Greater Naples Leadership Masters class XIX

Cultural arts Day november 05, 2014

Session Day Materials - Table of Contents

A. Goals & Objectives

B. Agenda

C. Biographies

D. Volunteer Opportunities

E. Locations and Directions

(please click on a heading to be directed to that section in the document)

Dress Code: Business casual chosen for comfort in air-conditioned rooms and for walking

Venues: First Venue: The von Liebig Art Center Second Venue: Artis-Naples (The Phil)

Post-Session Social Gathering: BrickTops patio

Session Leaders: Nicki Huber, Tom Jordan, Sherry O’Hearn, JR Philp

Theme: The Arts Come Alive in Naples

Goals

• To prov ide GNL Masters C l ass p ar t i c ip ants w it h an unders t anding and appreciation of the range of cultural arts offerings and their economic impact in the Greater Naples area.

Objectives

To share with GNL Masters Class participants:

• The wide variety of events that create a very rich cultural environment in the greater Naples area

• The impact that the cultural arts have on the economy of our area • The crit ical issues confronting establishment and emerging cultural organizations • How the visual and performing artists bring their art alive • Volunteer opportunities in the cultural arts

Cultural Arts Day Agenda

8:15 Gather at The von Liebig Art Center, 585 Park Street, Naples Park in garage at 735 Eighth Street South, across from Cambier Park in downtown Naples (see section E for address and directions)

8:30 Welcome and Introduction: Rick Jennewine, Class Chair

8:40 Introduction of Cultural Arts Day Team Overview of the Day 8:45 Team Exercise: “Art in Public Places” 9:00 Karen Benson - presentation on the cultural map of Naples, including brief history and economic impact of various cultural offerings on hand in Naples:

• Visual arts: painting, photography, sculpture, etc. • Classical music and opera • Dance • Jazz • Film, e.g. , The International Film Festival

9:20 The Visual Arts in Naples and The von Liebig Art Center Aimee Schlehr, Executive Director of The von Liebig Art Center 9:35 Comfort Break

9:50 The Visual Arts Come Alive

The Masters Class wil l break into f ive separate groups and visit f ive distinct “studios” set up in The von Liebig Art Center showcasing artists and their works. The artists wil l explain how they approach an artistic project and demonstrate their crafts. Artists include the fol lowing:

• Phil Fisher - artist in watercolors and oils • Natalie Guess - creator of f ine art batik • Jim Rice - pottery • Dennis Goodman - photographer • Joel Shapses - sculptor

11:20 Comfort Break

11:35 Drive to Artis-Naples (The Phil), 5833 Pelican Bay, Naples • Meet in the Board Room on the third f loor of the Administration

Building on the east side of the Artis-Naples campus. (see section E for address and directions)

12:00 Lunch and discussion hosted by Artis-Naples CEO & President, Kathleen van Bergen and her Senior Management team:

• Chief Financial Off icer - Perre Edwards • VP Artistic Operations - David Finer • Chief Advancement Officer - Mary Deissler • Museum Director and Chief Curator - Frank Verpoorten • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tammy Read

12:45 Q & A 1:15 Comfort Break

1:30 Tour of Baker Art Museum • Someday is Now-The Art of Corita Kent (Group 1) • Fine Lines-American Drawings From the Brooklyn Museum (Group 2)

2:00 The Theatre Scene in Naples: Venues and Current Issues Panel discussion in the Figge Conservatory moderated by John Lyngaas

Presenters include: • Jessica Walck - Assistant to Artistic Director, Naples Players • Kristen Coury - Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore

Playhouse • Mark Danni - Founding Artistic Director, Theatre Zone • Craig Price - Performing Arts Director, Center for Arts of Bonita

Springs

Q & A

3:00 Comfort Break and Snacks

3:15 The Performing Arts Come Alive!

Short discussions on various performing arts options in Naples fol lowed by a performance exhibiting how that art is expressed. Participants include:

• Myra Williams, President of Naples Music Club with Lynette Monica, violist and Cathy Frecker, accompanist

• Christophe Maraval, Artistic Director and Ballet Master, Naples Ballet with one of the principal bal let dancers

• Lew Del Gatto and Jerry Stawski, co-leaders of Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra

• Carol Shaw, Opera Naples, with Leah Summers (vocalist) and Robin Frank (accompanist)

• William Noll, Artistic Director for the Classic Chamber Orchestra, the Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra and Artis-Naples World Festival

4:15 Volunteer Opportunities in the Arts: John Lyngaas-Class Leadership Team comments

Preview of Government Day - Team Representatives from Class XVIII

Conclusion of Cultural Arts Day - JR Philp, Program Chair

4:35 Meet at BrickTops patio (Waterside) for l ight refreshments

(back to Table of Contents)

Biographies

Karen Benson The Casting Coach

Karen Kayser Benson has spent her entire professional l ife dedicated to the performing artist . As a New York casting director, talent agent and manager, she developed a style of coaching actors to perform in front of a camera. Along the way, she collaborated with three peers to create Acting Management, a safe refuge for actors to hone their skil ls with professional coaches, learn the ins and outs of the profession and f ind their own acting style. Improvisational skil ls were the basis of al l the coaching and Karen had the good fortune to work with many of the original Second City members who had found New York City to be their home.   Karen started her career in casting as the casting director for “Search for Tomorrow” on CBS-TV in New York. From there, she went to the equally popular “Dark Shadows.” After several years, weaving back and forth between being a commercial agent at The Oscard Agency in New York, to managing talent, Karen sett led back into the celebrated realm of casting for television commercials with the nationally renowned and acclaimed director, Steve Horn, in his twin role as f i lm director and cameraman.   Karen’s passion for the theater and stage actors brought her to the Patron’s Board at Manhattan Theater Club (MTC) and the Board of Directors of Manhattan Class Company (MCC), both non-profit theater companies in New York. Karen was asked to cast for a unique theater group in New York-The 24-Hour Plays-for which she negotiated and found leading actors from both coasts for major star-studded projects. She continues to cast stage, f i lm and television projects in the Naples area, while coaching and training actors as The Casting Coach, focusing or bringing out the qualit ies that make each artist unique. She is currently on the Board for TheatreZone, an Equity musical theater company in Naples.   In addition to actors and the theater, her other passions include tennis, cycling and her Alma Mater, Mount Holyoke College. Karen is a Life Coach and recently created a new business with three other coaches cal led Creative Agility, working with other Life Coaches, professional leaders and service people, to bring them coser to their connectedness with clients and to investigate their intuition and improvisational creativity. She spent over 25-years managing logistics teams for Landmark Education Corporation.

