At Clausen Properties, we are more than just providers of Marco Island beachfront rentals and condo rentals. With our in-depth knowledge of the area, we can assist you in discovering all of the things to do in Marco Island, including its various attractions. One example is the Marco Island Arts Center, which is not merely a museum but also offers art classes, live music, and theater performances, as well as other art-related events, in addition to showcasing exhibits in the gallery.
About The Marco Island Center For The Arts
In 1970, a community of local artists with a shared vision of establishing a cultural hub in Marco Island came together to form the Marco Island Center for the Arts. One of the founders generously devoted her studio to the center, which served as a space for local artists to exhibit and paint their works. With the help of corporate sponsorships, the center eventually relocated to Winterberry Drive, and its growth has continued ever since.
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and donors, the Center has expanded to include additional buildings, resulting in a 14,000-square-foot facility that houses art galleries, educational spaces, a gift shop, and administrative offices.
The Mission
The Marco Island Center for the Arts aims to inspire artistic expression and appreciation for everyone. By actively engaging the community in creating, viewing, and learning about art, the Center enables both residents and tourists to explore the rich, diverse, and creative heritage of Marco Island and the entire Southwest Florida region. The educational and instructional programs offered by the Center are accessible and affordable for everyone. They are committed to removing all barriers to art participation and enjoyment. The center aims to be the art home for all visitors and strives to make everyone feel like part of the Art Center family.
What To Expect
Expect the unexpected at the Marco Island Center for the Arts! Exhibits of wearable art, paintings, ceramics, and sculptures have all recently been exhibited at the gallery. There have been abstract art, pastels, and an exhibition of adult art students’ work. In addition to exhibiting visual art, the center provides art instruction and hosts performance art, live music, and even comedy shows.
Exhibits
During the month of May, you will find a fiber arts exhibit from the Studio Art Quilters Association. In this exhibit, the artists pose a question and then answer that question through their quilts. The works are varied, from representational to abstract.
Also in May is an exhibition of the paintings of Lisett Llorens. Llorens is an artist from South America with an intense, personal, and expressive style. The paintings will have a Hispanic architectural theme as well as some representations of colorful plants of Latin America.
On permanent display at the Center is the Marco Island Space/Time capsule. This artwork is a replica of the Friendship 7 space capsule that John Glenn used to return to Earth after the first orbit of the planet in 1962. It serves as a time capsule, where residents collected various stories, objects, and memories and placed them in the capsule. It will be opened in 2070 so that people in the future can have an idea of what life was like for people on Marco Island in 2020.
Another project of the Marco Island Center for the Arts is the Art Is Everywhere Calendar. Local residents submitted photographs of their artistic mailboxes and the Center staff collected these pictures into a calendar.
The Center’s weekly gatherings of the Marco Island Outdoor Artists have created a treasured tradition for artists and enthusiasts alike. In a supportive and collaborative environment, artists of all levels congregate to create art inspired by the stunning natural surroundings.
The ample space and picturesque location of the Center provide the perfect venue for these gatherings, where artists work together and share knowledge, techniques, and feedback. This exchange of ideas helps the artists to grow both as individuals and as a community. The weekly gatherings also serve as an opportunity for artists to form close bonds and highlight the ability to unite and create meaningful connections.
Classes
To encourage artistic expression for everyone, the Marco Island Center for the Arts offers art classes for both adults and children.
Among the adult classes offered at the Center are those that focus on working with clay. These classes provide students with hands-on experience using the pottery wheel, as well as techniques for building by hand and applying glazes.
In addition, there are classes that teach painting techniques, including watercolors, acrylics, and oils, as well as classes in stone sculpting, mixed media, drawing, and open studio sessions.
For those who prefer a group experience, art classes can be booked for groups of any skill level, where participants will learn various techniques and create their own masterpieces, regardless of prior experience. Virtual classes on oil painting can also be found at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Students will receive technical information, hints, and clues as to how to work, but they will also practice in the comfort of their own home, or rental property.
The Center offers art classes for children and family art creation events as well. The whole family can join together to create and celebrate art during your Marcos Island vacation!
Theatre
The Marco Island Center for the Arts is also home to The Art Theatre, a unique and intimate venue that showcases a diverse selection of films, as well as live performances by musicians, comedians, and other artists. The theater is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and projection systems, ensuring an immersive and high-quality experience for every show. The Art Theatre is a beloved cultural hub on Marco Island and draws audiences from all over the region. With a calendar that is always full of exciting events, it is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family, or to discover new artists and performers.
The theatre venue is located in the Marco Town Center. The last show of the season is ‘The Foreigner’ and it closes on May Seventh.
Book Your Marco Island Rentals With Clausen Properties
Real estate has been a part of Catherine Clausen Neff’s life since childhood. At the age of 18, she began her career as a receptionist in her father’s real estate company on Marco Island. After gaining experience in a few other real estate firms, she returned to her father’s company in 2004 to manage his rental properties. Over the years, she has expanded Clausen Properties’ Marco Island rentals to encompass more than 130 properties. Collaborating with her father, brother, and other associates, Catherine ensures that every guest receives personalized attention and an exceptional experience.
Plan Your Next Visit!
Add some creativity to your vacation by visiting The Marco Island Center for the Arts! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to explore, the Center has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the vibrant arts scene of Marco Island. Browse our selection of stunning vacation rentals and book your trip today!
Catherine and her team really understand Marco Island, as they have been living here and loving it for years. They can advise you on free things to do on Marco Island. (The Marco Island Center for the Arts is just one of them). They have the inside scoop on all the Marco Island attractions and hidden gems.
Escape to Marco, the rental division of Clausen Properties has Marco Island beachfront rentals and condo rentals in Marco Island. The rentals range from studio and one-bedroom condos that sleep two to five-bedroom units that sleep twelve comfortably. Our rentals all have modern kitchens and internet service. You’ll also be provided with beach towels, beach chairs, and cable TV. Many of our Marco Island rentals include pool access, tennis courts, exercise facilities, and laundry facilities.
Our Marco Island rentals offer an unparalleled experience that goes beyond what any hotel could provide. Space to stretch out, ideal locations, and amenities that a hotel could only imagine, all at a very affordable price. If you are visiting Marco Island with just one special person, or if you are coming with a group of friends and family, escape to Marco Island and Clausen Properties will help you find the perfect home away from home. In addition, we are dedicated to assisting you in discovering the best Marco Island attractions that align with your interests. Searching for condo rentals in Marco Island? Look no further! Browse our selection of Marco Island rentals and give us a call with any questions. You can reserve your vacation home right on the website, or contact us. We are waiting to hear from you!