102 www.UACCollier.com
Theatre/Dance/Film
Gulfshore Opera Serving Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties, GO presents professional opera theater and classical vocal music concerts, and promotes community well-being through musical education programs. Now in their 5th season, they make opera accessible to the general public by maintaining affordable ticket prices and a wide range of vocal music performance experiences suitable for diverse audiences. Contact: Steffanie Pearce, General Director 239-529-3925 www.gulshoreopera.org
Marco Players The first group to bring live theater to Marco Island, offering annual productions starting in 1973. Each season, the group performs a variety of productions, from comedies to dramas and musical entertainment. They are located in the Town Center Mall, Marco Island. Contact: Beverly Dahlstrom 239-642-7270 [email protected] 1089 N Collier Blvd, POB 2033, Marco Island, FL 34146 www.themarcoplayers.com
The Playhouse recently purchased a 3-acre parcel of land on the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and 1st Avenue South, at the gateway to downtown. A capital campaign is currently underway to help support the building of a state-of-the-art Theatre and Education Center which will include a mainstage theatre and a flexible studio space, a spacious lobby with a bar and cafe, meeting spaces, and places to relax and enjoy, as well as an education wing featuring rehearsal spaces, performance spaces, and learning space for our pre-professional summer training programs, our at-risk programs, adult programming, and after- school classes.
Currently producing exclusively at the Norris Center in downtown Naples, the Playhouse is devoted to creating nationally noteworthy professional theatre, from powerful and inspiring classic comedies, dramas, and musicals as well as world premieres, to a rich and vibrant in-school program, ThinkTheatre, which teaches content curriculum through the use of theatre training, taught during the school day. Through Community Blueprint, the Playhouse partners with other arts organizations, such as Artis- Naples and The Holocaust Museum, in creating programs for students both as field trips and in-school residencies.
Volunteer opportunities: There are many ways that you can support New York-quality professional theatre and unique educational opportunities right in your own backyard. These include everything from a 100% tax-deductible donation or sponsorship, to board membership, or ushering. You can also choose to become a Playhouse Partner, our group of behind-the-scenes insider who help people events, serve on committees, interact with our Broadway actors and design teams, and socialize amongst like- minded arts lovers throughout the season. Contact: Ashley Brooks 239.261.PLAY ((7529) 1010 5th Avenue South, Suite 205, Naples, Florida 34102 www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Naples Ballet Dedicated to setting new standards for artistic excellence, providing the art of ballet and promoting cultural enrichment and awareness of the art of dance within Naples. The vision is to preserve the art of dance and provide opportunities including community outreach, mentoring children in dance education. The goal is to deliver artistic and cultural excellence and inspire dancers and audiences. Contact: Jessica Painter 239-732-1000 1005 5th Ave. N., Naples 34102 www.naplesballet.org
Naples International Film Festival The mission is to nurture and support a diverse, artistic and cultural experience with a creative, fun and cutting edge boutique film festival that showcases the work of independent filmmakers. Contact: Shannon Franklin 2338 Immokalee Rd., Suite 110, Naples 34110 www.naplesfilmfest.com
Naples Opera Society Provides the community with inexpensive concerts, educational lectures and connections to the Florida Grand Opera. Scholarships and performance opportunities are available to local vocal artists. Meetings on the second Tuesday of each month are held at the Norris Center in CambierPark. Contact: www.naplesoperasociety.org
Naples Players Located at the Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples presents full productions on two stages year round. The Players’ children’s theater program, KidzAct, for ages 5-18, is offered after school in fall and winter, and daytime during the summer. Contact: Jessica Walck 239-263-7990 701 5th Ave. S., Naples 34102 www.naplesplayers.org
Gulfshore Playhouse Naples' Premiere Professional Theatre Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Our work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in our audience an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which we treat our artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.
