Stoneburner

NAPLES GALLERIES REGROUP AT BAYFRONT TO HELP CREATE NEW WATERFRONT MARKETPLACE

Contacts:
Bayfront: The Stoneburner Companies, (239) 649-8700
Galleries and Merchants' Association: Roger Weatherburn Baker (239) 263-8008

Naples, Florida, October 5, 2005 …. A group of fine art galleries long established in various business districts in Naples are collectively relocating to Bayfront, the downtown Mediterranean-style commercial and residential development overlooking the Gordon River at Naples Bay.

It is believed to be the first time, perhaps anywhere, that a group of retailers in the same business have agreed to relocate at the same time to the same destination.

The migrating galleries will join other retail businesses, restaurants and service organizations already at Bayfront to help create a new-look international shopping, dinning and entertainment destination.

Kevin Stoneburner, the developer of the Bayfront complex, commented, "It has always been our vision to create a lifestyle center offering a rich palette of fine products, services and dining in a prestigious environment. It has taken time to find the right mix. But we believe the fusion of international fine art with international fine dining, entertainment and services is a terrific combination for this setting." At least six galleries so far have moved or plan to move to Bayfront representing hundreds of original works of art - oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture and art glass - by leading artists from more than 20 countries around the world.

Roger Weatherburn Baker, owner of The Weatherburn Gallery, explained the galleries' motivation to move. "There are so many new residential and commercial developments underway in and around Downtown Naples, it's inevitable the area will become an even more vibrant center for daytime shopping and nighttime entertainment as time goes by. We wanted to get ahead of that. We wanted to find a great location where we could create a brand new art destination that was in the center of things, yet had plentiful parking, easy access and the benefits of new construction, in an upscale environment conducive to sophisticated art."

"When we were approached by Kevin Stoneburner's organization, the Owner of the commercial/retail for Bayfront we realized immediately we'd found a perfect fit. All our criteria were met. It's a spectacular waterfront marketplace with a European-style shopping plaza that is a particularly appropriate backdrop for international art." Some galleries have completed their move and are already open. They include Arte Direct, Galerie Azur, the hand-crafted art glass gallery of Murano of Naples, and the fine gifts, glass, crystal and china showrooms of Jennings of Naples. Other gallery showrooms are still under construction, including those designed for East West Arts and The Weatherburn Gallery that will be open soon.

Other center merchants are joining the galleries in planning a number of special events and activities designed to showcase downtown Naples newest waterfront marketplace. Every Wednesday evening from October to April will be "Bayfront Night", offering late-night shopping, entertainment, refreshments and other attractions under the stars. During some Wednesday evenings, galleries will host meet-the-artist shows and introduce their new collections. Other Wednesday evenings will be reserved for large-scale galas, concerts and other entertainments. "We're delighted that all the merchants are working together to take full advantage of the intimate privacy of Bayfront and the charm of its waterfront location," Stoneburner added. "That's exactly what we hoped for when Bayfront was opened."