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Naples Art

Enriching our community through the visual arts for over 60 years.

Our Mission

Naples Art has been at the forefront of the Arts & Cultural landscape of Naples since 1954. We believe art can change lives and improve communities.  We are committed to developing tomorrow’s artists and arts leaders, ensuring artistic expression is accessible to everyone and inclusive of everyone. We enrich Southwest Florida through the visual arts.

Our Vision

is to transform the community through inspired arts leadership and continuous creation of a visual arts center that inspires and empowers artists and the general public.

Aimee Schlehr
CEO/Executive Director
Non voting member

Board of Directors

Bob Walpole
Immediate Past President

Doug Olsen

Phillip Douglas & Co.

Chris Marrie, HBK CPAs and Consultants
Treasurer

Lorraine Kostyra
Secretary

Ricki Baker
President

Linda Pennimen
Retired

Kristine Meek
Harmon-Meek Gallery

Joe Coleman

Vice President
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, PA

Aimee Schlehr
CEO/Executive Director
Non voting member

Ben Machielse
Retired

History

Now over 65 years old, Naples Art is reconnecting with its history, promoting the value of art education and emphasizing the impact the arts have on the economic development of our community.

1954

Over 60 years ago, E.George Rogers, Elsie Upham and Grace Lake founded Naples Art with 34 other artists. They created art, exhibited and taught in and around the community using different venues as their platform to promote the local artist. Many of the members volunteered to teach art in the local schools until the public school’s art program was established in 1954.

1970's

In the 1970s, the group collected funds to restore The Naples Depot. There they built art studio spaces and held the group’s first art exhibition in 1978. The following year, the organization began to offer adult art classes. They continued providing educational programs in that facility until 1998.

1980's

In 1980, their first annual spring art show was held in Cambier Park. As its known now, the Naples National Art Festival has become our largest fund raiser and is rated among the top 10 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

1990's

In 1992, Naples Art began meeting with the Naples City Council for a lease agreement to provide 8,000 square feet of public land in Cambier Park to build a community art center. In 1995, leaders signed an agreement and raised $3.5 million through private donations, including one from Suzanne and William von Liebig for whom the art center is named.

1998

On November 22, 1998, Naples Art officially opened The von Liebig Art Center. The 16,000 square foot, two-story facility features six studios, a main exhibition hall, rounds galleries, one of the area’s largest art resource libraries and a gift shop.

Today

Today, Naples Art’s primary goal is to serve as a working art center where the community can access art education, activities and events for all ages and learn about art through exhibitions and educational outreach. We encourage you to join us by investing in the arts and, in turn, in our community.

Staff

Aimee Schlehr

CEO/ Executive Director

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Elle Young

Membership Manager

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Lynn Borzumato

Adult Education Manager

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Jack O’Brien

Curator

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Maureen Roberts

Outdoor Shows Manager

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Mary Visgilio

Volunteer Manager

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Rosanna Coscia

Executive Assistant

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Ray Rosa

Preparator/Art Handler

Ken Andexler

Preparator/Art Handler

John Treanor

Art Business Entrepreneur (ABE) Academy Manager

2018-2019 Annual Report

INSIDE THESE WALLS

Art is intuitive. Art speaks. Art gives us a voice. Art expands our creative connections. Art matters. You know and understand the power of art. For 65 years you have supported, created, and built a home to ensure everyone has access to high quality art opportunities. What started in 1954 with a group of artists who wanted to share their love and passion for the visual arts, has developed into a community gathering place where art comes alive, is approachable, and is always changing.

Download Annual Report