Opera Naples One of Southwest Florida's local professional opera companies, producing traditional grand opera and family-friendly performances in Collier County. An education and outreach program also tours throughout Collier and Lee Counties. Contact: John Hushon 239-963-9050 Alice Karow, ticket: [email protected] 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 34112 www.operanaples.com
Shakespeare in Paradise The mission is to create quality professional theatre that celebrates the power, beauty and transcendence of language and theatre. They aim to work in concert with local schools and provide access to professional classical theatre. Contact: John McKerrow 239-682-3637 3670 22nd Ave NE Naples, FL 34120 www.sipnaples.org
TheatreZone A nonprofit, professional regional theater company that uses actors who are members of the Actors Equity Association. TheatreZone presents the “lost treasures of Broadway,” along with new works at the beautiful and intimate G&L Theatre. Contact: Mark Danni 239-449-2323 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples 34105 www.theatrezone-florida.com
Young Audiences of Southwest Florida, Inc. By making the arts an integral part of the learning process, Young Audiences provides students with new ways to learn, understand, interpret and apply core content knowledge improving creativity as well as self image. To achieve its mission, Young Audiences partners local professional teaching artists with educators to develop and implement standards-based, long term residency programs and workshops that align with the core curriculum. Contact: Mary Vance Duggan 239-592-4043 705 Pineside Lane, Naples, FL 34108 www.youngaudiences.org/TheNetwork /young- audiences- southwest- florida
Arts Naples World Festival ANWF, centered in Naples, is designed to celebrate cultural arts from around the globe. Check website for 2018 dates for an immersion into exciting the cultural arts of opera, symphony, orchestral music, jazz, cuisine, cinema & more. Stay in May and enjoy! Contact: Trey Farmer 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com
The Bach Ensemble A nonprofit, Naples-based, 40-voice chorale performing the works of J.S. Bach and his contemporaries for the greater Southwest Florida community. The auditioned group rehearses weekly September through May. Contact: 3667 Arctic Cir., Naples, FL 34112 www.thebachensemble.org
CAPA Cultural and Performing Arts Center The mission of CAPA is to provide the community with affordable cultural, educational and performance opportunities while developing a new arts center to better serve the audiences and artists of Collier County. Once built, the CAPA Arts Center will offer a broad variety of programming such as musical theatre, opera, ballet, orchestra, chorus & chamber series, artists studios and exhibition space and more. Contact: Joe King 239-775-2800 [email protected]/contact-volunteer/ 213 Airport Pulling Road South, Naples FL 34104 www.capacenter.org
Chorus of the Everglades The Everglades Chapter of barbershoppers. The men’s a cappella singing group uses no instruments to aid in singing their songs. Everyone is welcome - you don't have to read music to join the fun-just bring your voice and join in! Contact: 800 Neffs Way, Naples FL 34112 www.evergladeschorus.us
Classic Chamber Concerts Seeks to provide world-class music at affordable prices to the residents of SW Florida, and encourage and educate young audiences in the joys of music. The group's Concerts in the Schools program takes musicians into area schools. Regular concerts are performed at Sugden Theatre. Contact: William Noll III 239-434-8505 4748 West Blvd, Naples, FL 34103 www.classicchamberconcerts.org
Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers Formed to offer singers a challenging, all encompassing musical experience. The Mastersingers provide an opportunity for experienced singers to perform a wide range of choral music with strong emphasis on the masterworks, thereby promoting and enhancing the choral art form in the Southwest Florida community. Contact: Anthony Contino 239-288-2535 6900 Daniels Parkway, Suite 29-193, Ft Myers 33912 www.mastersingersfm.com
Gulf Coast Big Band Comprises musicians with a variety of musical backgrounds and experience; performs many free concerts each year at parks and schools. The group supports young musicians and works to share the swinging sounds of the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Contact: 239-877-6090 www.gulfcoastbigband.com
Hyacinth Series Sponsored by Moorings Presbyterian Church, where it has presented more than 25 years of concerts. Open to the public; offerings accepted. Contact: Richard Crofts 239-213-5246 791 Harbour Dr., Naples, FL 34103 www.mooringschurch.org/?s=hyacinth
Music
Music Makers Show Band A nonprofit organization with a dual mission: to promote, preserve, and perform American big band music of the mid-1900s, and to financially support jazz education in Collier County high schools. Contact: Dan Fabiano 239-594-5141 www.musicmakersshowband.org
Music for Minors Foundation, Inc. A nonprofit organization that purchases instruments for middle school children who cannot afford to own one. The group works with music directors to select students who qualify. Contact: Don Rhynard 239-273-2250 PO Box 1503, Bonita Springs, FL 34133 www.music4minors.org
MusicScores! Pre- K Literacy/Violin Program Volunteers assist violin instructors during group lessons. MusicScores! welcomes volunteers with website and grantwriting strengths. Contact: Judy Evans 239-566-9344 P.O. Box 112383, Naples FL 34108 www.musicscoresfoundation.org
Naples Concert Band Formed in 1972 as a small non-profit band of 10 musicians playing to audiences in the few hundreds. With a rapidly expanding audience and band and funding provided only through donor and community support, the band now performs each year to crowds in the hundreds. Their band robust scholarship program has awarded over $60,000 in student scholarships. Contact: 239-263-9521 PO Box 31, Naples, FL 34106 www.naplesconcertband.org
Naples Jazz Orchestra A ‘big band’ in the tradition of Count Basie, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington and the Tonight Show Band, comprising jazz musicians from both coasts of FL. NJO performs private engagements and a series of FREE concerts in Cambier Park. The Naples Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is an elite jazz ensemble of youngsters from Naples-area schools. They perform in Cambier Park with the NJO. Contact: Bob Stone 239-272-8729 PO Box 9436, Naples, FL 34101
