The Joel Shapses Studio & Gallery celebrates 10-year anniversary in Naples Arts District

Naples, FL: (December 11, 2024) . . .  The Joel Shapses Studio & Gallery, founded by sculptor Joel Shapses, announces its 10-year anniversary, celebrating a decade of creativity and cultural enrichment in the heart of the Naples Art District. To mark this milestone, the gallery will host a yearlong celebration, representing the original artworks by three acclaimed artists: master sculptor Joel Shapses, architect painter Richard Diedrich and painter ceramicist Joan Eshkenazi.

            Anniversary festivities start Thursday, January 2, 2025, and run every Thursday and Saturday from 1 pm until 5 pm throughout the year at the gallery’s open studio located at 6240 Shirley Street, Suite 102 (southeast corner of Shirley Street and J&C Blvd. in North Naples).  Art enthusiasts and the community are invited to watch artwork come to life with artists' demonstrations to enjoy, purchase or commission original art directly from the artist. 

            Joel Shapses is a renowned sculptor known for his mastery of marble, bronze and alabaster sculptures mixing neon, LED lights, metal and fused glass. His artistic style is defined by fluid, organic forms and a keen ability to evoke movement and emotion from solid materials.  Shapses often draws inspiration from the natural world, crafting sculptures that explore themes of transformation, balance and the interplay of light and shadow. He creates pieces that blend classical elegance with contemporary abstraction. His work has been widely recognized for its ability to transform raw materials into forms that evoke emotion and movement. 

            Among his notable works is Genesis, a striking strawberry alabaster sculpture that seems to defy gravity and Balancing Point, a Portero and Carrara marble piece. Shapses’ achievements include solo exhibitions in prominent galleries, commissions for public art installations and 85 awards such as the National Sculptors Guild’s Excellence in Sculpture. 

            Painter Richard Diedrich’s work seamlessly bridges the realms of structural design and fine art. Known for his ability to capture the soul of the environments he designs and portrays, Diedrich approaches his craft with a profound understanding of space, light and detail. As an architect, he is acclaimed for creating timeless structures that harmonize with their natural surroundings, reflecting a balance of form and function. As a painter, his works are vibrant interpretations of architectural marvels, landscapes and urban scenes, often rendered with an impressionistic touch that evokes both nostalgia and vitality. Whether through the elegance of a perfectly sketched column or the textured strokes of a painted skyline, Diedrich's art celebrates the beauty of design and its intrinsic connection to the human experience. 

            Joan Eshkenazi is a distinguished artist celebrated for her dynamic and emotionally resonant works in oil, watercolor and fired clay. Eshkenazi uses light and color moving dynamically across her canvases to express the mysteries and passions of life while seducing the viewer into discovering the true essence of the flower, shell or figure. Inspired by the Impressionists and Georgia O'Keefe, she studied color with John Ferren at Queens College and continued her education with a Master of Arts from Hunter College in New York. Further studies brought her to the Accademia d'Arte in Perugia, Italy. She has earned numerous accolades, including the National Clay Artists Award and features in prestigious art publications. Her work has been exhibited in Italy, New York, Massachusetts and Florida.

            “It’s been an incredible journey to see this gallery grow and to share my passion for art with the Naples community,” said Joel Shapses, founder of the gallery. “I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside two exceptional artists whose works inspire and captivate.”

            Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments and the opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their creative process and inspiration. 

About The Joel Shapses Studio and Gallery

            The Joel Shapses Studio and Gallery, located at 6240 Shirley Suite, Suite 102, Naples, Fla., showcases extraordinary works of art, fostering an appreciation for sculpture, painting and ceramics. Founded by sculptor Joel Shapses, the gallery is a cornerstone of the Naples Art District, featuring artworks by Shapses, architect/painter Richard Diedrich and painter/ceramicist Joan Eshkenazi. Gallery is open first Thursday evening each month and select Saturday afternoons from 1 pm until 5 pm and by appointment. 

            For more information visit www.joelshapsesstudio.com or call (954) 830-3156.