Ivy Monét Johnson has become a museum specialist with the Marco Island Historical Society. In this role, she will oversee the MIHS collections at the Historical Museum, ensuring their preservation and accessibility, while also contributing her expertise to MIHS exhibits and special projects.
Johnson holds a master of arts degree in museum studies from the University of Florida. Previously, she worked as a library assistant for special collections and archives at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, she interned with the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Robert F. Smith program at Tuskegee University Archives.
In 2019, after graduating from the University of South Florida, she interned for the summer as a collections intern at the MIHS.
“We are delighted to welcome Ivy to her new role as our museum specialist,” states MIHS CEO Pat Rutledge. “Ivy’s knowledge is a valuable addition to our team of professionals as we collaborate to safeguard and showcase the 48,000 items in the Marco Island Historical Society’s remarkable collections, while also ensuring they are accessible to the public.”
The Marco Island Historical Museum is situated at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The Museum operates from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is complimentary, and the facility is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors.
For further information, call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org
Supervisor of Elections launches ‘Art for Democracy’
The Collier County Supervisor of Elections office has recently declared its collaboration with Collier County Public Schools and Champions For Learning for the 2025 Art for Democracy contest – a platform for student artists, regardless of age or background, to express civic engagement through their artistic abilities.
A scholarship of $500 will be granted to one winning submission from a high school student, and a $500 contribution will be made to the art program at the school that submits the entry deemed as the “Best of Show.” Additionally, ten runner-up entries will be highlighted in election materials, including the new “I Voted” sticker for the 2026 Election Cycle.
The $500 awards are sponsored by Champions For Learning through the Chuck Mohlke Endowment Fund of the Community Foundation of Collier County.
“Every year, we are amazed by the talent exhibited by our Collier County art students,” said Melissa R. Blazier, supervisor of elections. “Our office eagerly anticipates the remarkable art pieces that students will produce this year, particularly for the 2026 ‘I Voted’ sticker.”
A call for entries will occur from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12. The winning entries will be revealed in December.
For more information, visit CollierVotes.gov or call 239-252-VOTE (8683).
A new season of ¡ARTE VIVA!
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB announces the launch of the new season of ¡ARTE VIVA!
Prepare to embark on an exploration into the lively essence of Hispanic arts and culture as Florida’s Paradise Coast prepares for yet another ¡ARTE VIVA!, organized by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau.
¡ARTE VIVA! is a yearlong festival that pays homage to the rich cultural fabric of the Hispanic community, which constitutes nearly 30% of the region’s population.
Recently, ¡ARTE VIVA! received recognition from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), achieving two 2025 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. The festival secured a Gold Award for the Best Single Magazine Display Ad and a Silver Award for Best Media Component for the Meet the Artist Video Series Interview featuring Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
“Our CVB partners are excited to engage and introduce new programs to our destination,” stated John Melleky, arts and culture manager for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB. “¡ARTE VIVA! offers an exceptional platform to showcase Collier County’s cultural treasures because we understand that the arts in Collier County are vital to the economy.”
The 2025-2026 season of ¡ARTE VIVA! will unveil new initiatives alongside returning favorites:
The first weekend in November will celebrate Día de los Muertos across various locations. Originating from Mexico, this colorful holiday encourages the community to unite, share treasured memories of those who have passed, and honor the connections that bind us. A range of events and activities will be available, which include: A grass wall installation at the Marco Island Center for the Arts; the annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at Naples Botanical Garden on Nov. 1 and 2; The Immokalee Pioneer Museum will feature the Danza Azteca Guadalupana through a photography exhibition by artist Lizette Morales through January 2026 and Artis—Naples Día de los Muertos Celebration event during the afternoon on November.
¡ARTE VIVA! also has the 2025-2026 season poster artist, Adorable Monique. Monique is a multidisciplinary artist and educator. Her artwork encompasses painting, ceramics, illustration, and mural creation. Her art explores identity, culture, and our connection to the natural world. It invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.
“United in Rhythm, the 2025-2026 Poster, is a tribute to the joy, resilience, and connection that music brings to people across all walks of life,” said Monique. “The poster highlights music not only as a powerful form of cultural expression but also a shared human language that bridges communities, generations, and experiences.”
For a comprehensive list of upcoming events and to immerse yourself in the ¡ARTE VIVA! experience, visit the ¡ARTE VIVA! website at arte-viva.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: A new season of ¡ARTE VIVA! coming; MIHS hires new museum specialist
Reporting by Will Watts / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