Aimee Schlehr Executive Director, Naples Art Association (von Liebig Arts Center)

Aimee Schlehr approaches l ife and business with great ideas and a passion for making a positive dif ference.

In September 2012, The Naples Art Association (NAA) Board of Directors promoted Schlehr to her current position.

Schlehr began part t ime with the NAA in 2009, serving the organizations accounting needs. She was soon offered full t ime employment as Chief Financial Off icer. From the beginning, she focused on strengthening the f inancial foundations of the organization and through her diligence and careful budget oversight, the organization has persevered through diff icult t imes.

In April 2011 Schlehr was appointed to Chief Operating Officer due to her strong attention to detai l and team building strengths and served as COO/CFO since then. In this role, she took charge of the day-to-day responsibilit ies of running a successful art center, holding weekly meetings with staff to keep operations steadily on track, brainstorming and planning for future programs, ser ving as an ambassador to the Naples community with fel low business leaders.

As Executive Director, Schlehr is a chief representative and spokesperson of the organization, and she eagerly engages with community leaders to encourage investment in the Naples Art Association. She wil l also continue to oversee the f inancial management and guide the staff and organization toward growth and progress. Her vision is to strengthen the organization’s roots in the community, continue supporting and promoting artists and inspiring new audiences to discover and create art.

Her management experience and solid understanding of the dollars and cents of the business makes her a true asset to the Naples Art Association and the community at large. “As a nonprofit , the challenge is to run the organization as a business while staying focused on our mission. We have a responsibility to our donors and corporate supporters to uti l ize their gifts to strengthen programming and provide sustainability while reassuring them that their investment wil l make an impact on their community.

Aimee Schlehr is both a Leadership Collier and Fast Trac Graduate, class of 2012, as well as a member of the National Association of Professional Women, which named her one of their 2012 Women of the Year. Schlehr serves on the boards for Immokalee Housing and Family Services, Seminole Club of Naples, and the FSU Family Connection. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University and she owned her own catering business for 15 years on Florida’s east coast. Schlehr is a f if th generation Floridian. She loves traveling and spending time with her family, her husband of 26 years and her four children. Her f irst grandson was born in August 2012. Also, with two of her daughters attending Florida State University in Tallahassee, she loves keeping tabs on FSU football. Go Noles!

Phil Fisher Watercolor and Oils Artist

Phil has been painting professionally in Naples, Florida, in watercolors and oils for the past 40 years. The majority of his work is done “plein air,” so he has a visual preference for landscapes. His colorful and vibrant paintings often get the comment: “They just make me happy.” He studied at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida; The Instituto in San Miguel d’Allende, Mexico; The University of Toledo and the Toledo Museum of Art. He has also studied with such noted artists as Walter Chapman and Con Andrews. Phil is a past and current member of many art organizations including the Naples Art Association, Florida Plein Air Painters Society, Florida Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society. Phil owns and operates Phil Fisher Gallery/Studio with his artist wife, Natalie Guess. He says about his work: “I l ike to think of my paintings as sanctuary for those whom feel anesthetized by technology.”

Natalie Guess Batik Artist

Natalie is a f ine batik artist who loves working with her hands. Born in 1957 in Bloomington, Il l inois, she grew up in Indiana and Il l inois and considers herself a well-rounded Midwesterner. She received her BA from Drake University in Iowa. Natalie is married to Phil Fisher and lives in Naples. She has been creating and teaching batik for over 35 years. Natalie is one of a small number of professional batik artists across the United States. She appreciates the natural environment of Florida and ref lects this in her work. Her particular attention to shadows gives her pieces a drama and depth that renders itself especial ly striking in the batik medium. Her artwork is included in numerous private collections. Her work can also be found in the fol lowing corporate and museum collections: Northern Trust Bank, Lely Corporation, Bank of Il l inois, Lee Memorial Health Park, McDonald and Company Securities, Inc. , and The Permanent Collection of the Von Liebig Art Center.

Dennis Goodman Photographer

Dennis grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has always loved being outdoors. He moved to Naples in 1985, and after owning his own business of several years, decided to change careers and pursue his dream of photography. His wife and two daughters supported his decision and he took a leap of faith. Most of his photography comes from the Florida Everglades. He enjoys taking the day and exploring the vast swampland hunting for the perfect shot. The connection that he has when in the Everglades is indescribable. There is an endless array of wildlife, including birds, al l igators, snakes, and foliage. His inspiration comes for the beauty in nature. His work has been published in Portfolio Magazine, Gulfshore Life, Florida Weekly, Destination Naples, Naples Daily News, Ave Maria College and many other magazines and publications.

Joel Shapses Sculptor

Joel was born in New Jersey where he spends most of his l ife. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from C.W. Post College in 1969. He then completed four years at Temple University where he graduated with the Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1971. Joel practiced general and cosmetic dentistry in the Fort Lauderdale area from 1972 to 2006 creating a dual career in dentistry and sculpture. Early in his sculpting career, he worked under the same roof as famed sculptor Enzo Gallo. For over 40 years Joel has exhibited in many shows and has won over 60 awards. Joel has recently begun working in fused glass and has created new sculptures using that medium. He has traveled throughout the world and acquired knowledge of stones, where they are quarried and how various civi lizations have used them creatively throughout the centuries. This knowledge has become an integral part of the selection process of the stone he uses for specif ic forms.

