Cultural Organizations |
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| Visual Arts |
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The mission of Bayshore Arts is "to encourage investment in and redevelopment of the Bayshore area, creating a magnet district for arts, crafts and entertainment in a casual atmosphere." The group meets each month, 11:30 a.m., at the Naples Botanical Garden. info@bayshorearts.com. (239) 775-2969. |
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Ikebana is an international organization that began in Japan in 1956. It promotes the Japanese art of flower arranging, along with understanding between cultures. Materials for the arrangements are all living, such as branches, leaves, grasses and blossoms. The Naples chapter, established in 1971 presents a community exhibit each year. Contact: Stephanie English. (239) 390-2881. Web site |
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The Marco Island 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 Eucation it presents art exhibits, educational programs in the arts for all ages, and is host to Celebrate the Arts Festival. Open year round.1010 Winterberry Dr., Marco Island. (239) 394-4221. Web site |
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The Naples Art Association at von Liebig Art 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. 585 Park St., Naples. (239) 262-6517. Web site |
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The Naples Artcrafters, established in 1967, promotes excellence in fine arts and crafts within the community. The membership includes both professional and nonprofessional artists and crafters. It offers a series of eight juried outdoor exhibits each year and programs for youth . (239) 352-1200. Web site |
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The Naples Museum of Art features collections of American modernism, 20th century Mexican art and Chihuly glass, as well as traveling exhibitions and exclusive shows organized by the museum. Its mission is to inspire creativity and awaken curiosity. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. (239) 597-1900. Web site |
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The Naples Porcelain Artists, founded in 1984, work to educate on and preserve the art of painting on glazed and unglazed porcelain. Approximately 50 members meet the 2nd Friday of each month, October through May, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, to hear speakers and partake in workshops or paint-a-longs. (239) 495-3497. |
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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. (239) 649-0167. Web site |
| Theater/Dance |
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Gulfshore Playhouse is a professional theater company devoted to creating nationally-noteworthy theater by bringing some of the best professionals in the country to area stages in a variety of productions. Its mission is to enrich, educate and entertain. The group provides educational outreach in theater workshops to classrooms. Info: (239) 566-8394. Tickets: 866-811-4111. Web site |
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The Marco Players were the first group to bring live theater to the Marco Island community, offering annual productions starting in 1987. Each season, the group performs a variety of productions, from comedies to dramas to musicals. (239) 642-7270. |
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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. (239) 598-6110. Web site |
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Pelican Players, established in 1989,works to promote live theater, encourage new actors and to entertain. (239) 417-5059. Web site |
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The Philharmonic Center for the Arts 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. The Phil has four museum-quality art galleries and two sculpture gardens. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. (239) 597-1900. Web site |
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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 daytimes during the summer. 701 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102. Box Office: (239) 263-7990. KidzAct: (239) 434-7340 ext. 39. Web site |
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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, 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples. (239) 449-2323. box office 1-888-ZONE-FLA. Web site |
| Music |
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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. For information, please call (239) 732-1055 or contact bachensemblesecy@earthlink.net. Web site |
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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 for six programs per year. Regular concerts are performed at Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 434-8505. Web site |
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The Gulf Coast Big Band, comprised of musicians with a variety of musical backgrounds and experience, performs many free concerts each year at local parks and within schools. The group supports young musicians and works to share the swinging sounds of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Contact: Phil Magill. (239) 353-3688. |
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Music for Minors Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization now in its 3rd year of purchasing instruments for middle school children that cannot afford to own one. The group works with music directors to select students that qualify for the program. (239) 947-1943. Web site |
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A Naples tradition since 1972, the Naples Concert Band is a group of accomplished volunteer musicians dedicated to entertaining the community. The ensemble performs approximately 10 outdoor concerts per year at Cambier Park. Scholarships are provided each year to deserving student musicians that play for the band. (239) 263-9521. Web site |
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The Naples Music Club's mission is to enrich the classical musical experience in the Naples area by offering opportunities and support for music appreciation, study, and performance to music lovers of all ages and levels of experience We present musical events, strengthens ties with music programs in area schools, and provide scholarships to student musicians. (239) 775-6867. Web site |
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The Naples Orchestra & Chorus is a community organization that performs free, classical and pops concerts at Golden Gate High School. The auditorium is an excellent facility and is easily accessed off of I-75's exit 101. Professional and nonprofessional musicians, along with talented high school students make up the group. Experienced musicians are welcome to join. (239) 455-1912. Web site |
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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. (239) 352-6366 . Web site |
