NOTE TO EDITORS: There are 11 Show of Shows artwork images available for download using the following link: https://www.naplesart.org/category/image-galleries/fiscal-2011-2012-exhibitions/fourth-annual-non-juried-all-artist-members-sh

Naples, FL (August 29, 2011) –  The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center starts the fall season with three exhibitions including the 4^th Annual Non-Juried All Artist Member Show of Shows Exhibition, Inner Worlds of Domestic Violence II, and The Collection. 

The 4^th Annual Non-Juried All Artist Member Show of Shows Exhibition attracted a record number of artist submissions with nearly 120 entries. This annual exhibition showcases the tremendous talent of local artists in Southwest Florida. Artwork includes mixed media, pastels, watercolor, fiber art, photographs, clay, wood sculpture, bronze and more.

Viewers of this exhibition will have the opportunity to see work by several Naples Art Association adult class instructors and ARTScool teachers including José Maria Castillo, Judy Chinski, Julieta de Palacious, Don Gilmore, Patty Kane, Jan Krasowski, Sam Platt, Mary Parkman Rowe, and Donna Torrance. Artists who may be considering taking a class at The von Liebig Art Center can view the unique style of each of these instructors.

This exhibition will also feature a new generation of local artists. The Naples Art Association received four submissions from students who participated in our summer ARTScool intern program. Three of these students attend local high schools including Grace Black, Evyn Graefe and Veronica Rabanal. The fourth student, John Treanor, is a freshman at Ringling College of Art and Design. Treanor was awarded a $5,000 scholarship through the Naples Art Association’s scholarship program this past April. This exhibition will be on display from September 12 through October 1, 2011 at The von Liebig Art Center and all work is available for purchase.

Inner Worlds of Domestic Violence II, takes a powerful look at how art therapy can help individuals cope with physical, sexual and mental abuse. The Naples Art Association has partnered with The Shelter for Abused Women and Children to exhibit work created by women at the shelter. “It's hard for the public to confront this type of reality but it was harder for the person that suffered the violation of boundaries to endure it,” says shelter art therapy instructor, Ivette Gomez. “I can attest to the fact that the process of making art helps women in distress regain, first of all, a sense of safety due to the healing arts environment. They also develop trust in themselves by being able to respond to the prompt art exercise, spend an hour working in silence with feelings and emotions and creating metaphors and symbols to express themselves creatively. Over time, our program provides an environment in which the women gain self-respect, dignity, self-esteem, assertiveness, mindfulness, and become acquainted again with their own strong presence. The women gain trust, independence, and confidence, to become their own unique selves, thanks to the arts.  Arts create a space for self-discovery.” The Inner Worlds of Domestic Violence exhibition is on display in the Janet and Bill Cuthbert Studio at The von Liebig Art Center through October 12, 2011. Work will be shown anonymously to ensure anonymity.

The final exhibition to open on September 12, 2011 is a small selection of works from the Naples Art Association Collection including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography and mixed media created after 1950 from artists who have had a connection to Florida. The Collection exhibition is generously sponsored by Jean Devine and is on display on The von Liebig Art Center’s second floor until October 1, 2011.

Entrance to all three exhibitions is free to the public.

A preview reception is scheduled for Friday, September 9, 2011 at The von Liebig Art Center, 585 Park St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees at the preview reception will have the opportunity to vote for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” and “First Place Award” and two Blick Art Materials Gift Certificate Awards as part of the Show of Shows exhibit. Voting will be overseen by the Collier County Supervisor of Elections.  Winners will be announced on September 15, 2011 on the Naples Art Association website and will receive $200 for the People’s Choice Award and $100 for First Place. Music at the reception will be provided by Carlene Thissen and the reception is sponsored by Wholefoods Market. Entrance to the reception is free for members and $10 for non-members.

About The Naples Art Association

The Naples Art Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1954. The goal of The Naples Art Association is to educate and promote visual arts in Southwest Florida by holding exhibitions, art festivals and educational classes for adults and children.

Today the organization boasts over 1,000 members and operates The von Liebig Art Center located at 585 Park St. in downtown Naples. The art center is open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 262-6517, visit naplesart.org, follow us on facebook at facebook.com/vonliebigcenter or twitter at twitter.com/vonliebigart.