James (Jim) Rice Pottery Artist

Jim has been a professional potter in Naples since 1973. He owns The Clay Place, the oldest professional pottery in Naples. He has created environmental ceramic pieces including f ireplaces, wall murals, pool t i les, fountains, animals, and more. His repertoire of functional works includes place settings of dishes, serving bowls, and decorative pieces highlighted by his l ively f ish platters. Ask him how long it takes to transform clay into a coffee cup, and Rice wil l respond: “Twenty years. It’s al l a part of an evolution. I might sit down and make a cup in two minutes, but it took me 20 years to get to the point where I could do it in two minutes.”

Kathleen Van Bergen CEO and President of Artis-Naples

Approaching her third season as CEO and President of Artis-Naples (formerly the Philharmonic Center for the Arts), Kathleen van Bergen is charting a dynamic artist ic path for the organization while simultaneously providing sure and steady f inancial and administrative oversight. But that’s not al l : while Artis—Naples is the focus of van Bergen’s energies, she is far from myopic. On the contrary, she is focused on community in general and residents of Collier and Lee County in particular, each of whom she invites to become Artis-Naples patrons. Achieving that goal is not a one-person task: No wonder Gulfshore Life Magazine in naming Kathleen van Bergen one of its 2012 Men & Women of the Year, suggested that her t it le be expanded to include “collaborator-in-chief.”

It is a moniker she embraces: In her f irst two seasons at Artis-Naples, van Bergen sought out collaborations with other arts organizations, both far and wide. Artis-Naples’ 2012-13 season featured a number of events made possible thanks to both existing partnerships (the Miami City Ballet) as well as new relations (Opera Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse, ArtsNaples World Festival and Imagine Solutions).

Collaborative efforts extend to the Baker Museum (formerly the Patty & Jay Baker Naples Museum of Art) where several visit ing exhibitions, organized by museums from around the country, are on the schedule. And thanks to negotiations with Art in Flight, a partnership between the Lee County Port Authority and the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, Dawn’s Forest, The Baker Museum’s monumental Louise Nevelson sculpture, is now on loan—and being seen by thousands of people a day—at Southwest Florida International Airport. Having hired Frank Verpoorten as Director and Chief Curator of the Museum, van Bergen has a talented and experienced partner to help her expand the Museum’s reach while also focusing on curatorial excellence.

Of particular importance to van Bergen is the Naples Philharmonic, long recognized as one of the cornerstones of Southwest Florida’s arts community. The 2013-14 season plans include expanding the ensemble’s offerings while continuing to engage world-class guest soloists and conductors. Recently, she named Andrey Boreyko as the Naples Philharmonic Music Director, another acclaimed partner, who wil l help guide the exciting future of the orchestra.

Prior to Artis-Naples, van Bergen served as artist ic and executive director at the acclaimed Schubert Club in St. Paul, Minnesota; previously she worked for two of the country’s leading orchestras: the Philadelphia Orchestra as vice president of artist ic planning, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, where she was vice president and director of artist ic administration.

When she surveys Artis-Naples’ 8 ½ acre campus, van Bergen sees enormous potential : ample space where lecture series, hands-on music and art classes, and other educational programs for visitors of al l ages can take place. “Regardless of socioeconomic status, communities, families and students are positively inspired by experiencing and creating art,” says Ms. van Bergen, “We reach over 45,000 schoolchildren annually with arts programs on campus and in the schools - programs that are l inked to students’ gains in math and reading comprehension, crit ical thinking and verbal development - and we can do more.”

More might mean inviting visit ing or resident artists and composers to join the Artis-Naples team. As Ms. van Bergen says, “There’s tremendous chemistry that happens when audiences can hear artists talk about what inspires them and how the creative process unfolds. Artis-Naples is an incredible space and I would love to see what artists would do if asked to create site-specif ic works that real ly involve them in our community.”

In addition to encouraging collaboration and insisting on quality, Ms. van Bergen insists on transparency, whether that means sharing f inancial reports, long range plans or t icketing policies. It is just one more way she is keeping her promise to the community in which she lives and works. Ref lecting on the future, Kathleen van Bergen says, “Artis-Naples has an outstanding physical environment that includes two performance halls, a museum, classrooms and outdoor spaces. But these spaces are only as vibrant as the people who f i l l them. We can best use our space if we are as patron-focused as possible, bringing people and art together in important, relevant and innovative ways.”

Frank Verpoorten Director and Chief Curator of The Baker Museum, Artis-Naples

Frank Verpoorten has over 15 years of experience at cultural institutions and museums in Brussels, Belgium and New York City. Originally from Brussels, Verpoorten moved to New York City in 2002, where he served in curatorial roles at the Museum of Modern Art, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, the Dahesh Museum of Art and, most recently, as Cultural Attaché for the Representation of the Government of Flanders (Belgium) to the U.S. In his recent role as Cultural Attaché, Verpoorten oversaw multidisciplinary cultural programming, including exhibitions, performing arts initiatives, lectures, musical concerts and a f i lm program.

Verpoorten attended the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium, and received dual master’s degrees in art history and cultural studies. He held research and curatorial positions at the Museum for Musical Instruments and the Royal Museum for Fine Arts in Brussels before moving permanently to New York in 2002. Verpoorten is f luent in Dutch and French and also speaks advanced German and Spanish.

Joining The Baker Museum in December of 2012, Mr. Verpoorten relocated to Naples with his wife, Rachel, who is an artist , and their two young sons, Elliot and Morgan.

Jessica Walck Director of Volunteer Services, The Naples Players

Jessica has been involved in theatre for 20 years in some way, shape or form. She is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in NYC where she was trained in the Meisner acting technique. For 10 years she has been involved with The Naples Players as an actress, stage manager, instructor and director and she believes it to be one of the f inest organizations that she has ever been involved with.

She currently serves as the Assistant to the Artistic Director at TNP and as an acting instructor at Ave Maria University. When not pursuing other goals in the theatre, Jessica loves to be on the stage. Some of her favorite roles include the t it le role in Sylvia , Catherine in Proof , Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest and Anytime Annie in 42nd Street .

