Reflections of South Florida

Marco Island Historical Society continues the celebration of its 30th anniversary with a very special 50-yearretrospective exhibit of paintings and mosaics by Naples-based, nationally known artist Paul Arsenault. The exhibit opens October 1, 2024,and continues through February 15, 2025, at the Marco Island Historical Museum. There will be a meet the artist reception October 17, from 4:30-6:00 PM, and a presentation by Arsenault January 15, at 6:00 PM. Presenting sponsor of the exhibit is Kathryn Hunt, realtor, Berkshire Hathaway.  

The exhibit, entitled Reflections of South Florida: A 50-Year Art Adventure, conveys the history, soul-stirring beauty and charm of Marco Island, Goodland and Naples as well as other South Florida locales, including Vero Beach, Key West, Cortez and others. Arsenault has traveled the world to record breathtaking landscapes, seascapes, seaside villages and more in his captivating plein-air paintings. However, he always returns to his Naples home where he has lived for 50 years. Here, he has found a treasure trove of inspiration for his art. 

“Coming from Cape Cod, where I often visited older relatives at their summer rentals, I appreciated the old barns, beach shacks, cottages, boats and harbors. I witnessed the steady development and compromise from the poetic to the commercial. Even as a young person, I was aware of the loss of a rich historic heritage. When I arrived in Naples in 1974, Florida was at the dawn of this same fate. As a newcomer, I was intrigued and anxious to explore my newly adopted home. I painted what I found to be special and vulnerable,” notes Arsenault.  

“With an added quest to explore and discover the South Florida waterfront, I learned the history and heard legends and lore and the soul of the place began to emerge,” he continues. “I was intrigued by the characters who contributed color and personality and inspired by the people I met who dedicated themselves to preserving the environment and the history of their home. 

“Fifty years later, it is with pride and a certain sense of accomplishment that I reflect on my long standing connection to the unique qualities of South Florida, especially the waterfront. Putting this series together is an opportunity to present images that reflect my journey of five decades based in South Florida. Though the focus is Naples and Collier County, I also concentrated on Key West and painted often in Boca Grande. The collection in this retrospective also includes Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Cortez, Useppa, Captiva and Sanibel,” he concludes. 

The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free, and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors.