Greater Naples Leadership Masters class XXII
Cultural arts day November 15, 2017
CELEBRATION OF THE SENSES
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 Business casual for comfort in air-conditioned rooms and for walking
Venues 1st Venue: Naples Art Association at the von Liebig Art Center, 585 Park Street
2nd Venue: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.
Session Leaders Ricki Baker, Pat Frey, Jill Jaffe, Barry Karson
Celebration of the Senses
A. Goals
• To expose GNL Master Class participants to the breadth of Naples’ cultural arts offerings
• To reinforce the economic, social, & cultural contributions of the visual & performing arts to the well-being of Collier County & its citizens
Objectives
• To present a sampling of local artists, arts organizations, & venues
• To learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing artists & organizations in a growing, increasingly diverse community
• 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 Neal Gelfand, Class Chair
8:35 Introduction of Cultural Arts Day Team & Overview of the Day Ricki Baker
SEEING Is Believing
8:40 Introduction: How Visual Arts Contribute to the Well-Being of Collier County’s Citizens Pat Frey
8:45 Art in Public Places, Group Interactive Exercise Jill Jaffe
9:00 Panel Discussion
• Moderator: Ricki Baker • Aimee Schlehr, Executive Director, Naples Art Association • Cynthia Adams, President, Naples Art District • Laura Burns, Executive Director, United Arts Council
9:35 Q & A 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.
10:00 Introduction to Studio Artists Barry Karson
• Paul Arsenault - Oil Painting • Donna Torrance – Pottery • Dennis Goodman – Photography • Micki Ravitz – Jewelry
11:30 Comfort Break
11:40 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.)
In the Very Best TASTE
12:00 Lunch in the Boardroom: Hosted by Artis-Naples
12:40 Introduction: How Visual and Performing Arts Enrich the Lives of Collier County Citizens Jill Jaffe
12:45 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
1:05 Q & A
1:15 Comfort Break & move through Hayes Hall to Figge Conservatory to place personal belongings in the seating area
1:30 Introduction to Docent-Led Tours Jill Jaffe
Assemble in the main lobby of Hayes Hall; break into 4 groups. Docents will lead Groups 1 & 2 in a tour of the outdoor sculpture garden and Groups 3 & 4 in a tour of an exhibition in Hayes Hall.
2:00 Groups will switch tours in the main lobby of Hayes Hall.
2:25 Return to Figge Conservatory.
A TOUCH of Class
2:30 Introduction: How Drama Engages and Enriches Lives in Collier County Ricki Baker
2:35 Panel Discussion on Theater Arts
• Moderator: Harriet Heithaus, Naples Daily News Arts Critic • Kristen Coury, Founder & Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse • Mark Danni, Founder & Artistic Director, TheatreZone • Jessica Walck, Associate Artistic Director, The Naples Players
3:25 Q & A
3:35 Comfort Break & Snacks
The SOUND of Music
3:50 Introduction: How Music Uplifts Lives in Collier County Barry Karson
3:55 Musical Performances
• Emcee: Jeff Binder, Artistic Associate, Gulfshore Playhouse • Naples Jazz Society • Milana Strezeva and James Gburek, GNL Class XX: Piano Duet • 5th Avenue Barbershop Quartet
The Sweet SMELL of Success
4:55 Wrap-up: How Cultural Arts Help Make Naples One of the Best Places in the U.S. to Live Ricki Baker
5:00 Conclusion Neal Gelfand
(Back to table of contents)
C. Biographies
Seeing is Believing
Amy 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
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.
Donna Torrance Ceramic Artist Donna Torrance earned her MA from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Until her retirement in 2013 she was an Art Teacher at Barron Collier High School in Naples. She is currently teaching hand building and wheel throwing at clay studios and teaches workshops for groups of ceramic artists and clay teachers. Her work is sold at galleries and art shows. She is a member of Naples Artcrafters Inc., Fine Art and Craft Showers.
