Just because June has sunk its teeth into Naples with its hot and humid breath, doesn’t mean cultural activities fled for cooler climes. This summer, a hodgepodge of artsy events are on the calendar, from Improv to watershed and a few points in-between. Read on to set your calendar.
Summer is great time to be a kid, especially when the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) is setting the stage with a bevvy of activities, special exhibits and events designed to entertain and educate.
Sensory Nights: June 25, July 23 and August 27
Designed for children on the autism spectrum and other sensory integration disorders, Sensory Nights makes the museum more accessible by muting the lighting and sounds, as well as limiting the crowds so that all can enjoy C’MON. Schedule for the fourth Tuesday of every month, programs designed specifically for children with disabilities will be available for the whole family to enjoy, while experts in different fields will be on hand for Q&A sessions and fun activities.
- Space is limited and registration is required: click her to register.
- Admission costs $10 per person.
- For more information, please visit cmon.org/education/sensory-nights
- If additional adaptations are needed, contact education@cmon.org or 239-514-0084.
Gallivanting with Gavin: June 27, July 27 and August 4
Explore the world of science through the eyes of animals. Led by the intrepid Gavin, a one-time zoo staffer who has worked with a multitude of animals, including gorillas, elephants and snakes, to name but a few, children will learn about a different animal each visit, the world in which they live in, and introduce them to scientific careers that stray from the lab.
- The gallivanting begins on June 27, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., as Gavin takes a tour of Turtle Town, introducing the children to the turtle and tortoise species that are native and exotic to Florida, complete with some tortoise friends on hand.
- On July 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Gavin takes guests on a Pig Parade with Huey the pig. The kids will learn about wild pigs and the effect they are having on the environment, as well as meet Huey as he dines on his lunch.
- On August 4, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., all eyes are on the ground when Gavin takes the guests on a reticulated tour of Slithering Serpents. This demonstration hopes to dispel some of the myths behind the reptiles, while teaching guests about the invasive python problem, as well as teach the difference between venomous and harmless snakes.
For more information, visit cmon.org.
WaterVentures Florida’s Learning Labs: July 12-13
For a special treat, WaterVentures will be trucking-in Florida’s Learning Lab to teach children and adults about Florida’s biodiversity, hydrogeology and watershed stewardship with a 53-foot semi-truck mobile lab/exhibit. This monster-truck of a exhibit is fully interactive with experiments and hands-on activities that will leave each visitor more knowledgeable about water conservation and preservation efforts so they can help make an impact.
- Free with museum admission.
- For more information, visit cmon.org
The Naples Players’ Stage 2 Improv has been so successful, three additional weeks of shows have been added to the running. The Toyebo Studio has come to life every Thursday, Friday and Saturday since May 31 with a comedic improvisational troupe acting on the fly as audience members set the stage. The group of 14 (including music coordinator) brings audience suggestions to life through scenes, songs and games, all with tinge of hilarity that is only possible through off-the-cuff improvisation—even when the bit goes sour, the journey is still a riot. But be forewarned, no one in the audience is safe, with audience members routinely pulled on stage for part of the show.
- Tickets cost $15 for adults.
- Remaining showtimes: July 11-13, 18-20, 25-27.
- For more information, visit naplesplayers.org.
Get cooking and grab a bite on the go! The brains behind Sea Salt and Barbatella are bringing two exciting summer programs our way this year, each with a food-centric bent (no surprise there):
In collaboration with Barbatella, the Naples Pathways Coalition is holding the Family Summer Series: Ride and Dine. Dedicated to creating a more biker/pedestrian friendly Collier County, Pathways has worked hand-in-hand with the city and county to develop bikeways, pathways and sidewalks throughout the city to help promote a more physically active community. The summer ride and dine series is essentially Pathways’ mission in action: starting at 5:30 p.m., riders embark on an hour-long bike ride around Old Naples, ending at Barbatella for drinks and dinner. The event is free to join, with ten percent of the tab going to Naples Pathways Coalition—it’s a great way to explore the community by pedal and enjoy a great meal to boot.
- June 23 and July 28.
- RSVP with Tish at saubona5@aol.com.
Sea Salt’s Summer Cooking School eases patrons into becoming high-class chefs by having chef Fabrizio Aielli do the heavy lifting. With classes scheduled through July 27, topics range from summer grilling to creating the perfect menu, letting people get a jump start on next season. Each class guides participating cooks through a chef demonstration, a brief lecture, followed by lunch and some expertly paired wine—if only all of school was this fun.
- Classes cost $65 per person (or three for $170)
- RSVPs are required; call 239-434-7258 to reserve your spot.
- For more information, visit seasaltnaples.com.
From the Viewfinder
Highlighting contemporary art in its truest form, The von Liebig Art Center and the Naples Art Association welcome a soon-to-be summer standard, Camera USA: National Photography Award and Exhibition 2013, its third installment.
Dennis T. Goodman Naples, Florida Deadly Reflection, 2013 photograph 14 x 40 inches |
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