Southwest Florida artist Paul Arsenault receives top billing for the “Holiday Hootenanny” from 2 until 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center’s nature store, 300 Tower Road, Naples.
From 2 until 4 p.m., Arsenault will sell and sign the recently published book, “An Artful History of Naples and Collier County,” created by Arsenault, his wife Eileen Arsenault and Donna Murphy. The 240-page coffee-table book features Arsenault’s distinctive work paired with vintage postcards, historic and fine art photographs and lively narratives that celebrate the dreamers, visionaries, personalities and pioneers who shaped the region.
Rookery Bay’s sale also features items from pre-eminent photographer Clyde Butcher. These include calendars, books, ornaments, Tervis tumblers and notecards. Known for his black-and-white images of the Everglades, Butcher received a 2022 National Medal of Arts citing him as “America’s most acclaimed landscape photographer today.”
The Hootenanny will feature discounts on items such as sun-protective clothing, adult and children’s books, jewelry, plush toys and children’s games, hostess gifts and Rookery Bay honey as well as a gift membership promotion.
Refreshments including hot cider, cocoa, cookies and brownies will be served. Admission is free with a gift shop purchase or $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12.
Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Thanksgiving dinner at LuLu’s Kitchen
On Thursday, Lulu’s Kitchen will open its doors to the community for a meal that feeds more than hunger. “It will offer dignity, warmth and a place to belong.”
On Thanksgiving, tables will be set for anyone who doesn’t have a place to gather or a meal to share.
LuLu’s Kitchen is located at 2125 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples. The dinner is free and dine in options are from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with take-out available from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Traditional Thanksgiving fare will include turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie will be served.
“This is what Thanksgiving is all about,” said Ben Bridges, President and CEO of St. Matthew’s House. “It is more than just a meal. It is a moment for our community to come together, to care for one another, and to remind every person who walks through our doors that they are seen, valued and loved.”
LuLu’s Kitchen is open to the public for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is part of the St. Matthew’s House social enterprise model that also includes thrift stores and Delicious by Design commercial catering operation.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: Arist Paul Arsenault highlights ‘Holiday Hootenanny’
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to the Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
