Greater Naples Leadership Masters class XX

Cultural arts day November 18, 2015

Session Day Materials - Table of Contents

A. Goals & Objectives

B. Agenda

C. Biographies

D. Volunteer Opportunities

E. Locations and Directions

(please click on a heading to be directed to that section in the document)

Dress Code: Business casual chosen for comfort in air-conditioned rooms and for walking

Venues: First Venue: The von Liebig Art Center

Second Venue: Artis-Naples

Post-Session Gathering: Figge Conservatory at Artis- Naples

Session Leaders: Margaret Brodeur, Lauree Personette, Mary-Vance Duggan, Jane Potter Graham, Bob Eoff Theme: The Arts Come Alive in Naples

Goals

To provide GNL Masters Class participants with an understanding and appreciation of the range of cultural arts offerings in the Greater Naples area.

Objectives

To share with GNL Masters Class participants: • Introduce the diverse range of artists, arts organizations, and venues in the local area. • Highlight the positive impact of culture on the educational, economic, aesthetic and social quality of life in Naples and Collier County. • Explore the critical issues confronting established and emerging cultural organizations. • Inspire class members to participate and support volunteer opportunities in the arts.

Cultural Arts Day Agenda

8:15 Gather at The von Liebig Art Center, 585 Park Street, Naples. Park in garage at 735 Eighth Street South, across from Cambier Park in downtown Naples. (see section E for address and directions)

8:30 Welcome and Introduction: Jean Foster, Class Chair

8:35 Introduction of Cultural Arts Day Team: Margaret Brodeur Overview of the Day

8:40 Team Exercise: “Art in Public Places”

9:00 The Visual Arts in Naples and The von Liebig Art Center Aimee Schlehr, Executive Director, Naples Art Association

9:18 Katie Schweikhardt, Executive Director, United Arts Council

9:35 Comfort Break 9:50 The Visual Arts Come Alive

The Masters Class will break into four separate groups and visit four distinct studios set up in The von Liebig Art Center showcasing artists and their works. The artists will explain how they approach an artistic project and demonstrate their crafts. Artists include the following:

• Paul Arsenault - oil painting • Leigh Herndon - silk dye and batik • Jim Rice - pottery • Dennis Goodman - photography

11:15- Comfort Break 11:30

11:30- Drive to Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay, Naples 12:00 Meet in the Board Room on the third floor of the John Kohan Administration Building on the east side of the Artis-Naples campus. (see section E for address and directions)

12:00 Lunch and discussion hosted by Artis-Naples CEO & President, Kathleen van Bergen and introduction to members of her team:

• David Filner, Vice President Artistic Operations • Ashley Mirakian, Director of Marketing • Frank Verpoorten, Director of the Baker Museum

12:45 Q&A

1:15- Comfort Break and move to Figge Conservatory 1:30

1:30- Assemble into 4 groups for docent led sculpture tour 2:05

2:05- Return to seats in Figge Conservatory; Announcement of panel 2:10 discussion by actor John McKerrow

2:10- The Theatre Scene in Naples 3:05 Panel discussion in the Figge Conservatory moderated by John Lyngaas Presenters include: • Jessica Walck, Assistant Artistic Director, Naples Players • Kristen Coury, Founder & Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse • John McKerrow, Founding Artistic Director, Shakespeare in Paradise • Chick Heithaus, CAPA Board President Q&A

3:05- Comfort Break and Snacks 3:20

3:20- The Performing Arts Come Alive! 4:30 Introduction of performing artists by Claudia Polzin, Consultant to Arts, Non-Profits Participants include: • Judy Evans, Founder of Music Scores!, preK violinists • John Hushon, Chairman and Acting Executive Director, Opera Naples, with Leah Summers, vocalist • Judi Baruck, ReCreation Tappers of Southwest Florida • William Noll, Artistic Director for the Classic Chamber Concerts, Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra, guest conductor for Opera Naples and Founder of Arts Naples World Festival

4:30 Conclusion of Cultural Arts Day: Margaret Brodeur, Program Chair

4:32 Wrap up and collection of evaluations

4:35- Reception in Figge Conservatory 5:30

(back to Table of Contents) Biographies

Aimee Schlehr Executive Director, Naples Art Association (von Liebig Arts Center)

Aimee Schlehr approaches life and business with great ideas and a passion for making a positive difference.

In September 2012, The Naples Art Association (NAA) Board of Directors promoted Schlehr to her current position.

Schlehr began part time with the NAA in 2009, serving the organization's accounting needs. She was soon offered full time employment as Chief Financial Officer. From the beginning, she focused on strengthening the financial foundations of the organization and through her diligence and careful budget oversight, the organization has persevered through difficult times.

In April 2011 Schlehr was appointed to Chief Operating Officer due to her strong attention to detail and team building strengths and served as COO/CFO since then. In this role, she took charge of the day-to-day responsibilities of running a successful art center, holding weekly meetings with staff to keep operations steadily on track, brainstorming and planning for future programs, and serves as an ambassador to the Naples community with fellow business leaders.

