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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS FOR THE
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Current Issues | January 2026
*Please note this is for notification of when our new publications will be available online only, this is not to receive a hardcopy in the mail.


TheatreZone Kicks Off 2026 on Jan. 8 with Grumpy Old Men: The Musical
A heartwarming musical comedy about friendship, forgiveness, and second chances L to R Actors in Grumpy Old Men: The Musical Curt Denham as John Gustafson Peter McClung as Max Goldman Karen Molnar Danni as Ariel Truax Neil Berg, score writer TheatreZone, Naples’ premier musical theatre company, launches its 2026 season of musicals on January 8, with Grumpy Old Men: The Musical , the hysterically funny story about forgiveness, friendship, second chances, and the joy of redisco

Beth Preddy
Dec 29, 20253 min read


Remembering a life well-lived
Phil Fisher February 7, 1945-September 29, 2025 A tribute to a cherished friend and artist, Phil Fisher, who brightened our Naples community for so many years. We honor the life of a remarkable soul—a gifted artist whose work inspired us, and a friend whose kindness and warmth touched everyone he met. His beautiful spirit and positive energy were a beacon of light in our lives, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Phil’s paintings are available at985 Central Avenue, Nap

Rebecca Boucher
Dec 29, 20251 min read


Guest Writer
Dec 29, 20250 min read


Robin Bache Gray
Embracing an Art-Driven Life A unique blend of theatrical flair and artistic vision is transforming Southwest Florida's cultural scene, led by Robin Bache Gray, who seamlessly transitions from the board of The Naples Players to the creative helm of Gallerie Indigo and even Broadway productions. The concept for Gallerie Indigo was born during the quiet uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, a brainchild of discussions between Robin and Perry Ventro, both dedicated volunteers and

Julie Pedretti
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Artis—Naples
In the Galleries and Beyond Guillermo Meza (b. Mexico 1917-1997). Arrieros somos ( Mule Drivers are We ), 1944. Oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in. Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum. Gift of Harry Pollak, 2002.2.036. © 2025 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / SOMAAP, Mexico City. As Southwest Florida’s home for the visual and performing arts, Artis—Naples offers a multidisciplinary array of experiences throughout the season, with January serving as a particularly vivid example of th
Artis—Naples
Dec 29, 20253 min read


STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts
Creativity with Purpose In the heart of the vibrant Naples Design District, a joyful, art-filled space is redefining what it means to create with purpose. STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts, part of STARability Foundation’s pioneering Social Enterprise program, is where artistry, community, and empowerment come together under one bright, inclusive roof. Here, nearly 100 STARability participants of all abilities engage in vocational training, paid employment, and recreational art cla
Guest Writer
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Walking on Sunshine
Mexican American artist Leticia Herrera has dedicated her artistic practice to examining the core of human experience through visual storytelling. In her paintings, she constantly seeks new interpretations of life’s significant questions. Leticia’s art is guided by her personal journey through cultural shifts and her deep belief in the capacity for human compassion. Herrera’s distinctive “Walkers” series, which she refers to as a style of magical surrealism, features modest y

Leeza Arkhangelskaya
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Artful Arrangements
A Fusion of Fine Art and Floral Creativity "We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Please consider giving at naplesartdistrict.com to help the local arts thrive and continue to be a part of our community’s cultural fabric. We greatly appreciate your support." Jill Gordon Artist, Marcia Borel, Floral Designer The Naples Art District will burst into a fusion of color, texture, and botanical imagination this January as local artists and floral designers come together for Artful Arra
Cathy Bonacci
Dec 29, 20253 min read


SWEET ART GALLERY
Sweet Art Gallery is a contemporary modern art gallery that is home to works by more than 35 established artists. Since 2005, the gallery has been one of the first to offer contemporary fine art in Naples. The majority of our artists have their master’s degrees in fine art. Some of the artists are teachers and professors and have had their own museum shows. The gallery is part of the new metropolitan Naples, with its combination of luxurious downtown living in proximity to th
Guest Writer
Dec 29, 20251 min read


Empty Bowls Naples
Neighbors Helping Neighbors For 20 years, Empty Bowls Naples (EBN), a 501(c)(3), has gifted many food pantries in the Lee and Collier communities with generous grants; so far, totals are over one million dollars! The story of how this has been accomplished reads like a fairy tale. Due to generous potters who make thousands of bowls, EBN takes them out to area groups to be painted. Civic groups, churches, colleges, life care/nursing homes, corporations, hotel conventions, cond
Guest Writer
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Two unforgettable shows are taking the stage at Gulfshore Playhouse
....And you won't want to miss either one Scenic design reveal, where the mystery of The Mousetrap begins Beginning this month, Gulfshore Playhouse invites you to experience two thrilling productions that showcase the power of professional theatre. Our shows are built entirely from the ground up. Every set piece, costume and prop is crafted by artisans and designers from New York City and across the country specifically for these productions. We also bring highly skilled acto
Priority Marketing
Dec 29, 20252 min read