The Music Foundation of Greater Naples The mission is to support music education and performance, to provide scholarships, and to engage in collaborative outreach efforts within Naples and its neighboring communities. High- quality musical programs and events are presented in support of its main philanthropic focus, awarding scholarships to students ages 11-18. Contact: Frank Burgeson 239-598-2082 PO Box 112383, Naples, FL 34108 naplesmusicclub.org
Naples Orchestra & Chorus A community organization that performs free classical and pops concerts at Lely High School, an excellent facility. Professional and nonprofessional musicians, along with talented high school students make up the group. Experienced musicians are welcome to join. Contact: Arlene Yedid 239-455-1912 PO Box 9542, Naples, FL 34101 www.naplesorchestraandchorus.org
Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus The group promotes musical diversity and community service. It is committed to providing financial support and opportunities for students and teachers and present numerous performances throughout the year to a wide range of audiences. Contact: Gary Poehler 239-352-6366 www.naplesbarbershopchorus.org
Voices of Naples A community chorus for Naples-area residents that performs a variety of choral music including the "Sing-Along" Messiah" presented annually in November. Additional concerts are held in December and February with a repertoire ranging from classical to pop. The primary focus is raising funds for a scholarship program that encourages and supports aspiring young choral musicians. Meets October -March. Membership is by audition. Contact: Mariellen Lemasters 239-643-0980 www.voicesofnaples.org
Museums/Culture
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples A 30,000-square-foot facility in the North Collier Regional Park. The museum allows children and families to experience world-class, educationally dynamic, fully interactive exhibits. Contact: Karysia Demarest 239-514-0084 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples, 34109 www.cmon.org
City of Naples Norris Center & Cambier Park One of three city community centers. Their focus is on cultural arts. The Norris Center offers a variety of entertainment: live theatre, bluegrass, comedy, cabaret and more! The Norris Center is the home of the Gulfshore Playhouse. Additionally, they host outdoor concerts at the Cambier Park Bandshell. Contact: Jennifer Fox 239-213-3058 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 www.naplesgov.com
Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida Offers docent-led or self-guided tours, taking visitors from Germany before the War, through the rise of Nazism, to the Holocaust and the Nuremberg trials. View many original photos, artifacts and survivors' personal stories. Education programs reach over 20,000 local students. Contact: Amy Snyder 239-263-9200 4760 Tamiami Tr. N, 7, Naples, FL 34103 www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org
Marco Island Foundation for the Arts Dedicated to promoting the visual, literary and performing arts in public places in Marco Island. Through public arts events such as ArtQuest, lectures, films, performances, the Left Bank Art Fest and other events, we aim to engage people, stir imaginations and inspire dialog. Contact: Carolyn Burger 239-389-0208 PO Box 1091, Marco Island, FL 34146 www.marcoarts.org
Naples Depot Built in 1927, this is one of the oldest structures in the City of Naples. It was built to serve as the Seaboard Air Line Railway’s southern-most west coast terminal and is on the National Registry of Historic Places, operated by Collier County. Contact: Volunteer Coordinator 239-252-8287 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 www.colliermuseums.com
Russian Cultural Center of Naples Encourages, develops, & supports displays of Russian visual and performing arts forthe benefit of residents and visitors to Southwest Florida. Contact: Bella Gutschtein 239-596-8404 656 98th Ave N., Naples, FL 34108
Colleges
Hodges University A nonprofit institution with a main campus in Naples. It offers a Francis Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning for adults. Other programs include a speaker’s bureau, fine arts lecture series, workshops, seminars and art exhibits. Contact: Dr. Ron Bowman 239-598-6110 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples, FL 34119 www.hodges.edu
The Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University A premier, lifelong learning program for adults. Single lectures, short courses, day trips, computer classes, film series, life enrichment, piano lessons, travel abroad and other special events are some of the programs offered. No exams or grades, just learning for the joy of learning. Contact: John Guerra 239-434-4737 1010 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 www2.fgcu.edu/racademy/
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E. Locations and Directions
First Venue: Naples Art Association 585 Park Street Naples, FL 34102
Park in the garage at 735 6th Avenue across from Cambier Park in downtown Naples.
Click on the map to make live
Driving from Naples Art Association to Artis-Naples:
• Turn left out of the parking garage onto 6th Ave. • Turn left onto 9th St. North, which becomes Tamiami Trail North (U.S. 41). • Continue north on U.S. 41; turn left into Pelican Bay Boulevard South. • Go straight to the Artis-Naples campus on your left. • Turn left at Ridgewood Drive; the John Kohan Administration Building is the 1st building on your right. • Park at the Administration Building or Hayes Hall. Second Venue: Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard Naples, FL 34108
Meet in the Boardroom on the 3rd floor of the John Kohan Administration Building, on the corner of Pelican Bay Boulevard and Ridgewood Drive.
Click on the map to make live
Lunch:
Meet in the Artis-Naples Boardroom on the 3rd floor of the Administration Building. The lobby is small, so please go quickly to the stairs or elevator. Artis-Naples & our team members will guide you. Lunch will be served promptly at noon; the speakers will conclude at 1:05 p.m.
Comfort Break and Moving
Restrooms are on the 3rd floor of the Administration Building and in Hayes Hall as you move to the Hayes Hall Foyer for docent-led tours.
Please go quickly from the Boardroom or comfort break through Hayes Hall to assemble in the main lobby of Hayes Hall and join your group for a docent-led tour. The tours will end at 2:00. Please return to your seat in the Boardroom where the next panel will begin at 2:05.
At 3:00, we will take another comfort break and walk down to the Daniels Pavilion for some live performances to show different ways to engage with the arts.
At 4:10, at the conclusion of our Session Day, optional backstage tours of Hayes Hall will be offered.
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