On Wednesday, November 14, Class XVII experienced the breadth of the impact of cultural arts in greater Naples.
We began at The Golisano Children’s Museum with an overview of the economic impact of cultural arts and a panel discussion on visual arts in Collier County, led by Elaine Hamilton, United Arts Council Director, and Harriet Heithaus, Entertainment/Features Editor of The Naples Daily News. Andy Marquart, the Museum’s new CEO, then presented the “C’mon” story, followed by a tour of the energizing facility.
The Naples Philharmonic was the next stop, where Kathleen van Bergen greeted them prior to a tour of the Patti and Jay Baker Art Museum. Then it was off to the Philharmonic Board Room for a presentation about the Phil, by Kathleen and her staff, who then joined the class for lunch.
The Sugden Theater was next, where a panel discussion on theater and film was followed by a tour of the Sugden, an ice cream social hosted by Kilwins, and a final panel discussion on music, dance and opera.
A full day ended with a visit to the von Liebig Art Center, where Aimee Schlehr, Naples Art Association Executive Director, spoke to the Class before a closing reception on the patio.
Vianda Hill