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Naples Art Association

Enriching your creative nature for over 60 years. A non-profit organization built and maintained on private support.

Our Mission

is to expand cultural horizons, broaden education and enrich the community 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.

Board of Directors

Bob Walpole
President

John Hushon, Artnet
Vice President

Chris Marrie, HBK CPAs and Consultants
Treasurer

Lorraine Kostyra
Retired

Ricki Baker
Retired

Linda Pennimen
Retired

Kristine Meek
Harmon-Meek Gallery

Joe Coleman
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, PA

Aimee Schlehr
CEO/Executive Director
Non voting member

History

Now over 60 years old, Naples Art Association 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 the Naples Art Association 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 the association’s largest fund raiser and is rated among the top 10 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

1990's

In 1992, the Association 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, the Naples Art Association 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, the art association’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

239.262.6517 x120

Elle Young

Development Manager

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Lynn Borzumato

Education Coordinator

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Jack O’Brien

Curator

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Maureen Roberts

Outdoor Shows Manager

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Mary Visgilio

Events Manager

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Rosanna Coscia

Executive Assistant

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Ray Rosa

Preparator/Art Handler

Ken Andexler

Preparator/Art Handler

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