2012 Winners |
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James Cochran is founder and director of the Philharmonic Center Chorale. He is the resident organist for the Naples Philharmonic Center, and is the director of the Philharmonic Youth Chorale. He also serves as the director of music at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. James organizes the annual Naples Organ Festival, and teaches and mentors many young local performers. |
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Brian Holley is the executive director of the Naples Botanical Garden, where he leads a team that has created a world-class garden. He expanded educational programming at the Garden, established college internship programs, and strengthened partnerships with universities and local organizations. Brian also served two terms as chairman of the Collier County Arts Forum. Prior to moving to Naples, he was executive director of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. |
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William Noll serves as the artistic director for Classic Chamber Concerts and the Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra. He is the founding artistic director for the ArtsNaples World Festival organization. A veteran performer of classical and jazz piano, William has performed and conducted with orchestras all over the world. He is an advocate for music education and has hosted many fund-raising events for local charities at his home. He also serves as the entertainment director at the Naples Ritz-Carlton Resorts. |
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Peter Thomas has had a distinguished career in radio and television as a broadcaster and narrator. Many have heard his voice in national TV commercials, and he has narrated several award-winning documentary films. He has done voice-over work for many local charities, including the United Arts Council and The Phil. Peter is on the board of directors for the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida and the Naples Historical Society. A decorated World War II veteran, he has won numerous awards locally for his philanthropic work. |
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Richard Tooke served as president of the Friends organization at the Naples Museum of Art for over two years. He was the driving force behind the Museum’s “Have A Seat” and “Incognito” events. Richard also founded the Young Professionals Evenings at The Phil. He is an avid art collector, and supports many of our local artists. Prior to moving to Naples, Richard worked for 30 years at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. |
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Naples Concert Band is celebrating their 40 thseason of entertaining Naples residents and visitors. The all-volunteer band has 90 members, and attendance at their free outdoor concerts averages 3,000 in season. Over the years the group has awarded more than $80,000 in student scholarships. They assisted the City of Naples with fund-raising efforts to build the bandshell at Cambier Park that many local performing organizations now enjoy. |
2011 Winners |
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Kristen Coury is the founder and Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse. For over six years, she has been a passionate advocate of professional local theatre and educational opportunities. Starting from scratch, she has built Gulfshore Playhouse into a respected force in the local arts community. Coury has enjoyed a successful career as a director and producer both in New York and Naples . She has directed feature films and theatre and produced a music CD. She has worked for Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Company and London ’s Shakespeare Company. Coury was named one of the “40 Under 40” list by Gulfshore Life magazine and is listed in “Who’s Who of American Women.” |
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Mark Danni is a director, musician and conductor – however, he is first and foremost a teacher. Danni teaches drama at The Community School of Naples and is the first teacher to receive a Stars in the Arts award. In addition to teaching, he serves as Director of Performing Arts at the school. He has taught and mentored many talented students, including American Idol finalist, Paige Miles. Danni is also the Founding Artistic Director of TheatreZone, a professional Equity theatre company, and is an enthusiastic champion for local theatre. His career started in New York City as a drummer on Broadway (Chicago, Grant Hotel, Miss Saigon). Danni was the conductor for the national tour of Les Miserables. He continues to tour as a conductor and drummer, and has played with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Donna Fiala is a Collier County Commissioner and a long-time advocate for the arts. She was one of the founders of the Bayshore Arts group, which set up a gallery there as revitalization of the area began. The group now includes the performing arts and has expanded its vision to create a cultural center in the Bayshore area. Fiala was the inspiration behind pursuing the “Cultural District” designation with the Bayshore CRA. She is serving as Honorary Chair of the Bayshore Festival of the Arts this year. Fiala was one of the key supporters of the 2002 “Cultural Assessment” project, the only comprehensive research into the impact of the arts in the county. Funding was secured for the project through her leadership, and its results still guide cultural planning in the county today. Fiala is an ex-officio board member for the United Arts Council, and devotes her time to many other civic and community organizations.
