East West Fine Art gallery, open in Naples since 2000, has a talent for discovering artists who spark the imagination. Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her joyful sculptures. In this conversation with gallery owner Leeza Arkhangelskaya (LA) , Laura Lee Junge   (LJ)  opens a window into a world where time, movement, and sound converge. Her work moves fluidly between painting and sculpture, with spinning clocks and soaring v

Brings Psychological Depth and Global Stakes to The General’s Princess Naples-based author Caryn Hacker-Buechel spent her professional life listening to stories of resilience, love, and survival shared behind closed doors. After 32-years as a psychotherapist, Hacker-Buechel retired and wrote The General’s Princess , a romantic military thriller that blends psychological realism with high-stakes international intrigue. She relocated to Southwest Florida from New Jersey in 200

Jill Gordon, Open Studios March brings a special sense of celebration to the Naples Art District as the organization marks its 20th Anniversary season , For two decades, the district has been a creative hub where artists, collectors, residents, and visitors come together to experience the power of art. This milestone year is honored through a season-long celebration, with March shining brightest as the month of Arty Party  and the inspiring theme Wings of Wonder . The symbol

In the late 1990s, Golden Gate Middle School students created a classroom project on the Holocaust called “Out of the Ashes.” Led by teachers David Bell and Michelle Lee, the seventh graders did more than just review their history textbook. They interviewed with local residents who were Holocaust survivors and concentration camp liberators. Learning the personal stories of these eyewitnesses to history changed the students. Going forward, they vowed to share with everyone the

How the Naples Garden Club puts the Environment in the Forefront When you hear garden club, the first thing you think of is flowers, but not so true with Naples Garden Club. Since 1953, the club has brought both an award-winning flower show and a sell-out house & garden tour to our community each year. Floral design and horticulture have been at the heart of the club, but recently this organization has become more engaged in the environment. Club leaders have ignited this com

A Mother–Daughter Story of Vision and Resilience "Working twelve-hour days, seven days a week, she grew the gallery into one of Florida’s most beloved art destinations.” Olga and Leeza Arkhangelskaya The engaging, art-savvy duo of Olga and her daughter, Leeza Arkhangelskaya—owners of East West Fine Art—are celebrating the gallery’s 25th anniversary. Now located in the Vanderbilt Galleria Shoppes, they continue their mission of bringing soulful, professional, and uplifting art

Artist Danell Somers, Chef Marina Nikolic On February 12, from 6–9 p.m., creativity takes center stage in the Naples Art District as Palette to Palate  returns. Hosted by SOHO Design Group at 1610 Trade Center Way, guests are invited to experience culinary dishes inspired by original artworks by Naples Art District artists. This year, accomplished chefs will participate, including restaurant owners, private chefs, Michelin-trained professionals with experience in the yachting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

....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

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

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