Kristen Cour y Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Gulfshore Playhouse

Kristen Coury is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, and has directed nearly al l their productions to date, including: Doubt, Tartuffe, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Race. The f irst Gulfshore Playhouse production was Oleanna by David Mamet, starring Tony Award®-Nominee Alan Campbell to much acclaim.

Kristen made her feature f i lm directorial debut with Friends and Family, a comedy starring Tony Lo Bianco and Tovah Feldshuh, which was released around the US and Europe, and can now be seen on DVD and Cable TV worldwide.

She has directed several new works, produced a CD and worked on a variety of musicals in various stages of development, including Steel Pier on Broadway, a Broadway-workshop of The Jazz Singer and Houdini at the Goodspeed Opera House.

Kristen worked in production/management for Walt Disney Theatrical Productions (working on international productions of Beauty and the Beast and King David), Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Company (Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and Joseph.. .on Tour), and for London's English Shakespeare Company in the Press and Marketing Department.

Kristen was honored to receive distinction as one of the "Top 40 Professionals Under 40" by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2008, l isted in the Who's Who of American Women, and recently was honored by United Arts Council as a member of "Star in the Arts.”

Mark Danni Founding Artistic Director of the TheatreZone, and head of the theatre department at the Community School of Naples

After starting his New York City career as a drummer/percussionist on Broadway for shows such as Chicago, Grand Hotel, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Annie Get Your Gun and Nunsense, Mark quickly moved into the conductor’s chair and conducted the national tours of Barnum and Les Miserables.   During his 14 years in New York, he also toured with the shows The Phantom Of The Opera, 42nd Street, the 25th anniversary tour of Hair, Evita, Les Miserables and Fame.   Regionally, he was the conductor of A Litt le Night Music at the Tony Award winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA.  

Mark started directing a few Off-Broadway productions in New York City including the crit ical ly acclaimed play, Aggravation, and the musical, What Would Esther Williams Do In A Situation Like This?   Mark continued directing regionally and became the Founding Artistic Director of TheatreZone, in Naples, FL, where he has directed such celebrities as Gary Sandy (WKRP In Cincinnati), Nancy Dussault (Too Close For Comfort), Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line), Georgia Engel (The Mary Tyler Moore Show), Eddie Mekka (Laverne & Shirley), David Garrison (Married With Children) and Andrea McArdle (Broadway’s original Annie).   Mark has also toured throughout the state of Florida with Sandy Duncan, Lucie Arnaz, Rich Litt le, Dennis DeYoung (Styx), The Crystals, The Duprees, The Four Lads, The NY Tenors and many more.

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Mark attended Baldwin-Wallace University in Cleveland, Ohio.   He is a member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers, and the American Federation of Musicians.

Craig Price Director Center for Performing Arts Bonita

Craig graduated f rom Wittenberg University with a BA in Theatre. After training with The Second City in Chicago and the legendar y Del Close at Improv Olympic, Craig spent 5 years on the road as a Stand-Up comedian. Local ly, Craig performed, taught and directed with The Naples Players and KidzAct and is current ly the Assistant Director of the Curious Kids T V show on WGCU.

As a Performing Arts Director for the Center for the Arts of B onita Springs, he teaches improve and act ing to kids and adults of a l l ages and abi l it ies . He a lso directs three shows a year for the Youth Theatre Department and Community Theatre product ions for adults .

Myra Williams President of Naples Music Club

Myra Williams grew up in Dallas, Texas, where she was very active as a musician at the state and southwest regional level. As winner of the Hendl Youth Award, she performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as piano soloist.

Myra always loved both music and science, but science became her career and music her avocation. Myra received her BS in Physics and Math from Southern Methodist University and a PhD in Molecular Biophysics from Yale University. Her past positions include being Executive Director of Merck Research Laboratories, Vice President & CIO for Glaxo Inc. ; Vice President & Worldwide Director of Information Resources for Glaxo and President & CEO of Molecular Applications Group, a biotechnology company.

Myra serves on the Naples Music Club Board as President as well as serving on the boards of several companies and foundations. She is a former treasurer of the Friends of the Library in Naples and a participant in the Greater Naples Leadership program. She has always had   a strong commitment to education and is a past member of the Board of Education of the Princeton Regional Schools. She continues as a volunteer tutor in science and mathematics.

Myra has returned to playing the piano. She is studying with Eda Golandsky and John Bloomfield in New York City. She enjoys playing chamber music and hopes to become more involved in this area in Naples.

Myra and her husband, Van Zandt Williams, l ive in Naples over half the year and in Princeton, New Jersey, the remaining time. They have two daughters and f ive grandchildren.

Christophe Maraval Artistic Director and Ballet Master, Naples Ballet

After nine years as Principal Dancer with Pacif ic Northwest Ballet, Christophe Maraval retired at the end of the 2007 season to join the faculty at Ecole Superieure de Ballet Contemporain de Montreal. Maraval has been teaching Vaganova method with French f lair, and American musicality and energy to al l levels of students, and has coached for numerous competit ions and performances.

Maraval began his training at the Opera de Paris and the Superior Conservatory of Paris and at age 16 joined the Ballet National de Nancy under Pierre Lacotte. He left after six seasons to work with Nanette Glushak at the Ballet du Capitole in Toulouse, France. It was in Toulouse that Christophe discovered Ballanchine and decided to move to America, performing f irst with the Cincinnati Ballet under the direction of Victoria Morgan and f inally with PNB under Kent Stowell, Francia Russel l and Peter Boal.

During his career, Maraval danced with various professional ballet companies in the US and Canada as a Guest Artist including Tulsa Ballet, Oklahoma Ballet and Gala Des Etoiles of Montreal 2004 and 2007. With a vast repertory, some of his favorite bal lets are from George Balanchine, Wil l iam Forsythe, Val Caniparoli , Ben Stevenson, Richard Tanner, Glen Tetley, Jose Limon, Jerome Robins, Ulysses Dove, Kent Stowell and more. Numerous choreographers created ballets for Maraval such as Kirk Peterson (Amazed in Burning Dreams, Carmen), Paul Gibson (Rush, The Piano Dance), Dominique Dumais (Scripted in the Body, Time and other Matter).