As Executive Director, Schlehr is a chief representative and spokesperson of the organization, and she eagerly engages with community leaders to encourage investment in the Naples Art Association. She will also continue to oversee the financial management and guide the staff and organization toward growth and progress. Her vision is to strengthen the organization’s roots in the community, continue supporting and promoting artists and inspiring new audiences to discover and create art.

Her management experience and solid understanding of the dollars and cents of the business makes her a true asset to the Naples Art Association and the community at large. “As a nonprofit, the challenge is to run the organization as a business while staying focused on our mission. We have a responsibility to our donors and corporate supporters to utilize their gifts to strengthen programming and provide sustainability while reassuring them that their investment will make an impact on their community."

Aimee Schlehr is both a Leadership Collier and Fast Trac Graduate, class of 2012, as well as a member of the National Association of Professional Women, which named her one of their 2012 Women of the Year. Schlehr serves on the boards for Immokalee Housing and Family Services, Seminole Club of Naples, and the FSU Family Connection. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University and she owned her own catering business for 15 years on Florida’s east coast. Schlehr is a fifth generation Floridian. She loves traveling and spending time with her family, her husband of 26 years and her four children. Her first grandson was born in August 2012. Also, with two of her daughters attending Florida State University in Tallahassee, she loves keeping tabs on FSU football. Go Noles!

Katie Schweikhardt Executive Director, United Arts Council

Katie Schweikhardt currently serves as the Executive Director of the United Arts Council of Collier County. She joined the Council in 2014, and oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations and services.

A Naples native, Katie graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas with a major in Foreign Languages and Literature. She graduated from the University of Florida, College of Law and has been an attorney in Florida since 2000. She practiced law in Naples for 11 years.

Katie worked as the Director of Programs for the Harry Chapin Food Bank beginning in 2011. There, she helped increase the amount of food distributed to Collier County by millions of pounds per annum by creating strategic partnerships within the social service, not for profit and public school communities.

Katie remains involved in the community. She is a graduate of Leadership Collier.

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 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.

Leigh Herndon Silk/Rozome Painter

Leigh works daily in her Naples studio dyeing silk using rozome (Japanese kimono design techniques), direct dye applications and batik. Silk accepts dyes more brilliantly than any other fiber, fueling Leigh’s experimentation with color and nature-inspired paintings.

The works are intended to tell a story, evoke an emotion, or give an impression and lend themselves to metaphor, mystery, and sometimes ambiguity. By being atmospheric and not being too literal, the viewer is left to complete the story as desired or needed, based on personal experiences. Leigh does not try to be too representational, and although she likes imagery, it is just a starting place.

After learning traditional batik at the University of Montana, and obtaining a Master’s Degree in Fibers at Southern Illinois University, Leigh studied rozome with Kiranada (Betsy) Sterling Benjamin who learned from the Japanese kimono masters, while spending sixteen years in Japan.

Leigh’s award winning works have been exhibited in numerous juried national and international shows and solo shows in more than 12 states as well as the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and her work is in several private collections.

To see the art on display in a private Naples, Florida gallery call for appt., 239-262-7932 or email: [email protected]. To see Leigh's original wearable art see www.leighherdondesign.com Dennis Goodman Photographer

Dennis grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has always loved being outdoors. He moved to Naples in 1985, and after owning his own business of several years, decided to change careers and pursue his dream of photography. His wife and two daughters supported his decision and he took a leap of faith. Most of his photography comes from the Florida Everglades. He enjoys taking the day and exploring the vast swampland hunting for the perfect shot. The connection that he has when in the Everglades is indescribable. There is an endless array of wildlife, including birds, alligators, snakes, and foliage. His inspiration comes from the beauty in nature. His work has been published in Portfolio Magazine, Gulfshore Life, Florida Weekly, Destination Naples, Naples Daily News, Ave Maria College and many other magazines and publications.

James (Jim) Rice Pottery Artist

Jim has been a professional potter in Naples since 1973. He owns The Clay Place, the oldest professional pottery in Naples. He has created environmental ceramic pieces including fireplaces, wall murals, pool tiles, fountains, animals, and more. His repertoire of functional works includes place settings of dishes, serving bowls, and decorative pieces highlighted by his lively fish platters. Ask him how long it takes to transform clay into a coffee cup, and Rice will respond: “Twenty years. It’s all a part of an evolution. I might sit down and make a cup in two minutes, but it took me 20 years to get to the point where I could do it in two minutes.”

Kathleen van Bergen CEO and President, Artis-Naples

Approaching her third season as CEO and President of Artis-Naples (formerly the Philharmonic Center for the Arts), Kathleen van Bergen is charting a dynamic artistic path for the organization while simultaneously providing sure and steady financial and administrative oversight. But that’s not all: while Artis-Naples is the focus of van Bergen’s energies, she is far from myopic. On the contrary, she is focused on community in general and residents of Collier and Lee County in particular, each of whom she invites to become Artis-Naples patrons. Achieving that goal is not a one-person task: No wonder Gulfshore Life Magazine who named Kathleen van Bergen one of its 2012 Men & Women of the Year, suggested that her title be expanded to include “Collaborator-in-Chief.”

