Spring into the Arts Gala Luncheon to be held at the Naples Grande Beach Resort Wednesday, March 5, 11:00 am

International Network of Creatives President Dr. Bill Barnett announced notable Naples and Marco Island artist Emily James, as the 2025 Honorary Chair of its second annual Spring into the Arts Gala Luncheon and Fashion Show honoring distinguished women in the arts who have made a significant impact in Southwest Florida.

Spring into the Arts benefits the community arts and outreach programs of the International Network of Creatives, touching underprivileged children and families, and adults battling addictions and mental illness.

About Emily James
While many artists submit entries in hopes of being selected, recognizing her talent, they asked Emily to be the Official Artist for the Masters at Augusta National for three consecutive years.

She is a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, accepted into Watercolor U.S.A., and featured in the book, The Best of Watercolor. She is also in demand as one of the country’s leading commissioned portrait artists.

An extremely versatile and talented artist, her work includes seascapes, landscapes, florals, abstracts, oil, acrylic, and watercolor, utilizing a medium appropriate to her subject matter. James has had numerous one-woman shows, including one which sold out before the show officially opened. Her work was exhibited at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and she was previously named an Outstanding Young Woman in America in Arts and the received the Suncoast Watercolor Society Award.

Longing for the seacoast once again, Emily returned to Florida in 1990 and lives beside the sea which she enjoys painting as well as a multitude of other subjects which interest her. Because many of these she shares to benefit others, she was selected as one of the Women of Initiative honorees by the Collier County Community Foundation for her many charitable contributions to the community.

Emily’s works are included in numerous private and corporate collections, including those of Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Hotel du Louvre in Paris, Regal Crown-Pacific in Hong Kong, Hull University in U.K., Island Country Club in Marco, Hide-out Golf Club in Naples, and Hellas Communications, in Athens, Greece.

Emily’s gallery continues to be voted Best Gallery in Naples year after year, featuring her original paintings and fine art prints. She greets clients and enjoys getting to know and assist them in selecting the perfect pieces for their home, condo, or business. Specializing in Florida scenes with a twist of abstraction, she loves sharing her gift. Emily’s creativity has no limit, there is always something in progress on her easel, each painting possesses her unbridled love of art.

“We are delighted to have Emily James join us as Honorary Chair of Spring into the Arts 2025,” said International Network of Creatives President Dr. Bill Barnett. “As a distinguished artist in Southwest Florida and worldwide, Emily embodies our passion and drive to bring beauty, hope, healing, and joy to our community through her wonderful works of art. Emily’s many accomplishments in the arts foster a significant legacy for the next generation of creatives.”

Celebrate the Healing Power of the Arts!

Spring into the Arts Gala

Gala guests will enjoy a feast-for-the-eyes-and-palate “arts” dinner; an entertainment array headlined by the Zach Bartholomew Jazz Trio; a Fashion Show featuring the new Spring collection from Kay’s on the Beach; HGTV and Food Network favorite and chocolate sculptor Paul Joachim; high-value silent and live arts auctions with Chris Marchand, auctioneer; emcee Lois Thome, WINK News Anchor; and an art show featuring Emily’s art works. Come and learn about INC’s outreach, hear stories of hope and healing.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, go to: https://incswfl.ticketspice.com/spring-into-the-arts-gala Call (239) 234-2745.

International Network of Creatives (INC) INC is a 501c3 faith-based nonprofit that inspires and equips artists to disciple the community and world and bring hope to the underserved with healing and nurturing arts programs. Since 2015, INC has touched over 6,000 lives locally in Southwest Florida, and thousands more worldwide.