Things to do in Naples 5 of 52 – Naples National Art Festival

This weekend promises to be a great one for art lovers. The Naples National Art Festival, named in the top 10 fine art festivals in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine, takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Last year, 22,000 guests roamed the festival grounds and organizers expect a larger turnout this year.

Here’s a quick look at what’s in store for you when you visit the booths of the 260 local, regional and national artists at this year’s festival.

Ceramics:
The amazing David Bryce, of Fly Creek Studios, will exhibit some of his favorite works. By the way, he is also exhibiting at this year’s Smithsonian Craft Fair. The stoneware and porcelain pots from Lynn Fisher will be on exhibit as well. In all, 17 artists that work with ceramics will be in attendance at the Naples National Art Festival.

Digital Art:
The digital art category at this year’s festival will be well-represented by artists such as Rick Abrams and his “evolving body of work,” the fine art photography of Robert Heier and eight other artists.

Fiber/Leather:
Textile artist Maureen Roberts will be in attendance as well as Marvin Bower of Tanner’s Creek Leather and eight additional artists.

Furniture:
A small but impressive category, represented by five artists: Robert Cornell, Kevin Desplanques, Victor Edwards, Lance Munn and John Staropoli.

Glass:
The incredible hand-blown and sculptural glass of Mark Sudduth can be found in booth 111 while the butterflies, dragonflies and fairies of Debi Dwyer will be aloft at booth 269. In total, 19 glass artists will be exhibiting their works at this year’s festival.

Graphics/Printmaking
I’m not sure if Barbara Marcus-McKenna will have her book series on-hand but it’s worth a stop at booth 233 to find out. Also on hand at the festival: James Nemnich, Nancy Strailey and more.

Jewelry
Stop by Deborah Armstrong’s booth to see her stunning hand-crafted jewelry and don’t miss the bold designs of California artist Birgit Kupke-Peyl.

Metal
Representing metal work is the incomparable Robert Farrel, the hand-carved steel work of Scott LaCosse and eight other amazing artists.

Mixed Media 2D and 3D
Mixed media water colors and Chinese inks come to life in the works of Pui-Lan Cockman. You’ll find her work in booth 69.

Painting
This category represents the largest by far at this year’s festival. View the works of David Yuan, Jeannie Maddox, Michael Kuseske and others.

Photography
Photography is my favorite category and I’m excited about the featured artists at this year’s Naples National Art Festival. Award-winning photographer and Naples resident Jack Megella will be on hand as well as Darren Olson, Michael Chen and Susan Littman’s vision of the“decay of urban life,” among others.

Sculpture
Ben Foster’s bronze works, Jennifer Ivory’s passion for the world of insects and Mario P. Pozzobonelli’s obsession with history will all be on display this weekend.

Wood
The “Merchant of Mirth” Jeffrey Vollmer and the exotic wood boxes of Donald Boudreau are just two of the 16 artists that work with wood that will be in attendance at this weekend’s festival.

This year’s Naples National Art Festival is being held at Cambier Park and along 8th Street South from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days. There will be entertainment, a food court and a free shuttle from the parking area, which you can get directions to here.