It is a moniker she embraces: In her first two seasons at Artis-Naples, van Bergen sought out collaborations with other arts organizations, both far and wide. Artis- Naples’ 2012-13 season featured a number of events made possible thanks to both existing partnerships (the Miami City Ballet) as well as new relations (Opera Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse, ArtsNaples World Festival and Imagine Solutions). Collaborative efforts extend to the Baker Museum (formerly the Patty & Jay Baker Naples Museum of Art) where several visiting exhibitions, organized by museums from around the country, are on the schedule. And thanks to negotiations with Art in Flight, a partnership between the Lee County Port Authority and the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, Dawn’s Forest, The Baker Museum’s monumental Louise Nevelson sculpture, is now on loan—and being seen by thousands of people a day— at Southwest Florida International Airport. Having hired Frank Verpoorten as Director and Chief Curator of the Museum, van Bergen has a talented and experienced partner to help her expand the Museum’s reach while also focusing on curatorial excellence.

Of particular importance to van Bergen is the Naples Philharmonic, long recognized as one of the cornerstones of Southwest Florida’s arts community. Each season world-class guest soloists and conductors appear on the Philharmonic stage. Recently, she named Andrey Boreyko as the Naples Philharmonic Music Director, another acclaimed partner, who will help guide the exciting future of the orchestra.

Prior to Artis-Naples, van Bergen served as artistic and executive director at the acclaimed Schubert Club in St. Paul, Minnesota; previously she worked for two of the country’s leading orchestras: the Philadelphia Orchestra as vice president of artistic planning, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, where she was vice president and director of artistic administration.

When she surveys Artis-Naples’ 8 ½ acre campus, van Bergen sees enormous potential: ample space where lecture series, hands-on music and art classes, and other educational programs for visitors of all ages can take place. “Regardless of socioeconomic status, communities, families and students are positively inspired by experiencing and creating art,” says Ms. van Bergen, “We reach over 45,000 schoolchildren annually with arts programs on campus and in the schools - programs that are linked to students’ gains in math and reading comprehension, critical thinking and verbal development - and we can do more.”

More might mean inviting visiting or resident artists and composers to join the Artis-Naples team. As Ms. van Bergen says, “There’s tremendous chemistry that happens when audiences can hear artists talk about what inspires them and how the creative process unfolds. Artis-Naples is an incredible space and I would love to see what artists would do if asked to create site-specific works that really involve them in our community.”

In addition to encouraging collaboration and insisting on quality, Ms. van Bergen insists on transparency, whether that means sharing financial reports, long range plans or ticketing policies. It is just one more way she is keeping her promise to the community in which she lives and works. Reflecting on the future, Kathleen van Bergen says, “Artis-Naples has an outstanding physical environment that includes two performance halls, a museum, classrooms and outdoor spaces. But these spaces are only as vibrant as the people who fill them. We can best use our space if we are as patron-focused as possible, bringing people and art together in important, relevant and innovative ways.” Frank Verpoorten Director and Chief Curator, The Baker Museum, Artis-Naples

Frank Verpoorten has over 15 years of experience at cultural institutions and museums in Brussels, Belgium and New York City. Originally from Brussels, Verpoorten moved to New York City in 2002, where he served in curatorial roles at the Museum of Modern Art, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, the Dahesh Museum of Art and, most recently, as Cultural Attaché for the Representation of the Government of Flanders (Belgium) to the U.S. In his recent role as Cultural Attaché, Verpoorten oversaw multidisciplinary cultural programming, including exhibitions, performing arts initiatives, lectures, musical concerts and a film program.

Verpoorten attended the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium, and received 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 2002. 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, who is an artist, and their two young sons, Elliot and Morgan.

David Filner Vice President Artistic Operations, Artis-Naples

David Filner has been Vice President Artistic Operations of Artis-Naples since September, 20l3. In this role he oversees all Naples Philharmonic, Broadway, headliner and presentation planning and implementation as well as all Artis-Naples education activities, including the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Youth Symphonia and Youth Chorale. He began his career in the arts as a musician, performing as Principal Viola of New World (Miami) and Knoxville Symphonies, as well 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 Basmati String Quartet.

He began his career in arts management in 2002 when he became Director of the Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop, a summer festival in Northern California for high-school-age music students. In 2005, he became Director of Education and Community Engagement for the San Antonio Symphony and in 2007 he was promoted to the position of Vice President and General Manager of the same organization. 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 and the San Francisco Symphony. In November, 2012 he was named Interim President and CEO of the San Antonio Symphony.

He holds Bachelor's degrees in English and Viola Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory and a Master's degree in Viola Performance from Rice University. In addition, he has received 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 of Marketing & Patron Engagement, Artis-Naples

Ashley Mirakian joined the team at Artis-Naples in March of 2015 after a previous position as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Toledo Symphony (TSO) for six successful seasons. While in Toledo, Mirakian increased the symphony's subscriber base by 25% in just one season campaign. 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. Mirakian is a firm believer in interdisciplinary collaboration, and in 2012, she inaugurated an annual humanities festival with the University of Toledo designed to explore a TSO classics concert theme. This festival is now in its fourth year and has brought the two institutions closer creatively.

