Professionals Give Back to Support Promising Young Artists

“Young people need to be reminded that what they create would not exist in the world unless they create it.  It is an amazing gift,” said artist John Carroll Long. That gift will live on with the help of the Naples Woman’s Club and local artists who are teaming up to help support the education of emerging artists.  

Gifted!, a two-day holiday event hosted by the Naples Woman’s Club, is set for December 4–5, with proceeds supporting college scholarships for aspiring young artists. The event includes a “Celebrity Artist” auction created to honor accomplished artists who have donated works to the scholarship fund. Participating artists include painters, potters, glassblowers, graphic designers, music and drama directors, and art instructors. With a short biography on each, guests will “learn about the artist heroes that inspire creativity and compassion,” writes Eileen Arsenaut. 

The silent auction — at the center of the clubhouse — features original works donated by thirty-two acclaimed artists, including John Long and Paul Arsenault. Highlights include dramatic art glass by Conrad Williams and other original works by Ronald Julius Christensen, J. Robert Hartman, Dan Jensen, Martin Figlinski, and Gustavo Grudig. Naples’ leading performing-arts organizations — Artis, Gulfshore Playhouse, and The Naples Players — are contributing special experience packages. Those interested in hands-on learning can bid on pottery-wheel or glassblowing classes. Photographic works by former scholarship winner James LeSage and professional Dennis Goodman will also be included. The auction is open to the public online. 

Along the sides of the clubhouse are carefully curated pop-up shops filled with items perfect for the gifting season, including jewelry, clothing, fine leather goods, ceramics, and more. Gifted! will also include prize drawings and live music. 

Thursday, December 4 — Holiday Cocktail Celebration 

The festivities begin with an elegant holiday cocktail party at the Club’s newly renovated Park Street venue. Guests will enjoy chef-crafted appetizers from Vincenzo Betulia, paired with wines provided by Tulia Catering. The party offers early access to the pop-up shops before the event opens to the public, and a portion of vendor proceeds will support the scholarship fund. Tickets are available online at the Naples Woman’s Club website. 

Friday, December 5 — Holiday Pop-Up Shops and Public Events 

On Friday, the doors are open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a full day of shopping and celebration. Live music, prize drawings, and the ongoing arts auction will continue throughout the day. The fun continues into the evening with the 5th Avenue tree lighting and festive outdoor dining beginning at 6:00 PM, making December 5 the perfect kickoff to the holiday season. 

Celebrate, shop, and support the arts—join our community artists as they help talented young people pursue their dreams. 

For information, tickets, and a link to the auction, visit https://www.napleswomansclub.org. The Naples Woman’s Club is located at 570 Park Street, Naples, FL.