Soulscapes Photography Exhibit Raises Founding Donation to New Art Scholarship
Fundraiser at Aqua at Pelican Isle Yacht Club sales gallery raised funds for art classes for underprivileged children at The von Liebig Art Center

NAPLES – Countless students and teachers will now have access to art classes through a new scholarship program at The von Liebig Art Center. The Naples Art Association Youth Scholarship Fund got its founding donation last week from a fundraising partnership between local photographer Gareth Rockliffe and EcoGroup, Inc., the developer of Aqua at Pelican Isle Yacht Club.

In his first exhibition, some 20 years in the making, Rockliffe released Soulscapes, a collection of stunning landscape photographs from around the world. More than 30 large scale framed prints transformed the Aqua sales gallery into a makeshift art gallery, and 120 guests mingled while they viewed the photographs and enjoyed wine from Sable Ridge Vineyards. Naples Illustrated Magazine was the official magazine sponsor of the event, from which a $10 per guest donation and 15 percent of sales proceeds went directly to the Youth Art Scholarship Fund. Fifteen percent of each Soulscapes print sold from the website throughout the end of March will also go to the charity.

England-native Rockliffe has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, though he considered it an “obsession” before it became his profession. Though he focuses most of his time on artful portraiture in the Naples-based Soderquist Photography, which he runs with his wife and partner, Jan Soderquist, landscape work has always been Rockliffe’s passion. With industry technology at the point that he can photograph, print and frame his work in-house, he was thrilled to put the Soulscapes collection together for a public showing and sale. Equally fulfilling is the fact that he could help create art opportunities for children in the process.

“This is truly my passion, and Jan and I are so proud to help ensure that more children have access to the world of art,” he said. “When we learned that the von Liebig had a need for youth program funding, it was a perfect fit. We look forward to watching the fund grow.”

EcoGroup, Inc., president Ed Oelschlaeger said the company always has a focus on giving back to the community, and hopes the scholarship fund will harbor future architects or designers. “The real estate industry always needs inspired, imaginative people, and art has a lasting impact on what we do,” he said. “We hope that the money raised here will be the beginning of a bright and creative future for our local children.”

The scholarship will be available to individual students or teachers living in Lee or Collier counties for up to $1,000 per calendar year. The funds are to be used for students who need financial assistance with an art course at The von Liebig Art Center or educators who need assistance for group classes. Examples are transportation needs to and from classes or costs involved in bringing artists together to present educational programs to students. The von Liebig Art Center offers youth art classes on Thursday evenings during the school year and a weekly ARTScool summer education program for students aged 5-15. To register for programs, call 239-262-6517 x102 or visit naplesart.org.

For more information on luxury living at Aqua at Pelican Isle Yacht Club, contact

The Bentley Sales Group at (239) 591-2727, or visit us online at www.AQUApiyc.com

EcoGroup, Inc., developer of Aqua, is an award-winning development company known for some of southwest Florida’s most luxurious and unique residences.  For 17 years, EcoGroup, Inc. has blended exceptionally designed communities with environmentally friendly construction methods.  Visit us online at www.ecogroupinc.com.