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The Naples Music Club, founded 45 years ago, continues to fulfill its mission of supporting music education and performance. The Club presents high quality musical events for a variety of audiences and enables its members to develop their talents. They also provide awards and scholarships to local music students and collaborate with other local music organizations. Outreach programs include support of FGCU’s Music School; organizing student recitals to provide public performance opportunities; providing seminars and master classes; and arranging for mentors for student musicians. S ince 1970, they have awarded $420,000 in scholarship money to over 600 promising middle and high school music students. They are a past recipient of Education Foundation’s “Outstanding Partner in Education” award.
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For five seasons, Opera Naples has thrilled audiences as Southwest Florida’s only professional opera company. Every year they produce operas in a variety of styles and engage the nation’s finest singing actors, stage directors and guest conductors for principal roles, while encouraging talented local performers. Their mission includes being “an integral part of the community, further enriching local artistic culture, drawing from the community in order to give back to it.” Community education programs include the “Young Artists” and “Student Apprentice” programs, along with in-school mini-performances. They offer free student matinees, and at least one family-friendly opera, sung in English, every season at affordable prices.
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2010 Winners |
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Patty and Jay Baker are known as the one of the area’s premier “power couples” for community service, especially in the arts. They are avid art collectors and strongly support the performing arts. In 2007 they received the “Outstanding Philanthropists” award on National Philanthropy Day. The Bakers donated $10 million to the Naples Museum of Art, which was re-named in their honor. Jay Baker has served on the board of directors for the Phil. Patty Baker is on the board for the Naples Players, where she serves as Fund-Raising Vice-President.
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Myra Daniels is the chairman and CEO of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, home to the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Naples Museum of Art. Daniels founded the complex in the mid-1980s and has been a leader and innovator in the local arts community. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her community service including the Naples Daily News’ Jefferson Award.
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Harriet Heithaus is an award-winning writer, editor and advocate for the arts. She currently serves as the Arts, Entertainment and At Home Editor for the Naples Daily News. She also is a classical music critic for the paper and serves on the editorial board. She won the William Allen White award for editorial writing and the Florida Press Club’s first-place award for arts criticism in four of the last five years.
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Dr. Erich Kunzel served as the principal pops conductor of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra before his death last year. He was the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops, received the National Medal of Arts, appeared on eight specials on PBS and in ten Carnegie Hall concerts. At the time of his death, he was leading the campaign to build a cultural arts center in Bayshore.
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2009 Winners |
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Peg Longstreth
Peg Longstreth is the owner of the Longstreth-Goldbert Art Gallery. She is also an accomplished writer. Peg is a well-respected music critic and her reviews have appeared in the Naples Daily News and the Naples Florida Weekly newspaper. |
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Toby Blumenthal Phillips and Bert Phillips
This dynamic duo founded Classic Chamber Concerts, Naples premier chamber music series. Before Bert’s recent passing, he was a tireless partner with Toby in efforts to strengthen the arts community in Collier County. They have always been passionate about music education, volunteering their time to entertain and teach young musicians in their public school programs. They also founded an international music camp in New York. |
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Bette Young
Bette Young is a past president of the Naples Art Association. She was instrumental in getting the current home for the Association built – the von Liebig Art Center. She worked tirelessly for six years to raise money and plan the building. She is a watercolorist and remains active in the NAA. |
2008 Winners |
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Dr. Ron Doiron
Artistic Director and Conductor for The Bach Ensemble, Dr. Ron Doiron also serves as director of music for a local church. He has held positions in vocal and sacred music throughout the U.S., and served on the faculty of Duquesne University. He is a published author and served on a national board for the Directors of Music Ministries. An organist, choirmaster and musical conductor, Ron is an active member of The Bach Ensemble and the Naples Opera Society. He teaches and coaches many of Naples finest young vocalists. |
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Ted Tobye
A life member of The Naples Players, Ted Tobye served as president of the organization for seven years. During his tenure, he managed the planning, financing and construction of the Sugden Theatre as a permanent home for The Naples Players. He has worked behind the scenes and served on numerous committees for the Players over the past 20 years. The Tobye Studio at the Sugden Theatre is named in Ted’s honor. |
