Arts and Entertainment - Southwest Florida

Culture is alive and well in Southwest Florida. Outdoor and indoor art shows, concerts, and live theatre productions are staged throughout the calendar year. In addition to several dozen art galleries, a new fine arts hub has been formed in the 5th Avenue South area, with a new home for the Naples Players and the new Naples Art Association Center.

The Philharmonic Center for the Arts opened in 1989. This $18-million facility features both concert halls and art galleries. World-class events include classical concerts, jazz, pop, opera, Broadway plays, and other top performances. The “Phil” is home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

Area museums include the Collier County Historical Museum (where the famed Key Marco Cat, a Calusa Indian artifact, was on loan from the Smithsonian Institution), and Smallwood's Store and Indian Trading Post.

Island Montessori Academy Fundraiser - The Year of the Tiger

On Friday, February 12, from 6:30-10:00 p.m., the Island Montessori Academy will hold its annual auction event to raise money for the school's development fund. The event will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Marco Island. This year's theme is "The Year of the Tiger" and offers high-energy, artistic performances by Animate Objects Physical Theater. There will be contortionists, jugglers, stilt-walkers, and fire dancers. The event is open to the general public--over 150 people are expected to attend. In addition to the exotic performances, the evening will include silent and live auctions, raffles, and a wide assortment of Asian cuisine, beer and wine. A children's event will be held in conjunction with the evening's festivities. Tickets are $75 per person, with a discounted rate for early ticket purchases. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit our website at www.imamarco.org/tiger.

There will be a wide variety of items up for bid, including:

· Professional sports team packages including airfare, hotel, game tickets, and meet and greet with players;

· Walk-on role (or feature as an extra) on a Detroit-based film set, includes airfare and hotel stay at the Motor City Casino and Hotel

· Original artwork, boat and helicopter rentals; spa packages; themed gift baskets and more

· Restaurant Raffle-a combination of gift certificates from local restaurants--last year total worth was over $1,000

You do not want to miss these incredible opportunities!

Founded in 2006, the Island Montessori Academy was the only not-for-profit educational facility on Marco. It has grown to include Toddler, Primary, and Elementary programs over the last four years. We hope to expand our Toddler program and include an Upper Elementary program (grades 4-6) over the next three years. The IMA Development Fund supports the Island Montessori Academy, which is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. As an independent school, we rely on fundraising and donations to assist with: Montessori materials, playground improvements, field trips, school expansion, and need-based financial aid and scholarships.

For additional information or tickets contact:
Daphne Moss
Island Montessori Academy
239-642-2020
www.imamarco.org