Arts & Cultural Groups
 
 
 
 
Visual Arts
Art League, Marco Island's 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 Education 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
Website
Ikebana is an international organization which promotes the Japanese art of flower arranging and other related Asian art forms. The Naples chapter, established in 1972, meets the first Wednesday of the month, October-May in Moss Hall at the Moorings Presbyterian Church on Harbour Drive. 239.390.2881
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The Naples Art Association at The 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
Website

The Naples Artcrafters promotes excellence in fine art and crafts. The organization strives to support established artists and craftspersons and to encourage 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.
239.434.0781
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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. On the campus of Philharmonic Center for the Arts.
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239.597.1900
Website
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.
239.436.3710
Video
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.
239.331.6644
Website
Theater/Dance/Film

Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Center is Naples' first and finest self producing-professional theatre, producing exclusively at the Norris Center. 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.
755 8th Ave. S., Naples. 239.261.7529
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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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Naples Ballet is 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 and a dance movement program for children with special needs.
1005 5th Av. N. Naples 239.732.1000
Website

The mission of Naples International Film Festival 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.
2338 Immokalee Rd Suite 110, Naples. 239.775.3456
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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.
239.598.6110
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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.
Box Office: 239.263.7990; KidzAct: 239.434.7340 ext. 39.
Website
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. Also home to Naples Museum of Art.
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239.597.1900
 Website
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 1.888.966.3352
Website
Music/Festivals
ArtsNaples World Festival's (ANWF) mission is to create and sustain an annual world class performing and visual arts festival, centered in Naples. The inaugural festival is planned for May 2012, and is envisioned to feature the culture of one specific region of the world each year. info@artsnaplesworldfestival.org
Website
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.
239.732.1055
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The mission of Bayshore Cultural and Performing Arts Center is "to create a state-of-the-art cultural and performing arts center that showcases local visual and performing artists, thereby providing affordable and accessible educational, cultural and performance opportunities for the community".
BayshoreCAPACenter@centurylink.net 239.775.2800
Website
Chorus of the Everglades
The Chorus of the Everglades is the Everglades Chapter of barbershoppers. The mens 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!
239.250.0457
Website
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. Regular concerts are performed at Sugden Theatre.
701 5th Ave. S., Naples. 239.434.8505
Website
Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers was 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. 239. 288.2535
Website
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.
239.597.8954
Hyacinth Series is sponsored by Moorings Prebyterian Church, where it has presented more than 25 years of concerts. Open to the public, offerings accepted. 791 Harbour Drive, Naples. 239.213.5246
Website

The Music Makers Show Band is a nonprofit organization with a dual mission: 1) to promote, preserve, and perform American big band music of the mid-1900s, and 2) to financially support jazz education in Collier County high schools.
239.597.3240
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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
Website
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
Website

The Naples Jazz Orchestra is a ‘big band’ in the tradition of Count Basie, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington and the Tonight Show Band, and is comprised of jazz musicians from both coasts of FL. The NJO perform private engagements and a series of FREE concerts in Cambier Park. The Naples Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is an elite jazz ensemble comprised of youngsters Naples’ area schools. The NYJO performs in Cambier Park along with the NJO.
239.272.8729
Website

The Naples Music Club's 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, the awarding of scholarships to students ages 11-18. 
239.290.0501
 Website * Video
The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra is an internationally recognized symphonic ensemble, which performs more than 150 concerts each season, including classical, pops, ballet, chamber and family programs. The orchestra performs at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and at various other venues in the community. The orchestra also accompanies Edward Villella’s Miami City Ballet each season.
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. 239.597.1900
Website
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
Website

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
Website

Voices of Naples, a community chorus for Naples area residents, performs a variety of choral music. The "Sing-Along" Messiah" is 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.
239.455.2582
Website

Museums/Culture

Scheduled to open February 2012, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples will be a 30,000-square-foot facility located in the North Collier Regional Park.  The museum will allow children and families to experience world-class, educationally-dynamic, fully-interactive exhibits.
239.514.0084
Website

