Blooming Inspiration

The Naples Art District features another year of floral inspired artworks to be viewed in individual artist studios and galleries.

Blooming Inspiration. As an adaptation of the Art in Bloom event held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Naples Art District, based in Naples, Florida, displays a unique showing of artworks in their second edition of Artful Arrangements. This free event allows visitors to peruse the district’s large concentration of studios and galleries, where over 30 artists present their work alongside floral interpretations of them by professional floral designers.

“The premier of Artful Arrangements last year was a huge success and exceeded our highest expectations in every way,” says Paula Brody, president of the Naples Arts District. “The event drew hundreds of visitors into the district, who marveled at the spectacular arrangements, fine art and creativity of both the artists and designers!”

Brody notes that paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, ceramics and woodworking will be featured among the diverse artistry re-imagined in exquisite floral designs. “These splendid arrangements can be viewed in the participating artist studios, where you can meet the artists and designers,” she says.

Floral designers like Catherine Swanson, from Driftwood Garden Center, will work with artist Silvina Marzari of Art2Amaze Gallery, who paints her subjects in vibrant color, ranging from figurative to abstract; and Diane Whiting of Blue Pearl Studio and Gallery, who paints over woven strips of canvas in hues that reflect “patterns of sea, sky and stone,” she says. Both artists will contribute their distinctive styles towards a depiction of a floral arrangement created by Swanson.

Featured last year, and pictured here, are exciting examples of what to expect at this year’s event. We see artist Christy Noonan pose with her painting Amazon Water Lilies—an abstracted recreation of the floral design by Margy Metzler of Naples Chapter of Ikebana International. Also pictured is the abstract painting of Maggie DeMarco Riders in the Sky,inspired by the Naples Garden Club floral designer, Linda Heacock; and another colorful abstract, Sea Atmosphere, by Arturo Samaniego, paired with a floral design created by his wife, Barbara Samaniego of Focus Florals.

The thrilling event offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to fully explore the entirety of the Naples Arts District—home to over 100 artists, where they work, exhibit and teach in the “eclectic neighborhood along Shirley Street and J&C Boulevard…,” says show reps.

The event will kick off with an Opening Reception and Preview Parties in artist studios on February 22 from 5 to 7 p.m., and will close February 25. Please visit naplesartdistrict.com for additional information.

Artful Arrangements
When: February 22-25, 2023
Where: Various Artist Studios in Naples, FL
Information: www.naplesartdistrict.com, (239) 249-1977