Artful Arrangements

A Fusion of Fine Art and Floral Creativity

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Jill Gordon Artist, Marcia Borel, Floral Designer

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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 Arrangements, the district’s annual signature event. Taking place January 16–18, 2026, from 1–5 p.m. each day, this three-day exhibition offers visitors the rare opportunity to see original artworks transformed and re-imagined through one-of-a-kind floral interpretations displayed throughout the working artist studios.

This year’s event continues a celebrated tradition of pairing fine artists with floral designers who reinterpret paintings, sculptures, carvings, and mixed-media works through fresh, unexpected botanical creations. Much of the creative energy driving these pairings comes from Margy Metzler, past president of Ikebana International #160, who has played a pivotal role in bringing Ikebana artists into collaboration with Naples’ visual art community.

“I personally find joy in working with the different artists because Ikebana is the ART of Japanese flower arranging, which means each design or piece that we do is a work of art,” Metzler explains. “I try to find new artwork to interpret that pushes me outside of my comfort zone so that I can grow as an Ikebana artist.” For 2026, Metzler will be paired with Naples Art District woodworker Phil Costello, known for his coastal carvings and sculptural forms.

We’re also pleased to welcome back Naples Garden Club Designer Jill Chamberlain, who will be collaborating again with watercolor artist Barbara Groenteman. Their artistic partnership has become a favorite among visitors. “Art is about composition — so is floral design,” Groenteman notes. “Jill’s floral interpretations always capture the flow, balance, and color of my artwork.” Chamberlain adds, “The fun aspect of doing an interpretive floral design is seeing how far outside the box you can go and yet have some relation to the artwork.”

Karen Culver, Artist, Jana Telecka, Floral Designer

Abstract acrylic and mixed-media painter Sandee Mahler echoes the shared artistic vision that defines the event. “Both visual art and floral design are expressions of creativity,” she says. Naples Garden Club member Arlene Cluff will once again select one of Mahler’s paintings to translate into a dynamic floral composition.

For the Naples Art District, the event embodies its mission to inspire and connect the community through the arts. “Artful Arrangements is a celebration of creativity in its purest form,” says Paula Brody, president of the Naples Art District. “By pairing original artwork with floral design, we invite the community to experience art in a fresh, unexpected way. This event reflects the Naples Art District’s mission to inspire, connect, and showcase the incredible talent that thrives here in Southwest Florida.”

A special preview event, “Harmony in Flowers: Discovering the Art of Ikebana,” will take place at 11 a.m. on January 16 at Inspirations Art & Design Gallery, where Master Ikebana Sensei Margy Metzler will give a live demonstration. Pre-registration is required.

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General admission is $20, available online or at the door. During event times, tickets can be purchased at Art Edge Gallery & Studio, 2180 J&C Blvd, or Inspirations, 5450B Shirley St. VIP Experience tickets, including exclusive access to the Ikebana preview event, are $50 and must be purchased in advance. For tickets and details, visit NaplesArtDistrict.com or call 239.249.1977.