Maraval’s style is to teach his students method and rigor, insti l l ing a passion for dance in al l students. He believes ballet is discipline that wil l fol low you al l your life and Naples Academy of Ballet is a great place to start.

L ew Del Gatto Nationally known jazz musician

Lew has been a dynamic f igure in the New York music scene for over thirty years. His versati l ity and knowledgeable comprehension of musical art-form was the basis for a stel lar career. He has been involved with jingles, f i lms, jazz and television. He has been a saxophonist with the Saturday Night Live Band from the show’s beginning in 1975 to 1979. He continued back on the show rom 1985 unti l 2005. Besides his contributions on bari sax and woodwinds, Lew was also involved as an arranger contractor on this i l lustrious show.

A native of New York, Lew’s musical abilit ies were obvious at an early age. Lew’s father played the saxophone. The music of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman was forever in the Del Gatto home. Lew quickly gravitated towards the music of Bird, Prez, Getz and Rollins. During his training at Manhattan School of Music, Lew went on the road with the Les Elgart Band, Sal Salvador and appeared with the world famous Johnny Carson Tonight Show Band. For many years Lew was busy in the New York studio world with such clients as Coke, Pepsi, Folgers Coffee, Ford

and Burger King. He was not only a player in these jingles-he also arranged and composed some of them as well.

Lew has also been busy in the f i lm industry. His credits include: The Blues Brothers, My Blue Heaven, Naked Gun 2 ½ and others. T.V. show credits include the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the New Show and Steve Martin’s Best Show Ever. He is on numerous recordings for such artists as Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Bette Midler, Cal Tjader, the Brecker Brothers, Quincy Jones, Stanley Turrentine, Harry Conick, Jr. , Buddy Guy, Mariah Carey….the list goes on and on. He is a featured performer on the “G.E. Smith and the Saturday Night Live Band” CD, Phil Woods Big Band “Celebration”, and on George Young’s CD, “Old Times”.

Lew’s l ive appearances are impressive. He has appeared with many giants in the music world, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Liza Minelli , Buddy Rich, tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Chuck Israel and The National Jazz Ensemble, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Band, Henry Mancini, Herbie Hancock, Phil Woods, Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton, to name a few. Lew has played jazz festivals in Europe as well as locally. He appeared at the Cancun Jazz Festival with his own trio, as well as with George Young and Friends. He performed annually for over a decade at the Delaware Water Gap Festival of the Arts. In the summer of 1998 and 2000 Lew toured Europe with Phil Woods and the Festival Orchestra.

Lew can be heard on his own CDs. “Katewalk”, on Naxos which has received rave reviews and made it to number 13 on the Gavin charts, featuring Victor Lewis, Steve Turre, Randy Brecker, Chip Jackson, Joe Cohn and Ron Feuer. “You and the Night and the Music”, is a romantic jazz CD recorded with Ron Feuer. “Heroes Vol I” is one of his latest CDs which is an homage encompassing music of many of the saxophonists he has been inspired by through the years. “To Al & Zoot…with Love” is just that and is the newest CD performed with his buddy of many years, Bob Keller and Tom Whaley, Tony Marino and Jesse Green al l from the Gap area. All of Lew’s musical roads have paved the way for what is yet to come-his total devotion to jazz. Lew has always been intricately entwined in the music world in various mediums but his f irst love is jazz. .that is what he plays at every possible moment and where his best instrumental voice can be heard.

Jerr y Stawski Pianist, Vocalist and Band Leader

Jerry holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Florida State University, and has done some post-graduate course work. He has played in concert with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and the Symphony of Southwest Florida. Jerry currently is the co-leader of the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra, which performs jazz concerts featuring world-class jazz artists. He also has played concerts for the Naples Jazz Society, the Southwest Florida Jazz Society, the Charlotte County Jazz Society and the Italian Cultural Society. Jerry regularly plays at the Ritz Carlton, at both the Naples and Tiburon locations.

He has played in concert with many f ine musical artists: Keith Lockhart, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Michael Feinstein, Carla Cook, Dick Hyman, Charles McPherson, Bobby Shew, Randy Brecker, Steve Turre, and many others.

In addition to assisting in many of the area high school programs - including the Community School, Barron Collier High School, Palmetto Ridge High School, and Edison College - Jerry is also the musical director for the Unity Church in Bonita Springs

Carol Shaw Executive Director and CEO Opera Naples

A l i fe long lover of the ar ts and avid operagoer, Carol Shaw is a lso a veteran of the not-for-prof it world. With expert ise in bui lding community partnerships and c o m m u n i c a t i n g t h e m i s s i o n o f o r g a n i z a t i o n s , a s w e l l a s d e m o n s t r a t e d m an age m e nt an d f i n an c e s k i l l s , s h e w a s m o st re c e nt ly, t h e D i re c tor of Development and Director of Market ing & Communicat ions for Youth Haven in Southwest Flor ida. Ms. Shaw a lso ser ved as Execut ive Director of the David Lawrence Foundat ion for nine years , and then as Vice President of Development for both the David Lawrence Center and Foundat ion.

Hai l ing f rom cultural ly r ich Chicago, Ms. Shaw attended the University of I l l inois and Roosevelt University with majors in public administrat ion and Engl ish. She ser ved as Vice President of Development for Hazelden in its Chicago faci l ity and as Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society ’s third largest market in the countr y. In addit ion, she ser ved as a consultant to not-for-prof it organizat ions with the f irm of Nike B. Whitcomb and Associates which gave her a strong foundat ion for understanding agency needs and giving them the tools needed for success .