All about the Arts
Gulfshore Playhouse Naples Art Institute Naples Players production, Ada and the Engine As Mayor of Naples, I am often reminded of what draws people to our city. Again and again, residents share that it is our vibrant arts and cultural scene, a defining hallmark of Naples that reflects the dedication, passion, and vision of those who lead and support our arts community. Through theater, visual arts, and diverse cultural programming, the arts enrich our daily lives, stre

Mayor Teresa Heitmann
Dec 29, 20253 min read


Naples Philharmonic Pops
A Joyful Naples Tradition Naples Philharmonic Holiday Pops Each December, Holiday Pops fills Hayes Hall with the spirit of the season as the Naples Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus come together for one of Southwest Florida’s most beloved musical traditions. Presented by Artis—Naples, the annual concert envelops audiences with twinkling lights, festive décor, symphonic sparkle, soaring voices, and cherished melodies for a celebrat
Guest Writer
Nov 23, 20252 min read


A Season of Giving
A Celebration of Art L to R: Karen Culver, Don Blauvelt, Tekla Taylor Shopping for gifts is on everyone’s to-do list this time of year—and finding something truly original can be a challenge. This holiday season, skip the ordinary and step into the creative heart of Naples: the Naples Art District. With more than 100 artists working in a variety of mediums, the Naples Art District offers a shopping experience that’s as inspiring as it is fun. You can browse handcrafted works
Cathy Bonacci
Nov 23, 20252 min read


The Moment when the Canvas Comes to Life
Interview with painter Hervé Lenouvel Renowned French artist, Hervé Lenouvel, proclaims that contemporary artists play an important role, not only in the life span of the current generation, but throughout history. Artists reflect the spirit of our times, provoke thought and emotion, and inspire creativity. They create links between times and cultures. Their work is not limited to decorating the world; it helps us to understand the world better. East West Fine Art, a leading

Leeza Arkhangelskaya
Nov 23, 20252 min read


Registration Open for Fall and Winter Classes at The Naples Players
Kids after school | Shaw Photography Registration is open for classes for all ages at The Naples Players. Youth Classes Held after school or on Saturdays, classes start in January. Pre-K: Ages 2 – 4 Going on a Bear Hunt, Saturdays, January 10 – March 7, 10 – 11 a.m. Kindergarten: Ages 4 – 6 Click Clack Moo!, Saturdays, January, 10 – March 7, 10 – 11 a.m. Grades 1 – 2 Where the Wild Things Are, Saturdays, January 10 – March 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Grades 3 – 5 Alice in Wonderland
Guest Writer
Oct 26, 20252 min read


Step Into Naples’ Creative Side This Fall
As November brings cooler temperatures to Southwest Florida, we also welcome back our seasonal friends who escape the northern chill for the warmth and vibrancy of Naples. This time of year is perfect for embracing the beauty, culture and inspiration that Naples is known for. Naples has long been celebrated for its elegant design, natural landscapes and artistic spirit. Art and design add more than decoration – they bring wonder, reflection and a sense of possibility to every
Cathy Bonacci
Oct 25, 20252 min read


On the wing of a butterfly
Interview with glass artist Hayden Wilson The story of American art glass is an extraordinary tale of innovation - transforming glass from a purely industrial material into an independent art form. Hayden Wilson (H.W.), an accomplished North Carolina-based artist, shares his dedication to glass blowing with East West Fine Art Owner Leeza Arkhangelskaya (L.A.) L.A. Are artists important in modern society? H.W. Artists are important in modern society in that we have the freedo

Leeza Arkhangelskaya
Oct 25, 20252 min read


Artis—Naples in November
Thankful for the Arts The Nutcracker Artis—Naples offers Southwest Florida plenty of reasons to be thankful this November, from new exhibitions at The Baker Museum to the Naples debut of Alonzo King LINES Ballet and a thrilling Naples Philharmonic Masterworks program featuring esteemed violinist Paul Huang. In The Baker Museum, sonia louise davis: to reverberate tenderly opens on the first floor. This multisensory exhibition highlights the New York City-based artist’s intere
Guest Writer
Oct 24, 20253 min read


Gulfshore Playhouse Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Season
Experience world-class theatre in the heart of paradise Naples is no stranger to world-class culture, but Gulfshore Playhouse has raised the curtain on an entirely new era of theatre in Southwest Florida. Under the vision of founder and producing artistic director Kristen Coury, the state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center—a two-stage home that rivals the best regional theatres in the country—opened in October 2024. Gulfshore Playhouse produces Broadway-caliber sho
Guest Writer
Oct 24, 20251 min read
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