Mirakian has a decade of experience in branding, marketing, public relations and customer service. In 2011, the Toledo Symphony made its Carnegie Hall debut with over 1400 people in attendance either from Toledo or with Toledo connections. This is a direct result of a two-year communications and branding plan, which emphasized the unique and aspirational qualities of the debut. Rave reviews from The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, the Toledo Blade, and Financial Times of London elevated the stature of the orchestra internationally. The TSO is now positioned to make an even deeper impact in the community it has served for over 65 years.

As a consultant, Mirakian successfully led the Toledo Opera through a significant rebranding and reintroduction process to the Toledo region. With her assistance, the opera has enjoyed completely sold out houses and a revitalized image. Her introduction of the "Sound Vision" concept has given shape to the organization's fundraising effort. Subscriptions have increased without sacrificing needed single ticket revenue via a strategic pricing audit and three-year plan.

Prior to her appointment 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.

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, IC Graduate Wind Quintet and Yale Symphony Orchestra, among others. John Lyngaas

John Lyngaas, GNL Class XVII, is a retired partner with Ernst & Young. During his 32 year career, he and his wife Linda Noel, (GNL Class XX ) have lived all over the world: Chicago, Milan, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York. Since retiring to Naples in 2010, John has been involved in many organizations, including program chair for GNL, board member of Opera Naples and Grey Oaks Country Club and volunteer for Rookery Bay.

Jessica Walck Director of Volunteer Services, The Naples Players

Jessica has been involved in theatre for 20 years in some way, shape or form. She is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in NYC where she was trained in the Meisner acting technique. For 10 years she has been involved with The Naples Players as an actress, stage manager, instructor and director and she believes it to be one of the finest organizations that she has ever been involved with.

She currently serves as the Assistant to the Artistic Director at TNP and as an acting instructor at Ave Maria University. When not pursuing other goals in the theatre, Jessica loves to be on the stage. Some of her favorite roles include the title role in Sylvia, Catherine in Proof, Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest and Anytime Annie in 42nd Street.

Kristen Coury Founder & Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse

Kristen Coury is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, and has directed nearly all their productions to date, including: Doubt, Tartuffe, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Race. The first Gulfshore Playhouse production was Oleanna by David Mamet, starring Tony Award®-Nominee Alan Campbell to much acclaim.

Kristen made her feature film directorial debut with Friends and Family, a comedy starring Tony Lo Bianco and Tovah Feldshuh, which was released around the US and Europe, and can now be seen on DVD and Cable TV worldwide.

She has directed several new works, produced a CD and worked on a variety of musicals in various stages of development, including Steel Pier on Broadway, a Broadway-workshop of The Jazz Singer and Houdini at the Goodspeed Opera House.

Kristen worked in production/management for Walt Disney Theatrical Productions (working on international productions of Beauty and the Beast and King David), Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Company (Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Tour), and for London's English Shakespeare Company in the Press and Marketing Department. Kristen was honored to receive distinction as one of the "Top 40 Professionals Under 40" by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2008, listed in the Who's Who of American Women, and recently was honored by United Arts Council as a member of "Star in the Arts.”

John McKerrow Actor, Producing Artistic

In 2003 John relocated from New York City to Naples, Florida with his spouse and fellow actor, Mary Anne McAvoy McKerrow. After 13 years in Manhattan, studying, working and trying to become household names, they decided to enjoy themselves in sunny Florida. It has turned out to be the best move of their lives offering great opportunities for artistic fulfillment, career choice and many great friends.

John is founder and Producing Artistic Director for Naples-based Shakespeare in Paradise (SIP). His directing credits include Doubt, Rabbit Hole, Mauritius, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Tempest and The Merry Wives of Windsor. His acting credits include Petruchio/The Taming of The Shrew, Benedick/Much Ado about Nothing, Macbeth/Macbeth, Demetrius/A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Master Page/The Merry Wives of Windsor, Richard/The Lion in Winter and many more. John has also worked for other local companies including Opera Naples, TheatreZone and The Naples Players.

In addition, McKerrow, who loves the English language and constantly finds himself reminding folks that "Shakespeare wrote in ENGLISH," offers a youth program through SIP called Brush Up Your Shakespeare - a platform to provide free coaching to area students, a combined effort with The Naples English Speaking Union to provide intense Shakespeare training to area teachers and a new program (in conjunction with The Marco Island Center for the Arts) to show adults that Anyone Can Perform Shakespeare!

John studied Shakespeare at Southern Connecticut State University and at HB Studios in Manhattan with Edward Morehouse. He has worked Off Broadway, on tours, in regional theatre, on television and in national commercials.

Chick Heithaus President, CAPA Board

Chick is Board President of CAPA Cultural and Performing Arts Center. He served as Vice President for International Business, Distribution and Service Support Systems for Lincoln Foodservice Products and Grindmaster Corporation. Chick is a past Chairman of SCORE Naples, President of the Board of Trustees for Public Radio of Northern Indiana, and was a Board member and Vice President - Development and Strategic Planning for Kentucky Opera. Claudia Polzin Consultant to Arts, Non-Profits

Claudia, GNL Class XVI, most recently served as the Director of Development for Classical South Florida. A resident of Southwest Florida for almost 20 years, her previous positions include serving as Director of Education and Development for the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Director of Development for the Guadalupe Center of Immokalee and the Community Foundation of Collier County. She is now working as an independent consultant specifically to arts non-profits in this region.

