The History of Naples Art Institute
For 70 years, Naples Art Institute has been a cornerstone of the artistic community, providing a welcoming space for both established and aspiring artists to explore their creativity. Our professionally curated exhibitions draw in thousands of visitors each year, showcasing works from local artists as well as from around the world. Our galleries and classrooms are designed to educate and inspire, offering a vibrant cultural destination for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Through our classes, workshops, lectures, special programs, and other events, we strive to engage the community and encourage experimentation in the arts. As we honor our rich history, we also look towards the future, with Naples Art Institute becoming a shining beacon in the cultural landscape of Southwest Florida. We have become a hub for visual arts, where individuals and ideas converge to create a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.
A Timeline
1954 | Inspired by a vision to create, exhibit, and teach visual arts, a group of patrons and artists gathered to form an institution to enlighten, engage, educate, and enrich the community. Naples Art Institute was founded in 1954 by E. George Rogers, Elsie Upham, and Grace Lake, along with 34 artists who shared their passion. They created art in and for the community – exhibiting their work and teaching at various venues to promote local artists. Many of these founding members had served as volunteer school art teachers until the public school’s art program was established that same year.
1970 | Clearly in need of their own space, in the 1970s the group raised funds to restore the Naples Depot and build studio spaces. In 1978, Naples Art Institute held its first exhibition. A year later, Naples Art Institute began offering adult art classes. Education was the pillar of the organization’s programming at the Naples Depot until 1998.
1980 | Naples Art Institute launched its first outdoor art show in Cambier Park. Set in the heart of downtown Naples, the show quickly became Naples Art Institute’s largest fundraising effort – known now as the Naples National Art Show - and has consistently been rated among the top ten art festivals in the United States.
1995 | With a growing need for a new space to serve both artists and the community, in 1995, Naples Art Institute signed a land lease agreement with the Naples City Council for 8,000 square feet of public land in Cambier Park. A new community art center would be built and funded through private donations, including a major gift from Suzanne and William von Liebig, for whom the art center was originally named.
1998 | On November 22, Naples Art Institute officially opened The von Liebig Art Center (now Naples Art Institute). The 16,000-square-foot, two-story facility features six studios, a main exhibition hall, galleries, one of the area’s largest art resource libraries, and a Shop.
TODAY | Naples Art Institute continues as a leader in the visual arts in Naples, welcoming students and visitors from near and far to explore their creativity, learn, discover, and delight in an exciting journey in the visual arts.