Art Center First Tree Lighting a Hit

Marco Island Center For the Arts Eighth Annual Festival of Trees kicked off November 30! Held at the Art Center, it also included an invitation for the community to attend the Center's first Christmas tree lighting. Marco resident George Shoenberger donated the giant outdoor Christmas tree to the Center. Islanders Joe Giannone and Ron Sperling helped set the tree up and donated the decorations. Shoenberger, Giannone, and Sperling are known for sharing the holiday spirit decorating their own island residences for Christmas.

This is the second year the Art Center decorated outside, but the first with a Christmas tree lighting. Art Center Executive Director, Hyla Crane, and her Welsh Corgi, “Charlie Rhett” sporting a Santa costume, welcomed arriving guests. Members of the Center's staff helped decorate and also dressed festively for the occasion. Barbara Parisi and Nancy Norman created the artful Christmas theme for this year’s contest. The Center is competing for best holiday decorations along with several other Marco businesses. The event was open to the community and a big hit. Thanks go to Total Wine and More of Naples for donating the wine.