Torrance founded Empty Bowls-a fundraiser for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Students, educators, and artists create ceramic bowls. Attendees purchase the bowls and then sample delicious soups created and donated by dozens of local chefs.
Torrance is pleased to have found in clay a medium that keeps her searching and interpreting. She layers and pieces slabs of clay and plays with the color washes to complete her works. She is connected to her ancestry of farmers and strong women quilters of color and pattern.
In the Very Best Taste
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 Vice President Artistic Operations, Artis-Naples As Vice President of Artistic Operations at Artis—Naples since September of 2013, 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 Chorus.
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 of Marketing & Patron Engagement, Artis-Naples Ashley leads Artis—Naples sales and communications teams and during her two-year tenure has led the effort to increase patron participation and build stronger brand awareness locally and on a national and international level.
Under her leadership, the organization has seen increases in subscription revenue, achieved strong single-ticket sales, and nearly doubled the email marketing contacts in the organization’s database. Her time at Artis—Naples has also seen increased media attention including a Wall Street Journal article on the partnership with the Vienna Philharmonic.
Ashley was previously Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Toledo Symphony for six seasons. While there, she increased the symphony’s subscriber base by 25% in just one season. She was also active in programming for the Pops Series and substantially increased single-ticket and subscription revenue for the series through arena-style event marketing and dynamic pricing. In 2012, she inaugurated an annual humanities festival with the University of Toledo designed to explore a TSO classics concert theme.
Prior to 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, IU Graduate Wind Quintet and Yale Symphony Orchestra, among others.
FRANK VERPOORTEN Director and Chief Curator The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples
Now in his 5th exhibition season at Artis—Naples, Baker Museum Director and Chief Curator Frank Verpoorten has more than 15 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) to the U.S. In that role he oversaw multidisciplinary cultural programming including exhibitions, performing arts initiatives, lectures, musical concerts, and a film program.
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.
A Touch of Class
Harriet Howard Heithaus Journalist Harriet has covered arts and entertainment for the Naples Daily New for 10 years, a field she was introduced to as arts writer and Living Editor for The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She’s been fortunate enough to interview celebrities from Joshua Bell to Dolly Parton, and to “sit in” silently with a philharmonic orchestra as it went through rehearsals for a week. (It’s harder than it looks to get to performance night!)
She has won a William Allen White finalist award for her coverage of her city’s decision among four cable TV companies. Her editorials for the Troy, Ohio, Daily News and arts coverage in both Fort Wayne and Naples have won both state and national awards.
A native of Troy, Ohio, she graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph before embarking on a journalism career that included covering schools, city governments and politics for more years than she wants to admit.
She works with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and, of course, print journalism.
Kristen Coury Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse Hailing from New York City, Kristen drove through Naples and immediately decided to sell an apartment in NYC and become a permanent Naples resident. Determining there was a niche to fill in this arts-loving town, Kristen proceeded to found Gulfshore Playhouse upon arrival in 2004 and never looked back. Carefully and quickly she brought the Playhouse from a staff of one (herself) and a budget of zero, to a staff of 25 and an annual budget of nearly $2.5M with no debt. She has directed many of the Playhouse productions to date, of which her favorites include: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, All My Sons, Tartuffe, A Streetcar Named Desire, Art, A View from the Bridge, Blithe Spirit and The Glass Menagerie. 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, 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…on Tour), and for London’s English Shakespeare Company in the Press and Marketing Department. Kristen was honored to be 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, and one of the Men and Women of the Year by Gulfshore Life in 2013. Kristen is an avid ballroom dancer and dances competitively around the State of Florida.