Her career began in the public school classroom in Robbinsdale, Minnesota where she taught choral music and theatre. Having been introduced to classical music at the age of 4 while sitting next to her grandfather in the orchestra he belonged to as first chair clarinet, her love of music has continued throughout her life. While at the Philharmonic Center she was instrumental in designing the educational programs for grades K-12 and bringing programs to the public schools of Collier County, and students to the Center. One of the programs was a joint program with the Collier County School System that was funded through a federal education grant and brought musicians to elementary schools; provided in-service programs for classroom teachers; and brought students to the Center for Orchestra concerts.

Claudia currently serves on the boards of Naples Art Association, Naples Music Club, Greater Naples Planned Giving Council and Angels Undercover.

Judy Evans Founder & Program Director, Music Scores!

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 at the Guadalupe Early Childhood Center in Immokalee, Florida and seven Head Start sites in Collier County. 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 Naples Music Club Outreach Chair, Mrs. Evans also coordinates the Master Classes for Middle School Band, Orchestra and Choral at-risk 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 900 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, Collie County Public Schools Golden Apple in 1996, Baldwin- Wallace Conservatory’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1997 and Florida American String Teachers Lifetime Achievement in 2011.

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.

John Hushon Chairman & Acting Executive Director, Opera Naples

After graduating from Brown University (AB, International Relations, 1967) and Harvard Law School (JD, 1970), John practiced international business law in Washington DC and New York. During that time he was a founder of Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts.

In 1995, John became CEO of El Paso International Energy Corporation in Houston (and then in London). When he retired from that position, El Paso was the largest natural gas energy company in the world.

John and Judy moved to Naples in 2002. For several years, John commuted to Washington where he completed a graduate degree in theology at Washington Theological Union and to Princeton where he was a consultant to Michael Graves. He has been teaching college/graduate level courses in theology at various venues in Southwest Florida since that time.

John has been active in many national and local not-for-profit activities: trustee and finance director of Washington Theological Union, director of The Menil Collection (Houston), director of The Alley Theatre (Houston), director of Hope for Haiti (Naples), trustee of the Center of Concern (Washington DC), national trustee of Voice of the Faithful (Boston), co-chair of American Catholic Council (national), director and vice president of Naples Art Association, and on the advisory council of ArtsNaples World Festival. In May 2014, John became Chair of Opera Naples.

John is currently Chair of Artnet AG, a large, publicly-traded, internet-based art company in New York and Berlin. Leah Summers Vocalist

Leah Summers has appeared extensively throughout Europe and the US. She has performed leading roles at the Vienna Staatsoper, New York City Opera, Dallas Opera, New Jersey Opera, Opera Colorado, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Naples, Pittsburgh Opera, Juilliard Opera Center, Opera Orchestra of New York with Eve Queller at Carnegie Hall. A soloist the with NY Chamber Orchestra, the Ensemble Musica Sacra in Salzburg, Austria, the Naples Philharmonic, Richmond Symphony, National Orchestra of the Ukraine, the Tanglewood Music Festival Orchestra, the New Juilliard Ensemble, the New York Festival of Song and Music Niagara in Canada. She has recorded Mahler’s 8th Symphony with the Dallas Symphony (Delos) and solo songs by Stephan Volpe (Bridge Records). A recipient of a Fulbright scholarship to Vienna, Austria, a Herbert von Karajan grant from the Vienna Staatsoper, a William Matheus Sullivan career grant and a finalist of the Richard Tucker Foundation Awards. She holds degrees from the University of Miami and the Juilliard School in NYC.

Judi Baruck President, ReCreation Tappers of Southwest Florida

ReCreation Tappers of Southwest Florida is a cheerful, non-profit organization of about 120 fun-loving adult recreational tap dancers who live full-time or part-time (yes, "snowbirds") in the southwest Florida communities of Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island and surrounding areas.

Our mission is to encourage appreciation for and participation in the performance of the uniquely American art form known as tap dance. To accomplish this, our members work to improve their tap skills by taking instruction from first-rate teachers at a number of southwest Florida dance studios. And, our Portable Performance Troupe shows off those skills with entertaining public and private performances - free of charge (donations gratefully accepted) principally during southwest Florida's winter "season."

William Noll Conductor/Pianist

William Noll is currently Artistic Director for Classic Chamber Concerts, the Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra, ArtsNaples World Festival, and guest conductor for Opera Naples. He also continues his association with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, as well as guest conducting in the USA and abroad.

Maestro Noll gave the inaugural command performance for Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, on their new Steinway at their royal residence in Bagshot Park. Among the honored guests were the Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh Foundation.

He is a performance veteran of the major concert halls of the United States, Europe, and China. From Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York to festivals and tours in Italy, Belgium, Central America, the USA, and China, Maestro Noll has established excellence in performance standards for some four decades.

