Marco Island Center for the Arts Celebrates the Holiday Season 11th Annual Festival of Trees, Mini Masters Exhibit, and Festive Theatre Production

November 5, 2024, Marco Island: The Marco Island Center for the Arts and Arts Center Theatre are teaming up to bring the festive spirit of the holidays to Marco Island with a series of exciting events. The season’s celebrations will begin with the 11th Annual Festival of Trees at the Art Center and Mini Masters exhibit, and culminate with the whimsical holiday comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” at the Arts Center Theatre.

Annual Festival of Trees at Marco Island Center for the Arts 

From December 3-5, the Marco Island Center for the Arts will host its beloved Festival of Trees at the Arts Center, marking the 11th year of this treasured holiday tradition. This jovial event has become an essential part of the Marco Island holiday season and a special fundraiser to support the Art Center’s educational programs and initiatives. 

The Festival of Trees brings together local businesses, organizations, and creative individuals to showcase beautifully decorated trees in a celebration of community, art, and the spirit of the season. Founded in 2014 by Marco Island volunteer and art supporter Dave Rice, the festival has grown into a cherished event for both residents and visitors. 

To participate, tree decorators must submit their applications by 4:00 p.m. on November 25. Applications are available on the Art Center’s website. Decorated four foot and under trees should be delivered to the Art Center on December 2, (between 10am and Noon) and spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. The silent auction for the trees will run from December 3-5.

Each tree decorator will receive 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their tree, with the remaining 50% benefiting the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Alternatively, decorators may choose to donate all proceeds to support the Art Center and Arts Center Theatre. 

Visitors will have the chance to bid on their favorite trees in the silent auction and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award, with the winner announced on December 6.

Mini Masters Returns to Marco Island Center for the Arts

Also returning this holiday season is the Mini Masters exhibit, a popular call to artists for small artworks measuring less than 5x7 inches (framed) or 5x5 inches (unframed). These miniature masterpieces will be displayed in the lobby of the Marco Island Center for the Arts, from December 3-12. The artworks can be dropped off at the Art Center on December 2, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Mini Masters is a fundraiser that highlights affordable art just in time for the holiday shopping season and reminds us “good things come in small packages.”  The proceeds from the sale of each Mini Master are split between the Art Center and the artist.

Submission forms for mini masters can be found on the website under Call to Artists.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) at Arts Center Theatre

For those looking for a laugh-filled, high-energy holiday experience, the Arts Center Theatre will present “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” directed by Marlene Strollo from December 4-22. Written by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez, this hilarious play takes a fresh twist on the holiday season by having the actors perform every Christmas story ever told — and then some! From beloved Christmas classics to global holiday traditions, iconic carols, and pop-culture references, this merry and fast-paced comedy is the perfect way for the whole family to kick off the holiday season.

Tickets & Information 

For tickets to performances at the Arts Center Theatre visit http://www.marcoislandart.org or call the theater box office at 239-784-1186. To find out more about the 11th Annual Festival of Trees and Mini Masters call Marco Island Center for the Arts at 239-394-4221 or visit the website.

Join us this holiday season to celebrate the arts, support local creativity, and experience the magic of the season on Marco Island!

About Marco Island Center for the Arts

Marco Island Center for the Arts brings a wide variety of arts to its community through art exhibitions, engaging educational programs for adults and children and a diverse assortment of events. The Art Center serves as a professional and financial driver for visual and performing artists and educators through exhibition, performance and teaching opportunities while being a catalyst that fuels economic development, an understanding of cultural diversity and community cohesion.  

Mission: Marco Island Center for the Arts inspires artistic expression and advances education and appreciation of the arts. The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts.