Naples Art had been closed for a period of extensive repairs and remodeling. Its physical location will be holding classes for a range of artistic interests and skill levels. Classes such as Clay for Kids and Art for Teens aim to engage young people in art, while adult classes include Watercolor Out Loud, Beginning Seascapes and Cold Wax. The downtown Florida location also hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year, and organizes the monthly outdoor Art in the Park event from November to April each year.
The re-opened Naples Art will be under the new leadership of Frank Verpoorten as Executive Director and Chief Curator, who has served as a curator and administrator at institutions in both North America and Europe, including serving as Director of the Baker Museum. Verpoorten set out his mission statement:
“I join the organization with the intention of propelling Naples Art to greater prominence, to elevate its exhibition program, and to ensure its future viability and relevance as an organization that embraces diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.”
Classes will adopt reduced sizes and increased safety measures for the coming months. The goal is to encourage people to participate in media like painting, graphic design, and sculpture at all levels.
Naples Art officially re-opened on January 2, with classes resuming next Monday, January 18.