Mark Danni Founding Artistic Director, TheatreZone TheatreZone is a professional Equity theater company in Naples, FL. Mark has been involved with many Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional productions as a Director, Music Director, Conductor and Drummer/Percussionist. He has directed Broadway veterans and celebrities, including Georgia Engel (Mary Tyler Moore and Everybody Loves Raymond), Gary Sandy (WKRP In Cincinnati), Megan Hilty (star of TV’s hit show Smash), Nancy Dussault (Too Close For Comfort), Andrea McArdle (Broadway’s original Annie), Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line), Eddie Mekka (Laverne & Shirley), David Garrison (Married With Children) and Jim and Kassie DePaiva (One Life To Live). Mark was invited in 2015 to re- create and direct his critically acclaimed TheatreZone production of Sweeney Todd for Opera Roanoke in Roanoke, VA. His regional premiere of The Boy From Oz in 2016 received national acclaim from Theatre Mania, Broadway World, 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 and the Amazing Technicolor 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. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Mark holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Baldwin-Wallace University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the recipient of the United Arts Council of Collier County’s “Stars in The Arts” Award, Baldwin-Wallace University’s “Outstanding Educator” Award, Naples Illustrated’s “Superman of Naples” award, The Presser Foundation’s award for “Excellence in Music Education”, and is on the Williamsville School District’s “Wall of Fame”. He is a proud member of The Society for Directors and Choreographers, as well as the American Federation of Musicians.
Jessica Walck Associate Artistic Director, The Naples Players Jessica has been involved in theatre for more than 20 years and has filled multiple roles throughout that time. She is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in NYC where she was trained in the Meisner acting technique. For the last 14, years she has been involved with The Naples Players as an actress, stage manager, instructor, and director and she is so grateful to be a part of an organization that genuinely treats you like family. Jessica is also an adjunct acting professor at Ave Maria University. Her most recent directing credits at TNP are Outside Mullingar and These Shining Lives. You may have also seen her on stage as Brooke in Other Desert Cities and Veronica in God of Carnage. Her favorite role is playing Sylvia in Sylvia.
The Sound of Music
Jeff Binder Artistic Associate, Gulfshore Playhouse Jeff began his career in acting around age 11 when he realized he wasn't good at football. What he could do was entertain people and sing a bit. Jeff received his BA in Theatre at the University of Maryland, College Park, and moved to NYC to attend NYU's Graduate Acting Program at Tisch School of the Arts. He earned an MFA in 1998 and worked on and off Broadway for about 15 years. Jeff and his partner adopted a beautiful little girl who was born May 7, 2012, determined to raise her in Upstate New York where she could enjoy green space and a life outside the city. In time, they realized that they needed to return to the city to keep Jeff’s career moving in NYC or find another way to make art and achieve a balance that would allow them to watch their daughter grow up.
Enter Kristen Coury. She invited Jeff to Naples as her Artistic Associate at Gulfshore Playhouse and a chance to learn how be an Artistic Director from someone whose talents and method of working he admired. They took the plunge, moved to Naples, and haven't looked back. Jeff says that Naples is a rich, experienced community in which to perform and work in a beautiful part of the world. He’s also excited to be a part of growing Gulfshore Playhouse into its new home!
His approach on the stage is to be a transformational actor: to embody characters in multiple styles in genres and fill them truthfully and interestingly and (if appropriate) humorously! Offstage, he helps find and produce shows that entertain and inspire, that explore themes and ideas that move us as an audience and provoke discussion, emotion, laughter, and (of course) the desire to come back to Gulfshore Playhouse and see the next show!
Acting Credits: Gulfshore Playhouse: Currently performing in the Merchant of Venice (Lancelet Gobbo, Prince of Aragon, Solario, etc.), Hound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock), My Fair Lady (Henry Higgins), An Enemy of the People (Doctor Thomas Stockmann), Boeing, Boeing (Robert), The God Game (Matt, World Premiere at Gulfshore Playhouse/Capital Repertory Theatre) Broadway: Lion King (Zazu), Lieutenant of Inishmore (James, Original Broadway Cast), Mary Poppins (George Banks), Side Man (Clifford). West End: Side Man (Al, premiere). NYC: Music Hall (Artiste, US Premiere 59E59th), Romance/The New Testament (NY Premieres/Neil LaBute, 59E59th), Dr. Faustus (Lucifer, Scholar, etc., Classic Stage Company), Birth and After Birth (Bill, Atlantic), Princess Turandot (Pantalone, Blue Light) Regional: The White Chip (Sean, World Premiere), Love in the Wars (Odysseus, premiere, Bard Summerscape), The Master and Margarita (Bard Summerscape), Bob (Bob, Humana 2011), Tartuffe (Valére, NJSF) Television’s “Damages” (recurring), “Law and Order,” “L&O: Criminal Intent,” “Guiding Light,” “All My Children,” MFA, NYU, 1998.
