The Inaugural Garden Party Kicks-off First Year With Opening Celebrations for Internationally Acclaimed Zimbabwean Sculpture Exhibit

NAPLES, FL – Feb 17, 2012 – Tonight, the first annual Garden Party at Naples Botanical Garden™ celebrates the opening of Zimbabwean stone sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt, as it makes its Florida debut with a two-month exhibition and sale at starting February 18, 2012 and running through April 21, 2012. The Garden Party has been created through the Sustaining Leadership Council with the intention of offering a seasonal celebration for a variety of Garden events and causes.

This festive evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a stroll throughout the cultivated gardens, followed by an elegant dinner, catered by Tastebuds Custom Catering beneath the beautifully transformed tent, decorated by the Garden District of Naples, and will finish with dancing to favorite rock ’n roll tunes. The 2012 Inaugural Garden Party is hosted by event Co-Chairs, Barbie Hills and Connie Vandenberg.

Guests will also be receiving a custom piece of ZimSculpt art to commemorate the evening. Tickets for the event are $250.

The Garden appreciates the support of its Garden Party event and ZimSculpt sponsors: Storm Force, Harris Private Bank, Gulfshore Life, and Florida Weekly.

About ZimSculpt

The Zimbabwean stone sculpture movement began about 60 years ago, but is rooted in ancient tradition. The savvy and experienced eye of Frank McEwen, the first Director of the National Art Gallery and previous curator at Museé Rodin in Paris, brought the contemporary Zimbabwean sculptures to light and they were quickly embraced by the Western Art scene. Zimbabwe is now known to be the home of some of the top sculptors in the world. 

During its two month exhibit at Naples Botanical Garden, guests can enjoy strolling the pathways through the cultivated gardens to see the numerous sculptures incorporated into the landscapes. In addition to the sculptures, a Zimbabwean artist will be on-site carving in the Garden daily.

All pieces in the exhibit are for sale with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the Garden. An on-site sales tent will have Zimbabwean art available in a wide variety of prices and sizes.

 About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Internationally Acclaimed ZimSculpt Exhibit Starts Off 2012 Season with a Show at The Garden

NAPLES, FL – Sept 29, 2011 – Zimbabwean stone sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt, will be making its  Florida debut in 2012 with a two-month exhibition and sale at Naples Botanical Garden starting February 17, 2012 and running through April 21, 2012. The exhibit will feature more than 200 stone carvings from at least 100 artists arranged throughout the landscapes of the Garden. In addition to the sculptures, two Zimbabwean artists will be on-site carving in the Garden daily.

The Zimbabwean stone sculpture movement began about 60 years ago, but is rooted in ancient tradition. The savvy and experienced eye of Frank McEwen, the first Director of the National Art Gallery and previous curator at Museé Rodin in Paris, brought the contemporary Zimbabwean sculptures to light and they were quickly embraced by the Western Art scene. Zimbabwe is now known to be the home of some of the top sculptors in the world. 

“We are thrilled to be hosting such a celebrated exhibit here at the Garden, especially following such acclaimed shows at the Chelsea Flower Show and VanDusen Botanical Garden,” said Brian Holley, executive director of Naples Botanical Garden. “The Garden is a fantastic setting for  these powerful sculptures.  This is the first of what we hope will be many such exhibitions held here in the Garden.”

The ZimSculpt exhibition will begin with a Celebration event on Thursday, February 16^th. The evening Garden Party will provide  guests with a sneak peek at the sculptures  and a chance to meet the sculptors during a strolling cocktail reception followed by an elegant  dinner.

Tickets for the ZimSculpt Celebration event are available for $250. Call the Garden to reserve your tickets or for more information.

All pieces in the exhibit are for sale with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the Garden. An on-site sales tent will have Zimbabwean art available in a wide variety of prices and sizes.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Dog Day Features Hours of Canine -Focused Activities , Demonstrations and Contests on January 21st

NAPLES, FL – January 16, 2012 – Naples Botanical Garden hosts the Third Annual Dog Day on Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Both human visitors and their four-legged companions are invited to explore the Garden and participate in a day of canine-focused activities, demonstrations, contests and vendor showcases. Admission to Dog Day is $12.95 for adults and $7.95 for children (ages 4-14) and non-member dogs. Kids under four, Garden Members and Member dogs are free.

A Garden “leash-law” will be in effect, but owners will be able to escort dogs down the pathways (with exception of the Vicky C. & David Byron Smith Children’s Garden) to explore the “Gardens with Latitude” and watch or take part in the activities and demonstrations.

