Art Council of Southwest Florida Announces an Exciting Season at Both COCO Art Galleries in Naples and Estero

TWO GALLERIES. ONE REGIONAL ARTS COMMUNITY.

From Naples to Estero, the Art Council of Southwest Florida is building opportunities for artists, residents, visitors, arts organizations, and community partners to come together through the visual arts.

Both COCO Art Galleries serve as spaces for discovering original artwork, celebrating local and regional talent, supporting cultural initiatives, and expanding access to arts education. Through exhibitions, juried shows, artist residencies, workshops, youth programs, and collaborative events, the Art Council continues to strengthen the arts throughout its five-county mission area.

The public is invited to visit both galleries, attend upcoming exhibitions and receptions, participate in educational programs, and support the artists whose creativity enriches our region.

About the Art Council of Southwest Florida

The Art Council of Southwest Florida is dedicated to advancing the arts, strengthening connections among arts organizations, supporting artists, and expanding opportunities for arts education and cultural engagement throughout Southwest Florida. Through its two COCO Art Galleries in Naples and Estero, the Art Council brings artists and communities together to exhibit, teach, inspire, and connect.

Regional exhibitions, the continuing ¡ARTE VIVA! Celebration, a juried call to artists, and returning Artist-in-Residence Micah Goguen highlight the 2026–2027 season.

The Art Council of Southwest Florida is in full swing at its two COCO Art Galleries in Naples and Estero, Florida, preparing for an exciting season of original art, cultural celebration, community partnerships, and educational opportunities for artists of all experience levels.

Looking ahead, the Art Council continues participation in a five-year ¡ARTE VIVA! Celebration, presented in partnership with Naples, Marco Island, Everglades — Florida’s Paradise Coast. Through exhibitions, artist education, youth programming, and community engagement, the organization continues to Exhibit. Teach. Inspire. Connect. while celebrating the arts and the cultural diversity of Southwest Florida.

October 23, 2026 ARTE VIVA! The Americas Call to Artists accepting artist applications – Submissions are being accepted COCO Art Gallery Naples at Coastland Center

The Art Council of Southwest Florida invites artists to submit their work for ¡ARTE VIVA! The Americas Exhibit, a juried exhibition celebrating the terrain, essence, and culture of Hispanic roots throughout the Americas.

Artists are encouraged to participate in this juried opportunity to exhibit their work and be part of a growing regional celebration of arts and culture in consortium with the Paradise Coast.

Artists interested in participating should submit your artwork through the link COCO Art Gallery and follow call-to-artist details going live October 23.

UPCOMING EVENTS — MARK YOUR CALENDAR

November 3 – November 30, 2026 | Local Art Exhibition at COCO Art Gallery – Naples at Coastland Center

COCO Art Gallery – Naples is thrilled to welcome the Naples Art District from their local community. These talented artists will exhibit 2D and 3D artwork sharing the beauty and passion of paradise coastal art. Learn more about becoming a member https://www.cocoartgallery.com/how-can-i-join

Wednesday, November 11 | Opening Reception, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. –  COCO Art Gallery – Naples at Coastland Center

Join the Naples Art District, a member organization with fellow artists, and art appreciation for an evening of local artists, collaborations and making meaningful connections through the love of the arts.

November 3 – December 5, 2026 | Regional Art Exhibition at COCO Art Gallery – Estero at Miromar Outlets

COCO Art Gallery – Estero is delighted to welcome Arts of the Inland for a wonderful exhibition of regional original art. Funded in part by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, the exhibition celebrates the creativity and artistic talent of our regional community while creating opportunities for artists and visitors to connect through original works of art.

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | Opening Reception, 5–7 p.m. COCO Art Gallery – Estero at Miromar Outlets

Join Arts of the Inland, fellow artists, and art enthusiasts for an evening celebrating regional art. COCO Art Gallery – Estero is also pleased to welcome the Estero Chamber of Commerce as we continue building connections between the arts, local businesses, and the broader community.

Visitors are invited to experience the gallery, discover original artwork, meet fellow art supporters, and learn more about the Art Council’s work throughout Southwest Florida.

January 5–31, 2027 | ¡ARTE VIVA! The Americas Exhibit – Naples Coastland Center

This special exhibition continues the ¡ARTE VIVA! Celebration by bringing cultural expression, artistic interpretation, and the richness of Hispanic heritage into the gallery. Artists are encouraged to share original artwork that explores the landscapes, traditions, cultural identity, and visual stories that connect communities across the Americas.

The exhibition will showcase artists whose work captures the spirit and diversity of these cultural influences, inviting visitors to experience the Americas through the eyes of the artists who interpret them.

Awards and prizes will recognize artists whose work makes a compelling contribution to the exhibition’s theme. The awards presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2027, during the exhibition.

January 2027 new locations added dates revealed soon! | Micah Goguen Returns as Artist-in-Residence and Art Ambassador in Naples, Coastland Center

The Art Council is thrilled to welcome back Micah Goguen, Artist-in-Residence and Art Ambassador, for another inspiring week of artistic exploration, education, and creative discovery.

With more than 15 years of teaching experience, Micah brings a distinctive ability to meet artists where they are in their creative journey. Whether working with emerging artists or experienced practitioners, he encourages experimentation, offers thoughtful critiques, and leads discussions in art aesthetics designed to help artists develop their skills and elevate their work.

The January program will introduce new educational opportunities, including:

• Mixed-Media Watercolor: Explore techniques and creative approaches that expand the possibilities of watercolor.
• Textured Landscapes: Discover ways to build dimension, surface interest, and expressive depth into landscape artwork.
• Youth Creators Series: Inspire young artists through hands-on projects connected to the ¡ARTE VIVA! celebration and its themes of Hispanic arts and culture.

Micah’s return reflects the Art Council’s commitment to making quality arts education accessible, encouraging lifelong learning, and connecting Southwest Florida artists with new processes, ideas, and creative opportunities.

Class schedules and registration information will be available through COCO Art Gallery’s website.