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The Philharmonic Center for the Arts 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. The Phil has four museum-quality art galleries and two sculpture gardens. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. (239) 597-1900. Web site |
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The Steinway Society of Southwest Florida was founded in 1997 by 3rd-generation piano merchant Greg Billings, president and owner of the Steinway Piano Gallery. It presents a variety of recitals and programs, some performed by world-class artists and others by local Society members. (239) 498-9884. Web site |
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Voices of Naples, established in 2002, provides an opportunity for singers in Collier County to study and perform a variety of choral music. The nonprofit organization offers several performances each year. VoicesofNaples@yahoo.com. (239) 434-2606. Web site |
| Museums/Culture |
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Scheduled to open for the 2008 – 2009 season, the Children’s |
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The City of Naples Norris Center offers a wide range of programs, including concerts, theater productions, and low-cost art and theater classes for adults and children. Contact: Jennifer Fox. (239) 213-3058. naplesnorris@earthlink.net. Web site |
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The Collier County Museum features 10,000 years of Southwest Florida history, five acres of native gardens, and special programs and exhibits throughout the year. 3301 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples, FL 34112. (239) 774-8476. Web site |
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The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center is a 21-acre oasis loacted in the heart of Naples. It features nature trails, guided boat tours, canoe & kayak rentals, nature displays, a Discovery Center, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, nature store and ongoing education and entertainment programs. 1450 Merrihue Dr., Naples. (239) 403-4216. Web site |
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The Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida was created by students at Golden Gate Middle School. The museum is home to more than 300 authentic photographs and artifacts from World War II and the Holocaust. Hours = 1-4 p.m., Tue.-Fri. & Sun. Closed July-August. $5 admission. (239) 263-9200. Web site |
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The Immokalee Pioneer Museum is located on the site that was home to cattleman Robert Roberts. The 15-acre living history museum offers a glimpse of daily life on a Southwest Florida ranch through its buildings and displays. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee, FL 34143. (239) 658-2466. Web site |
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The Irish American Club promotes the spirit of the Irish, their arts and culture.The group supports all local Irish dance schools, pipe bands and Irish musicians, as well as educating members about Irish-American history and achievements. (239) 774-3267. Web site |
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The Italian Cultural Society's goal is to bring together people who share a common interest in Italian culture. The nonprofit organization sponsors programs related to aspects of Italian culture, including language, visual and performing arts, travel, history, and social events. (239) 513-4123. Web site |
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The Marco Island Foundation for the Arts, a nonprofit organization, promotes art for public places. Initial priorities include acquiring a little girl for the Happy Travelers sculpture at the Leigh Plummer Park and placing a fountain and/or sculpture at Veterans Memorial Park. (239) 642-0015. Web site |
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The Marco Island Historical Society meets the first Tuesday of each month at Mackle Park, 7 p.m. Recently, MIHS created an oral history of more than 50 descendants of Marco families. Presently, MIHS is raising funds for a museum on the island. (239) 394-6917. Web site |
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The Museum of the Everglades is located in a 1920s building in Everglades City. The museum restoration has received awards, including Rural Community of the Year, Great Floridians 2000 recognition and a listing on the National Register. 105 W. Broadway, Everglades City, FL 34139. (239) 695-0008. Web site |
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The Naples Botanical Garden features a Tropical Mosaic Garden, Butterfly House and Uplands Preserve. The garden currently is closed to the general public due to renovations. 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL 34112. (239) 643-7275. Web site |
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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. 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples. (239) 262-6525. Web site |
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The Naples Historical Society, founded in 1962, encourages interest in the history and heritage of Naples, and works to preserve areas of historical significance through education programs, archival resources and preservation initiatives. Call for details on tours of Palm Cottage & The Norris Gardens. 137 12th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102. (239) 261-8164. Web site |
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The Philharmonic Center for the Arts features both performing and visual arts, and also hosts a resident orchestra."The Phil" has four art galleries and two sculpture gardens. Each season, the center hosts more than 400 events. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. (239) 597-1900. Web site |
| Literature/Colleges |
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Edison College - Collier Campus has educated approximately 20,000 students from around the world. On its 50-acre campus, the college offers continued education, degree programs, distance learning and cultural events. 7007 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples, FL 34113. (239) 732-3700. Web site |
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The Friends of the Library assists the library system and works to further develop the free public library system, as well as support education through use of library resources. The group also organizes art exhibits in the West Wing Gallery. Naples Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples, FL 34102. (239) 262-8135. Web site |
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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. 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples, FL 34119. (239) 513-1122. Web site |
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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. 1010 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102. (239) 434-4737. Web site |
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