Naples Jazz Society Dedicated to the preservation of early jazz music, the Naples Jazz Society has different bands that focus on performing different styles of jazz dating from the 1890s to 1940s. The Naples Jazz Society Inc. favors all sorts of “jazz,” but gives priority to the late 1930’s.
A lot of folks love Dixieland Jazz! And we Sure do! The music has its roots in New Orleans, La., but came from many American sources – minstrel shows, ragtime and cakewalks, and the blues. It left New Orleans during the First World War, and the “Jazz Age” swept the world during the “Roaring Twenties”. This kind of jazz continued to be VERY popular during the Depression of the 1930’s, but faded away somewhat as the “Big Bands” of the 1940’s came along.
Modern jazz, rock and roll, and punk music followed – but the early jazz survives, and still pleases today’s audiences. There’s nothing happier than a toe-tapping Dixieland tune – and nothing sadder than a sorrowful blues. These are truly American culture at its best!
Milana Strezeva Praised by the critics for her “technically fluid, dramatically convincing, and sonically full-bodied supportive collaborations” (Boston Globe) - Milana Strezeva is a Moldovan-American pianist. At age 11 she began playing chamber music with her clarinetist father and her mother, a renowned soprano. Milana's love for family collaboration grew into a passionate advocacy of vocal and instrumental chamber music.
A founding member of the award-winning Manhattan Piano Trio, one of the most creative and dynamic young ensembles in America, Milana has performed with them in more than 30 American states, in Australia, South Africa and Italy, and in venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall, and the Ravinia Festival. The Washington Post described the Trio as "impressive" and "outstanding", while the Sarasota Herald Tribune said, "one seldom is privileged to enjoy music of such a wide range of styles performed with self-effacing skill and relaxed assurance." A CD of Schumann and Chopin trios in honor of the composers’ bicentennials, was successfully released on the Marquis Classics label in 2009.
Milana is a recipient of Grand Prizes at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition; Australian Broadcasting Corporation Listeners Choice Award in Melbourne, IBLA International Competition as a vocal collaborator, and Arts Recognition and Talent Search Award. Among the prominent venues in which she has performed are - Carnegie Hall (New York), Jordan Hall (Boston), Kravis Center (West Palm Beach), Gusman Hall (Miami); Shenzhen Concert Hall (China), South Melbourne Town Hall (Australia), Linder Auditorium (South Africa).
Some of the internationally acclaimed artists with whom Milana has concertized include members of the former Vermeer Quartet - Schmuel Ashkenasi, Mathias Tacke, Marc Johnson; flutist Eugenia Zukerman, clarinetists Franklin Cohen and Alexander Fiterstein, Amernet Quartet, violists Karen Dreyfus and Michael Klotz, cellists Sophie Shao and Dmitry Kouzov, and new music ensemble in Miami - Nu Deco Ensemble.
Milana's most enduring and treasured collaboration is with her mother, renowned Soprano, Svetlana Strezeva (a.k.a. "The Russian Nightingale" and winner of the 1982 Tchaikovsky Competition). With programs that reflect their love of Russian vocal literature, they have given recitals across the US as well as in Italy, Denmark, Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and China.
Having studied piano with Bella Davidovich, Julian Martin, Milana received her Bachelor and Master degrees from The Juilliard School on a full scholarship. Currently, Milana lives in Naples and is an Artistic Director at the Grand Piano Series.