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Elaine Vreenegoor
An early pioneer in the development of The von Liebig Art Center, Elaine Vreenegoor served several terms as president of the Naples Art Association (NAA). She one of several people credited with helping to raise the money needed to open the Center. Still an active artist, Elaine is still involved in the NAA. She is also currently serving as president of the Art Council of Southwest Florida. |
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Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus
A part of our cultural community for 30 years, the Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus is dedicated to preserving the barbershop harmony style of a cappella singing. Nearly 100 members strong, the chorus, smaller ensembles, and quartets provide wholesome entertainment throughout the community, including performances for shut-ins, hospital patients, retirement communities, their annual show and hospice patients. They provide scholarships for students to further their vocal music education and are involved in numerous charitable endeavors. |
2007 Winners |
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Joel Banow
Banow currently serves as Producer/Director for WGCU’s arts and cultural programming, including Arts Edition Prime Time and other specials. He has over 40 years experience in broadcasting and theater. While at CBS News Special Events, Banow received a Directors Guild Award for Apollo 11, The First Lunar Landing and various Emmy nominations and awards. He finished his television career at CNBC. Banow has served on the board of the Naples Players where he has directed and volunteered in many positions. He is on the board for Gulfshore Playhouse and advisory boards of the Holocaust Museum and the Estero Art Council. He is a founding member of the Naples Press Club. |
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Dr. Ron Bowman
A respected arts educator, musician and volunteer organizer, Ron Bowman is known for his leadership in our local arts community. He is the president of the Naples Opera Society, served two terms as chairman of the Collier County Arts Forum, and is a past board member of the United Arts Council. A talented classical pianist, vocalist and music lecturer, Bowman has performed with the Atlanta Symphony, numerous choral societies, in recitals, and with Opera Naples. Professionally, he is the Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students at International College, where he teaches music appreciation and has taught for ten years in the Francis Pew Hayes Center for Life Long Learning. |
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Betsey & Al Harris
Widely recognized as a “power couple” in the arts, Betsey & Al Harris are both patrons and volunteers for several local cultural organizations. Al served on the board of directors for the Naples Art Association. Betsey has served on the board for Classic Chamber Concerts and is the president of their Friends group. The couple has made significant donations to The von Liebig Art Center, where a gallery is named in their honor. In addition to these leadership roles, they are avid art collectors and their home is filled with the works of many local artists. |
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Jim Rideoutte
Long involved as a volunteer leader with the Naples Players, Jim Rideoutte became their Executive Director in 2000. He has been instrumental in establishing a substantial endowment fund, and leading the Players to become one of the most successful community theaters in the country. He played a key role in the founding and growth of the popular KidzAct children’s theater program. Rideoutte has served in leadership positions in numerous civic and social agencies. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Community Foundation. An active participant in the Arts Forum roundtable, he is always willing to assist leaders of new local arts organizations. |
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Kathy Spalding
One of the most notable sculptors of true life bronzes in the U.S. today, Naples resident Kathy Spalding’s works can be found in prized collections throughout southwest Florida and beyond. She is noted for her fine detail and renowned for her sculptures of wildlife. She has been generous with her time and art, donating works for numerous charitable endeavors, especially to The Conservancy and Rookery Bay. Spalding designed the original “Gators Project” for the Naples Art Association. Her sculptures are the newest addition to NCH’s Garden of Hope and Courage. |
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Art League of MarcoIsland
For over 35 years, the Art League exemplified its mission of “promoting education in and appreciation of excellence in the arts.” This non-profit arts organization is an influential member of the island community, respected for its programs and services. Over 100 courses are offered and numerous fine art gallery exhibits are held annually, in addition to the annual Celebrate the Arts Festival. Outreach programs include an annual scholarship program for high school students, arts education for home-school students, year-long visual arts education programs for young aspiring artists and after-school programs. Member services include classes and workshops, docent tours, studio tours and a corporate sponsorship program. |
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Naples Art Association
An integral part of the local arts scene for over 50 years, the Naples Art Association (NAA) is a well-respected leader in the community. Founded to create and exhibit work, members have built a world-class organization of over 1,500. NAA is housed in a spectacular facility in downtown Naples, The von Liebig Art Center, with two spacious galleries featuring changing exhibitions of contemporary American art and member works and classrooms that are the site of hundreds of workshops, lectures and classes for adults and children. Their popular ARTSCool summer program attracts over 800 children. The NAA sponsors the Naples National Art Festival, one of the top 11 shows in the nation. Outreach programs include scholarships and school partnerships. |
