Marco Island Center for the Arts Celebrates Summer

Published on August 05, 2026

Marco Island, FL – August 5, 2026: Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the community to experience two vibrant exhibitions celebrating artistic excellence and cultural diversity. On view August 3 through September 29, 2026, are "Summertime," a juried Call to Artists exhibition in the Lauritzen and Rush Galleries, and "Framing the Shape," a solo exhibition by Honduran-born artist Luis Manzanares in La Petite Galerie, presented as part of ¡Arte Viva!, CollierCounty'ss celebration of Hispanic arts and culture.

The exhibitions will be celebrated with free public gallery receptions on Tuesday, August 11, and Tuesday, September 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Guests are invited to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and experience the exhibitions in a welcoming community setting.

The""Summertim"" exhibition features the work of 29 talented artists and 68 original works of art, showcasing a diverse collection of paintings, textiles, and other media inspired by the warmth, beauty, and memories of the season. From tranquil coastal landscapes and dramatic weather to vibrant wildlife and nostalgic moments, the exhibition offers visitors an engaging look at summertime through the eyes of regional artists.

Thisyear'ss exhibition was juried by Chris Meninni of Emily James Gallery, who selected the following award recipients:

First Place - Mary Pat Palombo – Wait for Me (Textile)

Second Place - Vincent Turner – Silver King (Acrylic)

Third Place - TaraO'Neilll – Summer Squall (Oil)

Your Visual and Performing Arts Home on Marco Island

Honorable Mention - JoAnn Sanborn – Quiet Place (Acrylic)

Honorable Mention - Judith Chinski – Goodland Canal (Watercolor)

Complementing the juried exhibition is "Framing the Shape," a solo exhibition by Luis Manzanares in La Petite Galerie. Presented as part of ¡Arte Viva!, the exhibition celebrates the rich artistic contributions of Hispanic artists throughout Collier County.

A painter of Honduran descent, Manzanares has been creating art for as long as he can remember. Inspired by watching his mother embroider intricate figures onto muslin fabric, he developed a distinctive artistic style he calls "Framing the Shape." Through bold outlines, vivid color palettes, and expressive compositions, he transforms familiar subjects into imaginative works that celebrate movement, emotion, and the beauty found in everyday life.

For Manzanares, Framing the Shape is more than the title of the exhibition—it is the philosophy behind his creative practice. His paintings invite viewers to look beyond the obvious, to discover beauty within ordinary forms, and to encourage curiosity, creativity, and personal connection. Influenced by

nature, daily experiences, and childhood memories, his colorful works reinterpret familiar subjects through a unique visual language that is both joyful and thought-provoking."We're delighted to present these two exhibitions together," said Gallery Chair Barbara Parisi. The Summertime exhibition highlights the incredible talent of our regional artists, while Framing the Shape allows us to celebrate the cultural richness and artistic vision of Luis Manzanares as part of ¡Arte Viva's countywide celebration of Hispanic arts and culture."

Your Visual and Performing Arts Home on Marco Island

Marco Island Center for the Arts' Call to Artists exhibitions provide opportunities for emerging and established artists to exhibit in a professional gallery setting while giving visitors the chance to discover new artists and purchase original artwork. Together with exhibitions like Framing the Shape, the Center continues its mission of presenting diverse artistic voices that inspire, educate, and connect the community.

Both exhibitions are free and open to the public and will remain on view through September 29, 2026.

Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information about these exhibitions, upcoming classes, workshops, and events, visit www.marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.

About Marco Island Center for the Arts

Marco Island Center for the Arts brings a wide variety of arts to its community through art exhibitions, engaging educational programs for adults and children, and a diverse assortment of events. The Arts Center Theatre offers both produced and presented theater productions as well as other live entertainment. The Arts Center and its theater serve as professional and financial drivers for visual and performing artists and educators through exhibition, performance, and teaching opportunities, while also serving as a catalyst that fuels economic development, an understanding of cultural diversity, and community cohesion.

About ¡ARTE VIVA!

¡ARTE VIVA! is an award-winning collaborative initiative that brings together arts and culture organizations and hospitality partners of Florida's Paradise Coast to celebrate the artistic contributions of the Hispanic community collectively. The year-long celebration features local events, exhibitions, performances, and educational opportunities throughout the destination. Presented by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB and supported by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, ¡ARTE VIVA! will enhance the visitor experience and offer residents community-wide educational and entertainment opportunities throughout the year. For the most recent information about the event schedule, please visit Arte-Viva.com. For information about participating in this project, contact John Melleky at john.melleky@collier.gov.