James Gburek Executive Vice President, IBERIABANK Jim Gburek serves as Executive Vice President, Executive Credit Officer for the State of Florida. Prior to this, he served as the Regional President for the State of Florida. Jim has worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years. Before joining IBERIABANK in 2009, he worked for Wachovia Bank for over two decades. He served as Managing Director for their Latin American and Canadian Corporate and Investment Banking Division, Group Executive for Wachovia’s domestic large corporate business development activities for the Eastern United States and Credit Risk Manager – Corporate Banking.
Gburek earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. In addition to his financial background, Gburek is a trained concert pianist. He was a music theory and piano instructor at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem and earned a Master’s Degree in Music from SUNY at Stony Brook, NY and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Ohio, and worked on his Doctoral Degree in Piano Performance at Indiana University, as a student of Menahem Pressler.
Born in Detroit, Michigan he grew up in Buffalo, NY. Gburek now lives in Naples with his wife, Karen. He is the father of five children and serves on the Southwest Florida Symphony Board of Trustees. He is a graduate of GNL Masters Class XX. Jim has volunteered his musical talents to play for Trinity by the Cove, the 2014 “Note of Spring Concert” to raise money for the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children, the Arts and Alzheimer’s program at the von Liebig Art Center and has performed the accordion part in the orchestra for the Opera Naples Production of Tango.
5th Avenue Barbershop Quartet The mission The Naples / Ft. Myers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is to provide wholesome musical entertainment to patrons of all ages, to encourage and promote the barbershop art form among local youth and choral groups, to be good citizens involved in community outreach, and to provide a venue for interested singers to come together in fellowship and harmony.
Gray Poehler Gray currently sings Lead in his quartet and has sung Baritone with other quartets. He is the retired owner of Service Insurance Agency, Inc of Richmond, VA., an avid golfer and volunteer business counselor with both the Richmond and Naples Chapters of SCORE. Gray has four children and six grandchildren. He joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in1973 and is currently a dual member with theVirginians and the Paradise Coastmen Chorus.
Bill Countie Bill sings Bass in the quartet. He was born and raised in Salem, MA. He graduated from Merrimack College and served in the US Navy. Bill is married with five children and seven grandchildren. His professional career was as an independent insurance broker. He is a 65-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Richard Klym Richard sings Baritone in the quartet but started as a Lead in grade school in Parma, Ohio. He sang in quartets all through high school and college and joined the Barbershop Society in 1969. Richard worked in manufacturing in Cleveland and has summered in France since 2002. Singing Baritone is a “second” melody to Richard, and he says Barbershop harmony is an essential part of his life.
David Eastlake David sings Tenor with the quartet and can also sing Baritone.
He is an Ohio native and graduated from Kent State University. David is married with two children and one grandchild. He worked for IBM for 34 years and is a permanent resident of Naples, FL. In addition to his Barbershop hobby, he and his wife enjoy visiting state and national parks.
(Back to table of contents) D. Volunteer Opportunities
ARTIS—NAPLES Home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis—Naples is unique among cultural institutions nationwide, equally dedicated to both the performing and visual arts featuring artists of global distinction.