2006 Winners |
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Paul Arsenault
Popular local painter who has called Naples home for over 30 years. Arsenault’s paintings are immediately recognizable for their vivid colors, unique light and rhythmic design. He opened the Arsenault Gallery in Old Naples in 1991, and also operates a gallery on Nantucket. The recipient of numerous awards, Arsenault has paintings in permanent collections in galleries and corporations across the country. He is also known for his generosity in the community, and over the years has donated numerous paintings to local charities for auctions. |
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Jonathan Green
Acclaimed local artist whose works have been exhibited in major venues nationally and internationally. Green earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Chicago and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in fine art from the University of South Carolina. He has published two books and received numerous awards, including the History Makers Award in the Fine Arts in Chicago. Green recently collaborated to bring his artwork to life in Off the Wall and Onto the Stage which was performed locally at the Phil and at numerous venues across the country. |
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Mary Margaret Gruszka
A long-time force in the Naples cultural community, Gruszka is Cultural Arts Services Manager for the City of Naples. She is a former board member of The Naples Players. A former president of the United Arts Council, Gruszka has worked for the City of Naples for 19 years, overseeing the opening of the Norris Center and development of its performing arts calendar. |
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Olga Hirshhorn
Arts patron extraordinare, Naples resident Olga Hirshhorn is a long-time supporter of the local arts community. She and her late husband, Joe, donated portions of their world-class collection to the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. Locally, she recently donated her collection of works by local artists to the Naples Art Association. She is a patron of both the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and the von Liebig Art Center. Hirshhorn also serves on Florida Gulf Coast University’s Art Advisory Board. |
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J. William Meek, III
Long-time community arts leader, Meek is owner of the Harmon-Meek Gallery in Naples. He assembled significant art collections that were early donations to the Naples Museum of Art and the von Liebig Art Center. Meek is a member of the board of directors for the Naples Art Association and served as the president of the Collier County Arts Council. He has received numerous local and national awards, including the New York Artists Equity Association’s annual award for contributions to the visual arts. |
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This year’s nominations included one for a student who has amassed significant credentials at the young age of 16. To salute her early leadership, the selection committee awarded a special Student Star to Kylen Moran. Kylen is a junior honor student at the Community School who began playing the violin at age six. She is a founding member of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Philharmonic Youth Chorale. She has performed with the Naples Players Kidz Act program and the Florida All-State Orchestra. Kylen has been a top scholarship winner in the Naples Music Club for four years. She is an active volunteer in the community and serves as a mentor in the Miracle Project after-school program, where she assists with helping children learn the violin at Lake Park Elementary School . |
2006 Winners |
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Clyde Butcher
World-renowned photographer whose works chronicle America ’s ecosystems; Clyde is the only Collier resident in the State of Florida ’s Artist Hall of Fame. |
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Andrea Clark Brown
Accomplished musician and popular local architect who designed the Sugden Theatre. |
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Charlie Horn
The Art League of Marco Island’s early pioneer who has served as league president, board member and faculty member; also active in the Marco Island Film Festival. |
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Delores and John Sorey
John Sorey serves on the board of directors for The Naples Players and the Naples Zoo. Delores is vice-president of Classic Chamber Concerts and works with OperaNaples and ArtsNaples World Festival. John serves as an ex-officio advisor to the board of the United Arts Council, and Delores is a past president of the Council. Both are also involved with the Naples Art Association.
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Dolph von Arx
Arts patron and member of the board of directors of The Philharmonic Center for the Arts; represented southwest Florida on the Florida Arts Council. |
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The Philharmonic Center for the Arts
Setting the standard for excellence in Collier County since 1989, The Phil is home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, the Naples Museum of Art and the Lifelong Learning Center . |
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Classic Chamber Concerts
Celebrating their 10 th Anniversary season of delighting chamber music lovers throughout Collier County and performing for local school children. |
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The Naples Players
For 52 years, the Players have entertained Collier County audiences; they now provide 200 performances annually and oversee the popular Kidz Act youth theatre. |