Current ly, she is a board member of the Associat ion of Fundrais ing Professionals and a long-t ime member of The Nat ional Associat ion for Female Execut ive. A former board member of the Economic Development counci l of Col l ier County, she ser ved as Treasurer and Vice President of Finance for the organizat ion. Ms. Shaw is a lso a founding board member of Drug Free Col l ier where she chaired the Governance Committee.

Shar ing a common vis ion for Opera Napes, Execut ive Director Carol Shaw and Art ist ic Director Maestro R amon Tebar form a commanding team. Their par tnership creates a dynamic that fur thers the mission of the organizat ion, and is advancing the opera company to a new level of professional excel lence and ar t ist ic renown.

William Noll Conductor/Pianist

William Noll is currently Artistic Director for Classic Chamber Concerts, the Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra, ArtsNaples World Festival, and guest conductor for Opera Naples. He also continues his association with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, as well as guest conducting in the USA and abroad.   Maestro Noll gave the inaugural command performance for Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, on their new Steinway at their royal residence in Bagshot Park. Among the honored guests were the Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh Foundation.

He is a performance veteran of the major concert halls of the United States, Europe, and China. From Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York to festivals and tours in Italy, Belgium, Central America, the USA, and China, Maestro Noll has established excellence in performance standards for some four decades.

Maestro Noll has held positions with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera, the Choral Guild of Atlanta, Providence Opera Theatre, and the Miami International Piano Festival. He has also worked with summer festivals in Graz, Aspen, Spoleto, Lecce, Costa Rica and Brevard. He f i l led in at the last moment for Maestro Jens Nygaard in New York City for three sold-out performances with the Jupiter Symphony Orchestra performing works of Haydn, Vil la-Lobos and Glazunov.

Noll has also conducted for New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall, New Mexico Symphony, Savannah Symphony, Odessa Philharmonic, Brevard Festival Orchestra, Opera Orchestra of New York, Naples Philharmonic, Costa Rica National Orchestra, and the Sandy Springs Chamber Orchestra, among others.

For the 2013-2014 season, his conducting highlights include the US premier of Dick Hyman's Ragtime Concerto for Clarinet, a production of Verdi 's Nabucco; he wil l also appear as piano soloist in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Additionally, he has been extended an invitation to Russia in the summer of 2014 as a jurist and conductor for an international piano competit ion.

After a decade of only performing jazz piano, he re-established his classical piano career by appearing in New York City, as guest soloist, with the Jupiter Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jens Nygaard in performances of the virtuoso Concerto No. 2 by Xaver Scharwenka. He appeared as soloist with the Dekalb Symphony in Atlanta with performances of the Piano Concerto by Aaron Copland in honor of the composer's 100th birthday celebration. He was recently invited to perform with Steven Byess and the Tupelo Symphony in performances of Michael Dougherty's Le Tombeau de Liberace. As a conductor/pianist Mr. Noll has collaborated with Pablo Casals, James Levine, Robert Shaw, Zubin Mehta, Julius Rudel, Milton Katims, John Nelson, Eve Queler, Jorge Mester, Christian Badea, and Donald Vorhees, among many others.

His catalog of commercial recordings include choral, symphonic and jazz repertoire on labels such as Newport Classic, Intersound, Pro-Jazz, Time-Life, and Sony. Noll also has many TV and radio appearances to his credit, including choral concerts, jazz orchestra and specials for PBS, CBS, NPR, and over six years of hosting "Fanfare," an Atlanta weekly radio feature. In addition to his performance activit ies, Maestro Noll has served as Music Director for Ritz-Carlton Hotels for three decades.

He has also served on panels for The National Endowment for the Arts, Fulton County Arts Council, Bronx Arts Panel, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Georgia Council for the Arts, and the Classical Nomination Committee for the Grammy Awards. Maestro Noll was recently honored with the "Stars in the Arts" award, given by the Collier County United Arts Council, for his musical and humanitarian efforts on behalf of numerous charitable organizations in the region. As a resident of Naples, Florida, and New York City, he continues to assist the careers of classical, popular and jazz musicians through the off ices of Mayfair Artists Representatives, a ful l-service music consultancy, for which he is the Executive Director.

Maestro Noll has also written for the editorial and arts pages for the Atlanta Constitution and the Naples Daily News.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Visual Arts

Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts Marco Island’s Center for the Arts’ mission is to promote educat ion and appreciation of excellence in the arts. The home of the Lauritzen/Rush Galleries & Beth Rhodes Center for Art Education, it presents art exhibits, education programs in the arts for al l ages, and is host to Celebrate the Arts Festival. Open year round. Contact: Hyla Crane, Ex Dir Phone: 239-394-4221 Address: 1010 Winterberr y Dr., Marco Island 34145 Website: www.marcoislandart.com

Baker Museum of Artis-Naples The Baker Museum features collections of American modernism, 20th century Mexican art and Chihuly glass, as well as traveling exhibits and exclusive shows organized by the museum. Its mission is to inspire creativity and awaken curiosity. Contact: Frank Verpoorten Phone: 239-597-1900 Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples Website: www.thephil.org

CFTA (Centers for the Arts) Bonita Springs Committed to enrich the culture of a diverse community by providing opportunities for artist ic expression, education and appreciation in a supportive and nurturing environment. Insti l ls individuals with a feeling of self-worth and confidence knowing that art encourages positive attitudes and helps people cope with change. Contact: Craig Price Phone: 239-495-8989 Address: 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Website: www.artcenterbonita.org

Goodland Arts Alliance Our mission is to preserve, promote, and advance the cultural presence in the Vil lage of Goodland through art, history, and education. Contact: Tara O’Neil l Phone: 239-642-0528

Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Arts Center The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Arts 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. Contact: Aimee Schlehr Phone: 239-262-6517 Address: 585 Park St. , Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesart.org

Naples Artcrafters The Naples Artcrafters, established in 1967, promotes excellence in f ine arts and crafts within the community. The organization strives to support established artists and crafts persons as well as supporting and encouraging those who are new to the art and craft community. Its members include painters, potters, jewelers, and just about every artist ic or craft discipline imaginable. The NAC sponsors outdoor juried shows monthly from October through April at Cambier Park, one block south of Fifth Avenue, downtown Naples. Contact: Charlotte Burnett Phone: 239-250-0804 Website: www.naplesartcrafters.com Southwest Florida Pastel Society 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. Contact: Jean McNamara Phone: 239-566-2958 Website: www.pastelsociety.org

