The Marco Island Center for the Arts is inviting the community to experience two vibrant exhibitions celebrating artistic excellence and cultural diversity.
On view now through Sept. 29, are “Summertime,” a juried “Call to Artist” 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!, Collier County’s celebration of Hispanic arts and culture.
The exhibitions will be celebrated with free public gallery receptions on Tuesday, Aug. 11, and Tuesday, Sept. 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 “Summertime” 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.
This year’s exhibition was juried by Chris Meninni of Emily James Gallery, who selected the following award recipients:
‘Framing the Shape’
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, discovering beauty within ordinary forms while encouraging 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.”
Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Call to Artist 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.
Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
For more information about these exhibitions, upcoming classes, workshops, and events, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Celebrating summer, Hispanic heritage at Marco Island Center for the Arts
Reporting by Submitted, Marco Island Center for the Arts / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Submitted, Marco Island Center for the Arts | USA TODAY Network