Schedule of Dog Day Events:

• 10:00 a.m. – Doggy Yoga (Please bring leash and mat)

 – “Foto” Booth and Doggy “Foto” Contest (Registration required for contest)

•   11:00 a.m. – Canine Protection Demo

 – Kid’s Activities and Crafts

•     11:30 a.m. – Collier County Narcotics-Sniffing Canine Demo
•   Noon – Doggy Ice Cream Eating Contest (Registration Required)
•     1:00 p.m. – Agility Course and Live Demos

 – Doggy Talent Contest, starting at 1:15 p.m. (Registration Required)

   – Yappy Social Hour

•   2:30 p.m. – Doggy Fashion Show

The Garden thanks its Dog Day Top Dog Sponsor, Olde Naples Animal Wellness Center and event sponsors Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida, Bamboo Café, Florida Weekly, Petco, and Sabal Palm.

Participating vendors and organizations include: Brookes Legacy, Collier County Domestic Animal Services, For Footed Friends, Grey Muzzle, Humane Society, Love Yoga Studio, Lucky Dog Company, Luminaire Foto, North Naples Fire Department, Paws for Love, Pucci and Catana, Shady Palm Pub, Tastebuds Custom Catering, The Brody Project, The Collier County Sheriff’s Department, and The Lucky Dog Company.

Dogs and their owners can return to the Garden every Sunday from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesday from 8:00-11:00 a.m., and Thursday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to join one of the Garden’s Dog Walks. Regular admission prices apply including $7.95 per non-member dog. Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

*All dogs are required to be current on all vaccinations and registrations. One dog admitted per adult.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Hundreds of Lights, Live Music and Holiday Activities Celebrate Winter Solstice at the Garden December 20-23 and 26-30

NAPLES, FL – December 8, 2011 – Naples Botanical Garden’s annual holiday season event, Night Lights: A Winter Solstice Celebration is back this year with even more music, activities, marshmallows and lights. Beginning on December 20-23 and continuing December 26-30, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. the Garden will transform each evening into an illuminated wonderland with hundreds of tiki torches and lit trees. Visitors will enjoy nights of holiday fun with additional activities on Night Lights Opening Night on December 20 and on the actual Winter Solstice on December 22.

“Our Night Lights event, now in its third year, is a celebration of the season,” said Brian Holley, executive director. “With so many sights and experiences during these evenings, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the holidays each night.”

In addition to more lights, the Garden has added a number of live musical performances by The Wholetones, Island Vibes and Joseph Peliska with two performances per night on most evenings. A variety of activities ensure there is something for everyone in the family to do including:

• Create your own Wish Sticks
•  Roast marshmallows over a toasty fire
• Decorate tasty holiday treats
• Walk the luminary-lit labyrinth
• Snap a fun themed photo with friends in the Foto Booth by Luminaire Foto
• Try the delicious food and drinks at the Garden Café Cart by Tastebuds Custom Catering

Additional activities will be offered on December 20 and 22, 2011:

December 20 – Kick-off to Night Lights & Member Preview

• The Wholetones Concert
• Complimentary Cupcakes by Sassy Cake
• Members are free this night only

December 22 – Winter Solstice Celebration

• Movie Night: Screening The Polar Express

Admission to the event is $15 for non members adults; $5 for non member children; $7 for Garden member adults; and $3 Garden member Children. Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Night Lights: A Winter Solstice Celebration is sponsored by Eventz Inc. and Florida Weekly.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Donation Kicks-Start Next Phase of Garden Construction for New Visitor Center

NAPLES, FL - Nov. 14, 2011 - Last Wednesday at Naples Botanical Garden, colorful millinery was not the only focus, as Hats in the Garden luncheon guests were the first to hear that Garden Board member Eleanor Chabraja and her husband Nick made a gift of five million dollars to the Garden. As long time friends of Harvey Kapnick, the Garden's visionary leader, the Chabraja gift will serve as the start for the next phase of construction at the Garden and the realization of Harvey's dream. Mr. Kapnick passed away in 2002 before the Garden went through its 170-acre expansion.

"Eleanor and I made this commitment to help complete Harvey's vision of building a world-class botanical garden in Naples, Florida," said Nick Chabraja. "We are really encouraged to see the Garden's spectacular beauty and the vitality of its programs."

Naples Botanical Garden will be naming its future visitor center, The Eleanor and Nicholas Chabraja Visitor Center. The center has been designed by architect Ted Flato of the award winning Lake/Flato Architects firm, a group also known for their leadership in sustainable design. The new facility will include a cafe, retail store, auditorium, several gardens, meeting spaces and a variety of visitor amenities. The design for the Chabraja Visitor Center reflects the architect's commitment, as well as the Garden's, to green design and should qualify for LEED Gold Certification when complete. Construction is likely to begin in 2013.

"Eleanor and Nick Chabraja were two of my parents' favorite people - Kathleen and I are deeply moved by their generous investment in the realization of my father's vision," said Scott Kapnick, Garden board member and donor.

The Chabraja's split their time between Lake Forest, Illinois and Naples, Florida.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children's Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer an educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. every day.