United Arts Council UAC’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the community through the power of the arts. Their mission is to (1) be the most recognized source for arts services and cultural information; and (2) be the premier provider of arts education for at-risk students. UAC connects arts organizations, artist , gal leries and arts educators with one another, with local audiences, and with tourism-related businesses. Contact: Katie Schweikhardt Phone: 239-254-8242 Address: 1495 Pine Ridge Rd #5, Naples, FL 34109 Website: www.collierarts.com

Theatre/Dance/Film

Artis-Naples Artis-Naples 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. It has four museum-quality art gal leries and two sculpture gardens. Contact: Kathleen van Bergen Phone: 239-597-1900 Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 34108 Website: www.artisnaples.org

Gulfshore Opera A new opera company that wil l bring concerts and opera to the Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, the United Methodist Church in North Naples, and other SW Florida locations designing the shows to be more affordable for music lovers. Steffanie Pearce Phone: 239-529-3925 Website: www.gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Center Gulfshore Playhouse is Naples ' f irst and f inest self producing-professional theatre, currently producing exclusively at the Norris Center in downtown Naples. 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. Summer teen intensives and adult classes are also offered. Contact: Kristen Cour y Phone: 239-261-7529 Address: 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples 34102 Website: www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Marco Players The Marco Players were the f irst group to bring live theater to Marco Island, offering annual productions starting in 1987. Each season, the group performs a variety of productions, from comedies to dramas to musicals. Contact: Beverly Dahlstrom Phone: 239-642-7270 Address: 1055 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145 Website: www.themarcoplayers.com

Naples Ballet The Naples Ballet   is dedicated to setting new standards for artist ic excellence, providing the art of bal let and promoting cultural enrichment and awareness of the art of dance within Naples. The vision is to preserve the art of dance and provide oppor tunit ies including community outreach, mentor ing chi ldren in dance education and a dance movement program for children with special needs. The goal is to deliver artist ic and cultural excellence and inspire dancers and audiences. Contact: Toshiko Tompkins Phone: 239-732-1000 Address: 1005 5th Ave. N., Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesballet .org

Naples International Film Festival The mission of Naples International Film Festival is to nurture and support a diverse, artist ic and cultural experience with a creative, fun and cutting edge boutique f i lm festival that showcases the work of independent f i lmmakers. Contact: Shannon Franklin Phone: 239-775-3456 Address: 2338 Immokalee Rd., Suite 110, Naples 34110 Website: www.naplesfi lmfest.com

Naples Opera Society 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. Contact: Dr. Ron Bowman Phone: 239-598-6110 Website: www.naplesoperasociety.org

Naples Players The Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples presents ful l productions on two stages year round. The Players’ children’s theater program, KidzAct, for ages 5-18, is offered after school in fal l and winter, and daytime during the summer. Contact: Becky Troop Phone: 239-263-7990 Address: 701 5th Ave. S., Naples 34102 Website: www.naplesplayers.org

Opera Naples Opera Naples is one of Southwest Florida's local professional opera company, producing traditional grand opera and family-friendly performances in Collier County. An education and outreach program also tours throughout Collier and Lee Counties Contact: Carol Shaw Phone: 239-963-9050 Address: 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 34112 Website: www.operanaples.com

Shakespeare in Paradise The mission of Shakespeare in Paradise is to create quality professional theatre that celebrates the power, beauty and transcendence of language and theatre. They aim to work in concert with local schools and provide access to professional classical theatre. Contact: John McKerrow Phone: 239-682-3637 Address: 3670 22nd Ave NE Naples, FL 34120 Website: www.sipnaples.org

The Spirit of Naples and Southwest Florida Conference & Festival (SON) envisions the creation of a strong southwest Florida-based community in which Christian creators of entertaining thought-provoking content f ind support and encouragement. SON hosts two annual events: Storytel lers Conference and Storytel lers Film & Book Festival. Contact: Grace Seitz Phone: 615-986-9516 Website: www.sonfilmfest.com

TheatreZone 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. Contact: Mark Danni Phone: 239-449-2323 Address: 13275 Livingston Rd., Naples 34105 Website: www.theatrezone-f lorida.com

Music/Festivals

ArtsNaples World Festival (ANWF) ArtsNaples World Festival , centered in Naples, is designed to celebrate cultural arts from around the globe- one region at a t ime. The 2015, April 27-May 10, 2015, creates an immersion into the exciting cultural arts of France! Events include art, orchestral music, jazz, cuisine, cinema & more. Stay in May and enjoy! jk Contact: Trey Farmer Phone: 239-390-2788 Website: www.artsnaplesworldfestival.org

The Bach Ensemble 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. Contact: Barbara Pikal Phone: 239-732-1055 Address: 3667 Arctic Cir., Naples, FL 34112 Website: www.thebachensemble.org Bayshore Cultural and Performing Arts Center The mission of the Bayshore Cultural Arts District is "To create a state of the art Cultural and Performing Arts Center that showcases local visual and performing artists, and provides accessible, af fordable cultural, performance and educational opportunities for the community." Contact: Chick Heithaus Phone: 239-775-2800 Address: 4069 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112 Website: www.bayshorecapa.org

Chorus of the Everglades The Chorus of the Everglades is the Everglades Chapter of barbershoppers. The men’s 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! Contact: Bob Dimond Phone: 239-250-0457 Address: 800 Neffs Way, Naples FL 34112 Website: www.evergladeschorus.us

Classic Chamber Concerts 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, Contact: William Noll III Phone: 239-434-8505 Address: 4748 West Blvd, Naples, FL 34103 Website: www.classicchamberconcerts.org