Maestro Noll has held positions with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera, the Choral Guild of Atlanta, Providence Opera Theatre, and the Miami International Piano Festival. He has also worked with summer festivals in Graz, Aspen, Spoleto, Lecce, Costa Rica and Brevard. He filled in at the last moment for Maestro Jens Nygaard in New York City for three sold-out performances with the Jupiter Symphony Orchestra performing works of Haydn, Villa-Lobos and Glazunov.

Noll has also conducted for New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall, New Mexico Symphony, Savannah Symphony, Odessa Philharmonic, Brevard Festival Orchestra, Opera Orchestra of New York, Naples Philharmonic, Costa Rica National Orchestra, and the Sandy Springs Chamber Orchestra, among others.

For the 2013-2014 season, his conducting highlights include the US premier of Dick Hyman's Ragtime Concerto for Clarinet, a production of Verdi's Nabucco; he will also appear as piano soloist in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Additionally, he has been extended an invitation to Russia in the summer of 2014 as a jurist and conductor for an international piano competition.

After a decade of only performing jazz piano, he re-established his classical piano career by appearing in New York City, as guest soloist, with the Jupiter Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jens Nygaard in performances of the virtuoso Concerto No. 2 by Xaver Scharwenka. He appeared as soloist with the Dekalb Symphony in Atlanta with performances of the Piano Concerto by Aaron Copland in honor of the composer's 100th birthday celebration. He was recently invited to perform with Steven Byess and the Tupelo Symphony in performances of Michael Dougherty's Le Tombeau de Liberace. As a conductor/pianist Mr. Noll has collaborated with Pablo Casals, James Levine, Robert Shaw, Zubin Mehta, Julius Rudel, Milton Katims, John Nelson, Eve Queler, Jorge Mester, Christian Badea, and Donald Vorhees, among many others.

His catalog of commercial recordings include choral, symphonic and jazz repertoire on labels such as Newport Classic, Intersound, Pro-Jazz, Time-Life, and Sony. Noll also has many TV and radio appearances to his credit, including choral concerts, jazz orchestra and specials for PBS, CBS, NPR, and over six years of hosting "Fanfare," an Atlanta weekly radio feature. In addition to his performance activities, Maestro Noll has served as Music Director for Ritz-Carlton Hotels for three decades.

He has also served on panels for The National Endowment for the Arts, Fulton County Arts Council, Bronx Arts Panel, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Georgia Council for the Arts, and the Classical Nomination Committee for the Grammy Awards. Maestro Noll was recently honored with the "Stars in the Arts" award, given by the Collier County United Arts Council, for his musical and humanitarian efforts on behalf of numerous charitable organizations in the region. As a resident of Naples, Florida, and New York City, he continues to assist the careers of classical, popular and jazz musicians through the offices of Mayfair Artists Representatives, a full-service music consultancy, for which he is the Executive Director.

Maestro Noll has also written for the editorial and arts pages for the Atlanta Constitution and the Naples Daily News.

(back to Table of Contents) Volunteer Opportunities

Visual Arts

Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts Marco Island’s Center for the Arts’ 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 Phone: 239-394-4221 Address: 1010 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island 34145 Website: www.marcoislandart.com

Baker Museum of Artis-Naples The Baker Museum features collections of American modernism, 20th century Mexican art and Chihuly glass, as well as traveling exhibits and exclusive shows organized by the museum. Its mission is to inspire creativity and awaken curiosity. Contact: Frank Verpoorten Phone: 239-597-1900 Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples Website: www.artisnaples.org/baker-museum

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. Contact: Patrice Shields Phone: 239-495-8989 Address: 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Website: 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 Phone: 239-642-0528

Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Arts Center The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Arts Center is dedicated to promoting and advancing education, interest and participation in the contemporary visual arts. It presents on- and off-site exhibits, art festivals, art classes and other educational programs. Contact: Aimee Schlehr Phone: 239-262-6517 Address: 585 Park St., Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesart.org Naples Artcrafters The 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: Charlotte Burnett Phone: 239-250-0804 Website: 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: Richard Rosen Phone:239-821-1061

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: Jean McNamara Phone: 239-566-2958 Website: www.pastelsociety.org

United Arts Council UAC’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the community through the power of the arts. Their mission is to (1) be the most recognized source for arts services and cultural information; and (2) be the premier provider of arts education for at- risk students. UAC connects arts organizations, artist, galleries and arts educators with one another, with local audiences, and with tourism-related businesses. Contact: Katie Schweikhardt Phone: 239-254-8242 Address: 1495 Pine Ridge Rd #5, Naples, FL 34109 Website: www.collierarts.com

