Shining a Spotlight on the Art Center

“The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts.” This is a part of the Marco Island Center of the Arts Mission Statement, and the word ‘community’ is the perfect description of the Art Center’s 14th annual Gala on Saturday night at the Island Country Club.

This year’s theme was ‘Night Fever,’ with the dazzling glimmer of mirror balls casting a glow about the room. Patrons dressed in semi-formal attire with nods to the Disco Era.

A dedicated group of over 35 volunteers, comprised of Art Center students, donors, and Marco Island Academy students, worked continuously throughout the evening. Starting with a warm greeting upon arrival, friendly faces were stationed at each corner to answer questions, sell drink tickets, and assist with the auctions.

The hallway into the banquet room was aligned with donated art pieces, setting the tone of the evening and putting art front and center. All were created by local artists and available for bids during the silent auction.

The gala began with a relaxed cocktail hour on the terrace overlooking the club’s golf course. A cascading charcuterie station was available for pre-dinner nibbles, and a bartender readily created libations for patrons to enjoy while perusing over 70 different items at the silent auction tables. Each basket was donated by local businesses or donors of the Arts Center.

The Live Auction items comprised of a trip to Italy and a trip to Croatia, a private Chef’s Dinner for six by Hideaway Beach Club’s own Chef Mike, a Tennessee Whiskey Tour, a private wine tasting in the home of Hailstone Wineries owners, and an original artwork and lunch with beloved local artist Emily James.

Arts Center executive assistant, Kayla Goss, was pleased to share that the event was made possible with the help of both past and current chair members. They worked hard to bring everything together. “It's a true community event,” she said. Christine and Donald Koppel were this year’s Gala Chairs.

Once seated, the Arts Center's new board president, Cindy Springer, recognized the event’s sponsors and the presenting sponsor, PNC Private Bank, saying, “I ask that you join me in thanking them for their support.” She urged a round of applause for each representative in attendance.

Springer thanked her colleagues, current and past members of the board of directors, and the volunteers. “Seeing this room filled with our supporters, friends, and neighbors reminds me why Marco Island is such a special place,” said Springer. She shifted focus, continuing, “Marco Island is known around the world for our beaches and natural beauty, but all of us in this room know that what truly makes this island home is our shared culture, creativity, and sense of community. That is exactly why the Marco Island Center for the Arts exists, to ensure that our island remains not only beautiful – but vibrant, connected, and inspired.”

Citing the need for creative expression, Springer dove deeper into the daily life of the Arts Center. Children are welcomed to discover, adults are encouraged to pick up a passion long neglected, and experienced artists can both be challenged and inspire others.

Their own community theatre, the Arts Center Theatre, is home to year-round entertainment, provides workshops for students, and sparks confidence with its camps.

“Many island communities have lost their cultural anchors. Places you visit for the scenery, but not for the soul. We are determined that Marco Island will never follow that path. The Marco Island Center for the Arts is our safeguard against that future.”

The Arts Center is proud to offer multiple FREE children’s programs. Believing that art is not a luxury for the few, but a gift for all. The center relies on the generosity of donors to keep these programs, and their many other offerings, alive.

“Your generosity tonight is not just a donation. It is an investment in the cultural humanity of Marco Island.” Springer concluded her remarks and welcomed Diana Bellini, representing the Presenting Sponsor, PNC Private Bank.

“When we arrived four years ago to the island, this is the first place that my family and I thought of supporting because not only did they welcome our child through the children's program, but also I thought this is a place where we found community. It doesn't matter your age, gender, or background. Arts connect people.” Bellini said how proud PNC is to be a connector for the Arts Center.

Pastor Ed Brandt gave the invocation and dinner began. A sprawling buffet was available that included a chef-attended carving station of New York Strip Loin.

Each year, the Arts Center chooses a person or organization that has had a meaningful impact on the center to be honored. The Bargain Basket and the United Church of Marco were selected this year.

Executive director Hyla Crane shared the backstory of when the center made the bold move to make all the children’s programs free. The year was 2021, a time when access to the arts was critical for young people. Pat Kaufman advocated on behalf of the Arts Center to the Missions Committee of the United Church of Marco and they received their first gift. “What was one gift has now multiplied by four and last Sunday we received an exceedingly generous gift that will enable us to do two children's theater programs.” Last summer, the Arts Center served 320 Children, and they are excited at the possibility of serving even more with the upcoming programs.

Jackie Weiner joined Crane as a representative of the Bargain Basket. A performer at the Arts Center herself, she jokingly took a moment to pretend the award was a Tony. “In truth, this award belongs to everyone in our community who donates, shops, and volunteers. The Arts are vital, and being able to help introduce them to every child is a true blessing.”

Pastor Ed Brandt returned to the stage as the Honoree representing the United Church of Marco and touched further on the importance of community, “A house of worship, a faith community, is part of the community. It's the people that make up the community. To give children the best start possible is something that we, as aging adults, have a responsibility to do. So as children get involved in the life of this community they have the skills, abilities, and imagination to make a better world for the future.”

The Live Auction followed, with Auctioneer Joe Foege bringing electricity to the crowd. All items went for substantial amounts, issuing in a spirit of giving as the Fund-A-Need program began.

A moving video played that painted a world where artists cannot display their work, where clay guilds don’t exist, where artist and author talks don’t happen, where children do not benefit from the programs, and where creativity does not thrive. A world where there is no Art Center.

“Art centers don't happen by accident. They happen because a community decides that it matters to them. It takes a village to ensure that the visual and performing arts stay alive and well on Marco Island. Your support tonight ensures that the arts on Marco don't just survive, but they will thrive for all,” said Foege as he commissioned the crowd in one more round of generous donations.

The crowd heard the message and proved once again just how strong a community can be when we stand together for a common cause.

With that, Bee Gees NOW took the stage and the auction floor transitioned to a dance floor complete with the mirror ball overhead.