Upcoming events at the von Liebig Art Center

The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center in Naples presents curated, juried and invitational exhibitions of contemporary American art, most of which is for sale.

Exhibitions are open to the public in the center's six galleries. Art classes for adults and youth are held yearround in the center's professional studios. In addition, the art association hosts two national and six local art festivals annually.

The center's hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $2 for children 10 and older.

The center is located at 585 Park Street in Naples and features an extensive art library and gift shop. Call (239) 262-6517 or visit naplesart.org for more information.

. A Decade of Collecting, through Nov. 5

Before the opening of The von Liebig Art Center in 1998, the Naples Art Association began an initiative to further its mission by collecting original works of art through gift and donation. The collection of mid-to-late 20th century paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography and mixed media documents the legacy of artists who were influential in establishing Naples as a vital art community. The first works collected were exhibited during the von Liebig Art Center's gala opening. With the turn of the 21st Century, the focus of the collection expanded to include contemporary work by artists who have achieved national and international recognition and who have had a Florida connection. The von Liebig Art Center now holds a collection of 175 works of American art created after 1950.

. Members' Gallery exhibition, through Nov. 4

Naples Art Association members present a juried exhibition of works in all media, most of which are for sale.

A preview reception for 3 Women of Merit: Part 2, will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. The opening reception is free for Naples Art Association members and $10 for non-members.

. 3 Women of Merit: Part 2, through Oct. 19

3 Women of Merit: Part 2 features works on paper and canvas and mixed media sculpture by three awarding winning artists — Gisela Miller, Janis Siegel and Joan Brechen Sonnenberg.

After moving to Naples from Alexandria, Va., Miller expanded the range of her palette to include brilliant colors. Her recent work is influenced by tropical floral hues. 3 Women of Merit includes some of her most recent works created this summer in her Alexandria studio.

Siegel studied painting, sculpture and fiber art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by the historical costumes she saw on display during a trip to London, Siegel developed a series of large sculptures based on 19th century haute couture fashions which were designed to enhance the female form, but actually bound and distorted it. Selected free standing and wall-dependent sculptures from the series are included in 3 Women of Merit.

Sonnenberg lived with her industrialist husband, Fred Sonnenberg, in countries throughout South America, in Japan and all over the United States. Now dividing her time between Naples and Western Pennsylvania, her work in 3 Women of Merit is a reflection of her worldwide experiences and cosmopolitan life.

. Studio Art Class Session 1, Oct. 13-Nov. 7

Weekly classes for adults are held mornings, afternoons and evenings on weekdays and on Saturday mornings, while youth classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Classes are geared to both the beginner and experienced artist working in a variety of media.

. Lunch with the Arts, Oct. 13

The Naples Art Association's lunch lecture series kicks off with a look at the current exhibition, 3 Women of Merit: Part 2. Lunch with the Arts begins at noon and features a lunch donated by an area restaurant. This month's lunch is provided by Vergina's. The program is $5 for NAA members and $10 for others. Lunch with the Arts is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Lunch is served on a first-come, first-served basis, while everyone is invited to stay for the lecture.

. The First Annual All Members Show of Shows, Oct. 25- Nov. 9

This exhibition by Naples Art Association member artists will feature paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, mixed media and pastels as well as additive and subtractive sculpture. There will be something to please every art appreciator, and all works displayed will be available for purchase.

A preview reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24. The opening reception is free for Naples Art Association members and $10 for non-members.