Theatre/Dance/Film

Artis-Naples Artis-Naples is unique among arts centers in that it features both the performing and the visual arts in a single complex and also hosts a resident orchestra. It has four museum-quality art galleries and two sculpture gardens. Contact: Volunteer Coordinator Phone: 239-254-2738 Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 34108 Website: www.artisnaples.org Gulfshore Opera A new opera company that will bring concerts and opera to the Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, the United Methodist Church in North Naples, and other SW Florida locations designing the shows to be more affordable for music lovers. Contact: Steffanie Pearce Phone: 239-529-3925 Website: www.gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Center Gulfshore Playhouse is Naples' first and finest self producing-professional theatre, currently producing exclusively at the Norris Center in downtown Naples. They are devoted to creating nationally noteworthy professional theatre, from powerful and inspiring classics, to innovative new works. Through ART SMART, Gulfshore Playhouse teaches through theatre in local schools. Summer teen intensives and adult classes are also offered. Contact: Kristen Coury Phone: 239-261-7529 Address: 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples 34102 Website: www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Marco Players The Marco Players were the first group to bring live theater to Marco Island, offering annual productions starting in 1987. Each season, the group performs a variety of productions, from comedies to dramas to musicals. Contact: Beverly Dahlstrom Phone: 239-642-7270 Address: 1055 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145 Website: www.themarcoplayers.com

Naples Ballet The Naples Ballet is 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 and a dance movement program for children with special needs. The goal is to deliver artistic and cultural excellence and inspire dancers and audiences. Contact: Toshiko Tompkins Phone: 239-732-1000 Address: 1005 5th Ave. N., Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesballet.org

Naples International Film Festival The mission of Naples International Film Festival 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 Phone: 239-775-3456 Address: 2338 Immokalee Rd., Suite 110, Naples 34110 Website: www.naplesfilmfest.com Naples Opera Society The 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 Cambier Park. Contact: Dr. Ron Bowman Phone: 239-598-6110 Website: www.naplesoperasociety.org

Naples Players The Naples Players 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 Phone: 239-263-7990 Address: 701 5th Ave. S., Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesplayers.org

Opera Naples Opera Naples is 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 Phone: 239-963-9050 Address: 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 34112 Website: www.operanaples.com

Shakespeare in Paradise The mission of Shakespeare in Paradise 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 Phone: 239-682-3637 Address: 3670 22nd Ave NE Naples, FL 34120 Website: www.sipnaples.org

The Spirit of Naples and Southwest Florida Conference & Festival (SON) envisions the creation of a strong southwest Florida-based community in which Christian creators of entertaining thought-provoking content find support and encouragement. SON hosts two annual events: Storytellers Conference and Storytellers Film & Book Festival. Contact: Grace Seitz Phone: 615-986-9516 Website: www.sonfilmfest.com TheatreZone TheatreZone is 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 Phone: 239-449-2323 Address: 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples 34105 Website: 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 2339-592-4043 Address: 705 Pineside Lane, Naples, FL 34108 National website: www.ya.org

Music/Festivals

Arts Naples World Festival (ANWF) Arts Naples World Festival, centered in Naples, is designed to celebrate cultural arts from around the globe. In 2016 the theme will be Celebrating The Best of all Worlds. The festival, which will be held April 30 -May 8, 2016, will create an immersion into exciting the cultural arts of opera, symphony, orchestral music, jazz, cuisine, cinema & more. Stay in May and enjoy! Contact: Trey Farmer Phone: 239-390-2788 Website: www.stayinmay.com

The Bach Ensemble The Bach Ensemble is 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: Barbara Pikal Phone: 239-732-1055 Address: 3667 Arctic Cir., Naples, FL 34112 Website: www.thebachensemble.org

Bayshore 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 much more. Contact: Joe King Phone: 239-775-2800 Address: 2400 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 303, Naples FL 34103 Email: [email protected] Website: www.capacenter.org

Chorus of the Everglades The Chorus of the Everglades is 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: Bob Dimond Phone: 239-250-0457 Address: 800 Neffs Way, Naples FL 34112 Website: www.evergladeschorus.us

Classic Chamber Concerts Classic Chamber Concerts seeks to provide world-class music at affordable prices to the residents of SW Florida, and to 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 Phone: 239-434-8505 Address: 4748 West Blvd, Naples, FL 34103 Website: www.classicchamberconcerts.org

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers The Mastersingers was 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: Jean Beasch Phone: 239-288-2535 Address: 6900 Daniels Parkway, Suite 29-193, Ft Myers 33912 Website: www.mastersingersfm.com

Gulf Coast Big Band The Gulf Coast Big Band, comprised of musicians with a variety of musical backgrounds and experience, performs many free concerts each year at parks and in schools. The group supports young musicians and works to share the swinging sounds of the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Phone: 239-877-6090 Website: www.gulfcoastbigband.com Hyacinth Series Hyacinth Series is sponsored by Moorings Presbyterian Church, where it has presented more than 25 years of concerts. Open to the public, offerings accepted. Contact: Richard Crofts Phone: 239-213-5246 Address: 791 Harbour Dr., Naples,FL 34103 Website: www.moorings-presby.org/hyacinth_series.htm

Music Makers Show Band The Music Makers Show Band is a nonprofit organization with a dual mission: 1) to promote, preserve, and perform American big band music of the mid-1900s, and 2) to financially support jazz education in Collier County high schools. Contact: Dan Fabiano Phone: 239-594-5141 Website: www.musicmakersshowband.org

