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January 25 & 26, 2025
Naples, Florida
Naples Mercato
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
120 Artists
Deadline: September 15, 2024

Application fee: $39/Booth fee: $595

Experience the sophisticated, fun, and vibrant 2nd Annual Mercato Art Celebration Art Show hosted by Naples Picasso Events. This all-day extravaganza offers Naples residents and visitors the perfect blend of shopping under the sunshine and memorable evenings filled with dining, drinks, entertainment, and captivating Fine Art from renowned national and international artists.

Naples Mercato is one of the busiest streets in Naples, with a wealthy, art-loving neighborhood. Applying to this Art Show, you will get Great Advertising, 24-hour security, Tent Rentals, Effective Show Layout, Restrooms, and local restaurants onsite. No loud music, Easy Setup, no Public Park Issues like mud, trees, bugs, or far distances to dolly in or out.

In addition to the artistic delights, guests will relish the incredible Southwest Florida weather, ample parking options, and the chance to visit Mercato's celebrated restaurants and stores. As the grand finale, Mercato and Collier County close down the entire street to vehicular traffic, allowing attendees to stroll through the event, interact with artists, and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Naples.

The 2nd Annual Mercato Art Celebration Art Show, brought to you by Naples Picasso Events, brings together artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to celebrate creativity and culture. Prepare to be enthralled by a diverse range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

More info: https://naplespicasso.com/how-to-apply-artists/
Contact: Patrick Benes naplespicasso@gmail.com

March 16 & 17, 2024
Naples, Florida
Naples Bayfront
10am-6pm
130 Artists
Deadline: January 8, 2024

Application fee: $38/Booth fee: $540

Discover the Bayfront Naples Art Show in vibrant Downtown Naples, Florida! It's where the city's buzz meets tranquil waters, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for art lovers. 

Nestled Amongst the Elite: The Bayfront Naples isn't just any locale. It's where luxury lives and art thrives. By showcasing here, you're stepping into a world where the wealthy truly appreciate and invest in creativity. 

Breathtaking Views, Unrivaled Spotlight: Paint, sculpt, or craft with Naples' calming waters as your backdrop on one of its liveliest streets. This isn’t just an event; it's an experience tailored for artists. 
Safety & Style: With 24/7 security, your art's in safe hands, and our premium tent rentals enjoy an elegant, sheltered space while the thoughtful layout promises visibility and accessibility.

Absolute Convenience: Think easy setups, set up one day before the event, nearby parking, and zero outdoor annoyances. It's all about letting you focus on what matters most - your art.

Food, Fun & Conversations: Dive into local flavors, chat with fellow artists, and meet eager buyers—all in a relaxed setting without blaring distractions.

Get Noticed: Beyond just a display, we’re offering a stage where your art doesn’t just sit; it shines and resonates, reaching corners and elite circles you've only dreamed of.

Join the Bayfront Naples Art Show presented by 
Naples Picasso Events.
Where every brushstroke finds an audience,
and every artist finds a home.
See you there!

For more information: http://www.naplespicasso.com
Contact: Patrick Benes naplespicasso@gmail.com

When Staci and I decided to try a Naples show this year I first talked to Florida West Coaster Geoff Coe.  

We’ve run into Geoff at a number of shows and he has seen the bright colors that permeate Staci’s work.  While cautioning that of course there were no guarantees, he suggested that Mercato might be the best fit.  The crowd is just as moneyed as the other Naples venues but it is younger (relatively speaking) and probably more interested in bright contemporary and abstract work that at the other Naples locations.

Geoff was absolutely right.  Unfortunately, the attendance at the show was way, way down (according to a number of repeat exhibitors that I spoke to.  Of those who did attend on Saturday (the best day), there was real buying interest but sadly even with some enthusiastic buyers, there weren’t enough to go around.

If the crowd had been of normal size, I think most would have had a great show.  As it was, while the painter on one side of us probably did $4K, the painter on the other side had to rely on a previous customer’s repeat purchase to make expenses.   Most of the bags we saw were from the high-end retailers that make-up the Mercato shopping plaza.

What went wrong?  At least 10 locals we spoke to said they had no idea there was a show this weekend.  They had seen no signs, billboards, or TV ads.  When the crowd is small and what I would call “coincidental”, there is not enough to go around even if they are the “right” people.  Where did our booth fee go???

Repeat exhibitors described wistfully the elbow-to-elbow throngs that have characterized Mercato in the recent past.  We could have had a great show if they were there.  As it was, we didn’t make mediocre.  Geoff had it right – this was our crowd; sadly, “crowd” is a misnomer.

Details

Weather - Perfect!

Venue – upscale shopping plaza with many restaurants, movie theaters, shops

Easy set-up starting at 3AM.  We showed up at 5AM and parked in our space to unload.

Teardown was easy too.  We parked fairly near the booth and rolled it out over flat terrain.

Good storage behind the tent. 

Artist parking was in a big field behind the venue and a fairly short walk.

Artist amenities were okay. – Coffee/muffins in the morning and access to the volunteer center bathroom.  (There were also clean public restrooms throughout the venue.)

Booth sitters aplenty and very friendly volunteer group.

Quality of the art was excellent – a lot of work that we would love to have on our walls (if we had walls that is).  Very contemporary with just a touch of the traditional Florida beachy stuff

Looking West - Midday Sunday

Looking East - Midday Sunday

Our Space

Wow, second week in a row with no unprompted show reviews (other than, of course, Nels).

I've heard second-hand reports that the St. Armands show was well attended and sales were pretty good. 

I walked Edenfest on Saturday, but not long and hard enough to write a review.

What's the scoop? Let's hear from a few folks, please.