An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Naples, Naples Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
As a child, I collected stamps and recall spending inordinate amounts of time—usually at my grandmother’s house—categorizing these tiny, colorful, and often artistic patches of postal significance. Many hours, I’m sure, were spent dreaming of a career in philately. Of course, that didn’t happen. And a few years later, very likely, my collection could have been found underneath my bed, where all of my neglected hobbies died hard and rested in peace. Needless to say, I’ve always marveled at those who can turn their hobbies, interests, and passions into the extraordinary. It requires a steadfast commitment and determination, not to mention a great deal of patience. In this issue, we feature a few Neapolitans who are doing just that. Jay and Patty Baker, well-recognized in our community and far beyond…
THE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN WHAT: Bags & Bow Ties Kick-Off Party WHERE: Ferrari of Naples DETAILS: A kick-off for the fashion-forward designer handbag auction planned for April 13 at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to support The Shelter’s programs for victims of domestic violence JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NAPLES WHAT: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Fed Cup 2021 WHERE: Lely Classics Golf Course at Lely Resort & Country Club DETAILS: Eighty golfers participated SUPPORTS: Partial scholarships for local youth to attend Jewish camps and programs around the country and the world BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLLIER COUNTY WHAT: Great Futures Grand Slam Luncheon WHERE: Baker Field at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County Nichols Campus SUPPORTS: Youth program scholarships DETAILS: Boys & Girls Club of Collier County…
Celebrated interior designer Bunny Williams is returning for the second time to grace The League Club’s annual Naples Tables fundraising luncheon. Williams will offer insights from her 56-year career and everyday experiences on both design and entertaining at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples on March 2 after the in-person event was dashed by the pandemic in 2021 and it was held virtually. This year’s theme is “The Goodness of Gathering.” Some 60 designers will create luscious tablescapes for the event that supports The League Club’s Community Trust Fund, which provides grants to local nonprofits. Williams also is a gardener, philanthropist, and the author of seven books, including her most recent, Love Affairs with Houses (2019), which goes behind the scenes of 15 houses she has decorated. “I speak at a…
WHAT’S NEW? The Stadium Gallery (thestadiumgallery.com), offering licensed panoramic prints depicting historic events in baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and college sports, opened at 612 Fifth Avenue South. Photo artist Michael Procaccini opened Art on Fifth (artonduval.com) at 600 Fifth Avenue South. It offers originals and limited-edition giclée prints of Florida-based and international artists and photographers. Le Prince Art Gallery (leprince.com), featuring contemporary Impressionist works, opened at 639 Eighth Street South. Owner/artist Kevin LePrince also has a gallery in Charleston, South Carolina. WHAT’S MOVED? Locally owned Gallery One (galleryonenaples.com) moved directly across the street from its prior location of more than 25 years to 765 Fifth Avenue South. Sheldon Fine Art (sheldonfineartnaples.com), a downtown mainstay for nearly 20 years, moved to its new home at 659 Fifth Avenue South. The growing gallery roster “represents a diverse…
If commemorating Valentine’s Day with a special piece of artwork created with your cupid sounds enticing, Naples glassblower Conrad Williams offers a date night package at his intimate, outdoor studio in Old Naples. Williams walks couples through the tools and equipment, basic steps, and color options before helping them shape their own bowls, drinking glasses, oil lamps, or objets d’art. Williams’ studio is surrounded with orchids and a lush landscape. Though Williams has trained with some of the most respected glassblowers in the country—Dale Chihuly, Ben Moore, and Richard Royal—he is witty and down-to-earth, putting self-doubting participants immediately at ease. “Few things can top the excitement of watching molten glass take shape. Participants bond over an enthralling experience, then walk away with both a precious piece of glass art that…
Hats off to Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Kamela Patton, Ph.D., who was named Florida’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. Since Patton took the helm in 2011, she has ushered the district through unprecedented challenges created by Hurricane Irma and COVID-19 while continuing to improve graduation rates, among other achievements. “When the spotlight comes down on you, it’s great because you serve as a model for how others can do it, too,” she says.…