Classical South Florida 88.7 The mission of Classical South Florida is to enrich the minds and nourish the spirit of our community through the art, availability and advocacy of classical music 24 hours a day 7 days a week to the cit izens of Southwest Florida; and advocate for the arts organizations in our community. Contact: Claudia Polzin Phone: 239-290-9433 Address: 999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. #200, Naples 34108 Website: www.classicalsouthf lorida.org

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers The Mastersingers was formed to offer singers a challenging, al l 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. Contact: Jean Beasch Phone: 239-288-2535 Address: 6900 Daniels Parkway, Suite 29-193, Ft Myers 33912 Website: www.mastersingersfm.com

Gulf Coast Big Band The Gulf Coast Big Band, comprised of musicians with a variety of musical backgrounds and experience, performs many free concerts each year at parks and in schools. The group supports young musicians and works to share the swinging sounds of the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Phone: 239-877-6090 Website: www.gulfcoastbigband.com

Hyacinth Series Hyacinth Series is sponsored by Moorings Presbyterian Church, where it has presented more than 25 years of concerts. Open to the public, offerings accepted. Contact: Richard Crofts Phone: 239-213-5246 Address: 791 Harbour Dr., Naples,FL 34103 Website: www.moorings-presby.org/hyacinth_series.htm

Music Makers Show Band 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 f inancial ly support jazz education in Collier County high schools. Contact: Dan Fabiano Phone: 239-594-5141 Website: www.musicmakersshowband.org Music for Minors Foundation, Inc. Music for Minors Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization now in its third year of purchasing instruments for middle school children who cannot afford to own one. The group works with music directors to select students that qualify. Contact: Don Rhynard Phone: 239-273-2250 Address: PO Box 1503 Bonita Springs, FL 34133 Website: www.music4minors.org

Naples Concert Band Naples Concert Band was formed in 1972 as a small non-profit band of 10 musicians playing to audiences in the few hundreds. With a rapidly expanding audience and band, and funding provided only through donor and community support, the band now performs each year to crowds in the hundreds. The band boasts a robust scholarship program that has awarded over $60,000 in student scholarships. Contact: Ev Hughes Phone: 239-263-9521 Address: PO Box 31 Naples, FL 34106 Website: www.naplesconcertband.org

Naples Jazz Orchestra 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. Contact: Bob Stone Phone: 239-272-8729 Address: PO Box 9436 Naples, FL 34101 Website: www.thenjo.org

Naples Music Club 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.   Contact: Myra Williams Phone: 239-262-5093 Address: PO Box 112383 Naples, FL 34108 Website: www.naplesmusicclub.org Naples Philharmonic Orchestra The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra is an internationally recognized symphonic ensemble, which performs more than 150 concerts each season, including classical, pops, bal let , 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 Vil lel la’s Miami City Ballet each season. Contact: Kathleen van Bergen Phone: 239-597-1900 Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 34108 Website: www.artisnaples.org

Naples Orchestra & Chorus The Naples Orchestra & Chorus is a community organization that performs free, classical and pops concerts at Lely High School which has an excellent faci lity. Professional and nonprofessional musicians, along with talented high school students make up the group. Experienced musicians are welcome to join. Contact: Anne Wilson Phone: 239-455-1912 Address: PO Box 9542 Naples, FL 34101 Website: www.naplesorchestraandchorus.org

Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus The Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus promotes musical diversity and c om mu n i t y s e r v i c e . It i s c om m it t e d t o prov i d i n g f i n a n c i a l s upp or t a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r s t u d e nt s a n d t e a c h e r s . T h e g r o u p p r o v i d e s nu m e r o u s performances throughout the year to a wide range of audiences. Contact: Gar y Poehler Phone: 239-352-6366 Website: www.naplesbarbershopchorus.org Voices of Naples 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. Contact: Mariel len Lemasters Phone: 239-455-2582 Website: www.voicesofnaples.org

Museums/Culture

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a 30,000-square-foot faci lity located in the North Collier Regional Park. The museum allows children and families to experience world-class, educationally-dynamic, ful ly-interactive exhibits. Contact: Contact: Kar ysia Demarest Phone: 239-514-0084 Address: 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples, 34109 Website: www.cmon.org City of Naples Norris Center & Cambier Park 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: l ive 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. Contact: Jennifer Fox Phone: 239-213-3058 Address: 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.naplesgov.com

Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida 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. Contact: Amy Snyder Phone: 239-263-9200 Address: 4760 Tamiami Tr. N, 7, Naples, FL 34103 Website: www.holocaustmuseumswfl.org

Marco Island Foundation for the Arts The Marco Island Foundation for the Arts is dedicated to promoting the visual, l iterary and performing arts in public places in Marco Island. Through public arts events such as ArtQuest, lectures, f i lms performances, the Left Bank Art Fest and other events, we hope to engage people, st ir imaginations and inspire dialog. Contact: Carolyn Burger Phone: 239-389-0208 Address: PO Box 1091 Marco Island, FL 34146 Website: www.marcoarts.org

Naples Depot 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. Contact: Volunteer Coordinator Phone: 239-252-8287 Address: 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.colliermuseums.com 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. Contact: Bella Gutschtein Phone: 239-596-8404 Address: 656 98th Ave N. Naples, FL 34108

Colleges

Hodges University 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, f ine arts lecture series, workshops, seminars and art exhibits. Contact: Dr. Ron Bowman Phone: 239-598-6110 Address: 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples, FL 34119 Website: www.hodges.edu

Renaissance Academy (FGCU) The Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University is a premier, l ifelong learning program for adults. Single lectures, short courses, day trips, computer classes, f i lm series, l ife 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. Contact: John Guerra Phone: 239-434-4737 Address: 1010 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 Website: www.fgcu.edu/racademy

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L ocations and Directions

First Venue:

The von Liebig Art Center 585 Park Street

Naples, FL 34102

Click on the map to make it l ive

Second Venue:

Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard

Naples, FL 34108

Click on the map to make it l ive

Third Venue:

BrickTops Waterside Shops

5555 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34108

Click on the map to make it l ive

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