Wildlife Art and Holiday Traditions at Art Center

The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando is currently on display at the Marco Island Center for the Arts La Petite Galerie from November 3 through December 2, 2025. An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, November 11, at 5:30 PM to view the new exhibit, along with the continuing “Words as Art” AI exhibition by the Digital Photography Club of Naples in the Lauritzen and Rush Galleries. 

Ron Orlando’s wildlife art is a collection of paintings from his lifelong fascination with the natural world, where he has managed to merge art and conservation. After 35 years as a high school art teacher, Orlando dedicated himself fully to wildlife art—capturing the textures, colors, and personalities of his subjects in stunningly realistic detail. Among his many honors is the grand prize in the 2004 “Arts for the Parks” competition for his painting Olympic Twins, chosen from over 2,500 entries worldwide.Ron and his wife split their time between the woods of Pennsylvania and Naples, Florida, two places where the wonders of nature are never far from their doorstep.  

For this holiday season, Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the community to come together in celebration of creativity, connection, and giving through a series of festive events designed to support local artists and arts programming. 

The 12th Annual Festival of Trees, December 2-4, 2025, is a beloved community traditionthat started twelve years ago by Marco Island volunteer and avid art supporter, Dave Rice. This much-anticipated festival and fundraiser support the Art Center’s educational programs and initiatives. The festive trees fill up the main galleries of the Art Center with colors, lights, and creativity as local artists, businesses, organizations, and families decorate their three-foot-tall (or smaller) trees with their own creative themes.   

Last season, over 40 creative and festive trees were auctioned, like the one-of-a-kind three-foot tree made from shells from the Marco Island Club. The Marco Island San Marco Catholic Church has also been part of this tradition with their mini creations – all perfect for the holidays. 

“Tree decorators share in this community fundraising effort, receiving 50% of the net proceeds from their tree’s silent auction sale or choosing to donate 100% in support of the Center’s educational initiatives,” says Patricia Mills, Communications Manager for the Art Center.“Visitors have fun touring the galleries, bidding and voting for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025. There is no fee to participate, but spaces are limited.” Registration forms are available at Marco Island Center for the Arts or online at www.marcoislandart.org.” 

December 8 – January 6, 2026, “Glazed and Amazed” showcases the skills and imagination of the Center’s Clay Guild members. From functional pottery to fine art sculpture, each handcrafted piece reflects the talent and dedication of the artists who make up this vibrant creative community. 

Mini Masters, also from December 8 through January 6, will be featured in the Rush Gallery, offering art lovers the chance to support local artists and programs through the purchase of small-scale artworks, each priced at $50. Artists interested in participating in Mini Masters can find the intake sheet on the Call to Artists page at www.marcoislandart.org.