The City of Naples/Norris Center is 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 much more! The Norris Center is the home of the Gulfshore Playhouse. Additionally, they host outdoor concerts at the Cambier Park Bandshell.
755 8th Ave. S., Naples. 239.213.3058
Website
Collier County Audubon Society promotes an understanding of and interest in wildlife and the natural environment that supports it by presenting Programs, Field Trips and Educational Programs, such as Wings of Hope and Audubon Young Birders Club.
239.643-7822.
Website
Collier County Museum features 10,000 years of Southwest Florida history, five acres of native gardens, and special programs and exhibits throughout the year.
3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. 239.252.8476
Website

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center is a 21-acre oasis located in the heart of Naples. Nature trails, guided boat tours, kayak rentals, Discovery Center, Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, nature store and daily programs. Named Site #69 on Great Florida Birding Trail.
1450 Merrihue Dr., Naples. 239.262.0304
Website

Everglades Society for Historic Preservation.
Everglades City. 239.695.2905
Website
Friends of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park promotes environmental awareness, and the use of the park. They sponsor an annual Artist in Residence program. They conduct two festivals annually, the "Wildlife and Wildlands Art Show" and the "Wiggins Pass Nature Festival."
11135 Gulf Shore Dr. N., Naples. 239.597.6196
Website
Friends of Rookery Bay is a volunteer citizen support organization that assists the Florida Deptartment of Environmental Protection in the management of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
300 Tower Road, Naples. 239.417.6310
Website
Friends of the Museum of the Everglades
Everglades City. 239.695.0008
Website

The 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 survivor's personal stories.  Education programs reach over 20,000 local students.
4760 Tamiami Trail North, Naples. 239.263.9200   
Website

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. 239.658.2466
Website
The Marco Island Foundation for the Arts, is 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 hope to engage people, stir imaginations and inspire dialog.
239.642.0015
Website
Marco Island Historical Museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians and brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays and an exciting recreated village scene. Temporary and traveling exhibits trace the settlement of this subtropical island paradise from its early pioneer roots.
180 South Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. 239.642.1440
Website
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. They currently assist the MI Museum by providing volunteers to staff the facility and greet visitors.
239.389.6447
Website
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. 239.695.0008
Website
Naples Backyard History is dedicated to preserving and protecting family, heritage and the history of Naples.
436 Bayfront Place, Naples. 239.594.2978
Website * Video
The Naples Botanical Garden is a world-class tropical garden paradise that  includes cultivated gardens of Brazil, the Caribbean, and a hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats.
4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. 239.643.7275
Website
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.
1051 5th Ave. S., Naples. 239.262.6525
Website
The Naples Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Naples history for the community and future generations to enjoy. Learn about our community's rich history with a docent-guided tour The Palm Cottage house museum (1895), or through a one-mile walking tour of the Naples Historic District. After any tour, visit Cottage Theater and enjoy one of our treasured oral history films.
137 12th Ave. S., Naples. 239.261.8164
Website
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. On the campus of Philharmonic Center for the Arts.
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239.597.1900
Website
Naples St. Patrick Foundation organizes the amazing annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Naples.  The foundation has a mission of providing grants for high school music programs and for college scholarships. 
239.436.0050
Website
The nationally accredited Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens presents rare fauna and educational displays within a historic tropical garden founded in 1919. Guests enjoy a variety of wildlife presentations, botanical tour, and a guided cruise past islands of primates. The nonprofit Zoo supports local and worldwide conservation efforts.
1590 Goodlette Rd, Naples. 239.262.5409
Website
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. 239.597.1900
Website
Russian Cultural Center
of Naples
The 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.
rcc@rccnaples.org; 596-8404
Website
Speakers/Literature/Colleges
Edison State 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. 239.732.3700
Website
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. 239.262.8135
Website
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. 239.598.6110
Website
Naples Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series has been serving our community for 29 years presenting world leaders, from experts in the fields of economics, history and science to cultural icons.  The annual series consists of four speakers per year. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples hosts the 2012 series.
info@naplestownhall.org 239.659.6524
Website
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. 239.434.4737
Website