Music for Minors Foundation, Inc. Music for Minors Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization now in its third year of purchasing instruments for middle school children who cannot afford to own one. The group works with music directors to select students that qualify. Contact: Don Rhynard Phone: 239-273-2250 Address: PO Box 1503 Bonita Springs, FL 34133 Website: www.music4minors.org

MusicScores! Pre-K Literacy/Violin Program Volunteers assist the violin instructors during group lessons. Music background is helpful. Contact: Judy Evans Phone: 239-593-0346 Address: P.O. Box 112383, Naples FL 34108 Website: www.naplesmusicclub.org

Naples Concert Band Naples Concert Band was 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. The band boasts a robust scholarship program that has awarded over $60,000 in student scholarships. Contact: Ev Hughes Phone: 239-263-9521 Address: PO Box 31 Naples, FL 34106 Website: www.naplesconcertband.org Naples Jazz Orchestra The Naples Jazz Orchestra is a ‘big band’ in the tradition of Count Basie, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington and the Tonight Show Band, and is comprised of jazz musicians from both coasts of FL. The NJO performs private engagements and a series of FREE concerts in Cambier Park. The Naples Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is an elite jazz ensemble comprised of youngsters from Naples’ area schools. The NYJO performs in Cambier Park along with the NJO. Contact: Bob Stone Phone: 239-272-8729 Address: PO Box 9436 Naples, FL 34101 Website: www.thenjo.org

Naples Music Club The Naples Music Club’s 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, the awarding of scholarships to students ages 11-18. Contact: Myra Williams Phone: 239-262-5093 Address: PO Box 112383 Naples, FL 34108 Website: www.naplesmusicclub.org

Naples Philharmonic Orchestra The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra is an internationally recognized symphonic ensemble, which performs more than 150 concerts each season, including classical, pops, ballet, chamber and family programs. The orchestra performs at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and at various other venues in the community. The orchestra also accompanies Edward Villella’s Miami City Ballet each season. Contact: Volunteer Coordinator Phone: 239-597-1900 Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 34108 Website: www.artisnaples.org

Naples Orchestra & Chorus The Naples Orchestra & Chorus is a community organization that performs free, classical and pops concerts at Lely High School which has an excellent facility. Professional and nonprofessional musicians, along with talented high school students make up the group. Experienced musicians are welcome to join. Contact: Anne Wilson Phone: 239-455-1912 Address: PO Box 9542 Naples, FL 34101 Website: www.naplesorchestraandchorus.org Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus The Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus promotes musical diversity and community service. It is committed to providing financial support and opportunities for students and teachers. The group provides numerous performances throughout the year to a wide range of audiences. Contact: Gary Poehler Phone: 239-352-6366 Website: www.naplesbarbershopchorus.org

Voices of Naples Voices of Naples, a community chorus for Naples area residents, performs a variety of choral music. The "Sing-Along" Messiah" is presented annually in November. Additional concerts are held in December and February with a repertoire ranging from classical to pop. A scholarship program encourages aspiring young choral musicians. Meets October -March. Auditions. Contact: Mariellen Lemasters Phone: 239-455-2582 Website: www.voicesofnaples.org

Museums/Culture

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a 30,000-square-foot facility located in the North Collier Regional Park. The museum allows children and families to experience world-class, educationally-dynamic, fully-interactive exhibits. Contact: Karysia Demarest Phone: 239-514-0084 Address: 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples, 34109 Website: www.cmon.org

City of Naples Norris Center & Cambier Park The City of Naples Norris Center is 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 much more! The Norris Center is the home of the Gulfshore Playhouse. Additionally, they host outdoor concerts at the Cambier Park Bandshell. Contact: Jennifer Fox Phone: 239-213-3058 Address: 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.naplesgov.com

Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida The 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 Phone: 239-263-9200 Address: 4760 Tamiami Tr. N, 7, Naples, FL 34103 Website: www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org Marco Island Foundation for the Arts The Marco Island Foundation for the Arts is 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 hope to engage people, stir imaginations and inspire dialog. Contact: Carolyn Burger Phone: 239-389-0208 Address: PO Box 1091 Marco Island, FL 34146 Website: www.marcoarts.org

Naples Depot The Naples Depot, built in 1927, 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. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is operated by Collier County. Contact: Volunteer Coordinator Phone: 239-252-8287 Address: 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.colliermuseums.com

Russian Cultural Center of Naples The Russian Cultural Center of Naples encourages, develops & supports displays of Russian visual and performing arts for the benefit of residents and visitors to Southwest Florida. Contact: Bella Gutschtein Phone: 239-596-8404 Address: 656 98th Ave N. Naples, FL 34108

Colleges

Hodges University Hodges University is 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 Phone: 239-598-6110 Address: 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples, FL 34119 Website: www.hodges.edu

Renaissance Academy (FGCU) The Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University is 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. There are no exams or grades, just learning for the joy of learning. Contact: John Guerra Phone: 239-434-4737 Address: 1010 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.fgcu.edu/racademy (back to Table of Contents) Locations and Directions

First Venue:

The von Liebig Art Center 585 Park Street Naples, FL 34102

Click on the map to make it live

Second Venue: Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard Naples, FL 34108

Click on the map to make it live

(back to Table of Contents)