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. 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 Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson 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 Boreyko assumed the title of Music Director and serves in this capacity for Artis—Naples. Boreyko 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 van Bergen and Boreyko 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 collections. 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, Paris and Painting Women, from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Friends of Artis-Naples: Volunteer opportunities include joining a dedicated 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, 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 Address: 1010 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island 34145 Website: 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 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 239-642-0528
Naples Art Association at von Liebig Arts Center 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 239-262-6517 585 Park St., Naples 34102 Website: 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: Charlotte Burnett 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: 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: Jean McNamara 239-566-2958 Website: www.pastelsociety.org
United Arts Council of Collier County UAC’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 Email: [email protected] 239-254-8242 Address: 1495 Pine Ridge Rd., Ste. 5, Naples, FL 34109-2113 Website: www.UACCollier.com
Theatre/Dance/Film
Gulfshore Opera A regional opera company founded with core values of community-based creative collaboration. Serving Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Counties. It seeks to enrich the community by presenting high-quality opera, theater, and classical vocal music and promoting community well being through music education programs. Contact: Steffanie Pearce 239-529-3925 Website: www.gulfshoreopera.org
Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Center 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 239-261-7529 Address: 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples 34102 Website: www.gulfshoreplayhouse.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 Address: 1089 N Collier Blvd, POB 2033 Marco Island, FL 34146 Website www.themarcoplayers.com Email [email protected]
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 Address: 1005 5th Ave. N., Naples 34102 Website: 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 239-775-3456 Address: 2338 Immokalee Rd., Suite 110, Naples 34110 Website: 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 Cambier Park. Website: 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 Address: 701 5th Ave. S., Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesplayers.org
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] Address: 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 34112 Website: 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 Address: 3670 22nd Ave NE Naples, FL 34120 Website: 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 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 239-592-4043 Address: 705 Pineside Lane, Naples, FL 34108 Website: www.arts4learningswfl.org
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 Phone: 239-390-2788 Website: 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: Barbara Pikal 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 more. Contact: Joe King 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 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 239-250-0457 Address: 800 Neffs Way, Naples FL 34112 Website: 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 Address: 4748 West Blvd, Naples, FL 34103 Website: 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: Jean Beasch 239-288-2535 Address: 6900 Daniels Parkway, Suite 29-193, Ft Myers 33912 Website: 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. 239-877-6090 Website: 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 Address: 791 Harbour Dr., Naples,FL 34103 Website: www.moorings-presby.org/hyacinth_series.htm
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 Website: 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 Phone: 239-273-2250 Address: PO Box 1503 Bonita Springs, FL 34133 Website: www.music4minors.org
MusicScores! Pre-K Literacy/Violin Program Volunteers assist violin instructors during group lessons. Music background is helpful. Contact: Judy Evans 239-593-0346 Address: P.O. Box 112383, Naples FL 34108 Website: www.naplesmusicclub.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: Ev Hughes 239-263-9521 Address: PO Box 31 Naples, FL 34106 Website: 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 Address: PO Box 9436 Naples, FL 34101 Website: www.thenjo.org
Naples Music Club 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: Myra Williams 239-262-5093 Address: PO Box 112383 Naples, FL 34108 Website: www.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: Anne Wilson Phone: 239-455-1912 Address: PO Box 9542 Naples, FL 34101 Website: 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 Website: www.naplesbarbershopchorus.org
Voices of Naples A community chorus for Naples-area residents, 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. A scholarship program encourages aspiring young choral musicians. Meets October -March. Auditions. Contact: Mariellen Lemasters 239-455-2582 Website: 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 Address: 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples, 34109 Website: 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 Address: 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 Website: 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 Address: 4760 Tamiami Tr. N, 7, Naples, FL 34103 Website: 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 Address: PO Box 1091 Marco Island, FL 34146 Website: 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 Address: 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.colliermuseums.com
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 239-596-8404 Address: 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 Address: 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples, FL 34119 Website: 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 Address: 1010 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.fgcu.edu/racademy
(Back to table of contents) E. Locations and Directions
First Venue: Naples Art Association at the von Liebig 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 speaker will conclude at 1:15 p.m.
Comfort Break and Moving to the Figge Conservatory:
Restrooms are on the 3rd floor of the Administration Building and in Hayes Hall as you move to the Baker Museum. (Please note that the restrooms in the Baker Museum are closed for hurricane restoration.)
Please go quickly from the Boardroom or comfort break through Hayes Hall to the Figge Conservatory adjacent to the 1st floor lobby of the Baker Museum. Place your personal belongings in the seating area. At 1:30, assemble in the main lobby of Hayes Hall and join your group for a docent-led tour. Groups 1 & 2 will tour the outdoor sculpture first, and groups 3 & 4 will tour an indoor exhibition in Hayes Hall first. At 2:00, all groups will return to the main lobby of Hayes Hall and switch tours. The tours will end at 2:25. Please return to your seat in the Figge Conservatory where the program will begin at 2:30 p.m.
(Back to table of contents)