IMMOKALEE — For the second year, The Immokalee Foundation will provide its community with a platform to share its talent while supporting and inspiring artists. As the pieces are on sale, the exhibit also provides these inspiring artists with the opportunity to obtain a profit through a silent auction.

A nod to The Immokalee Foundation’s emphasis on the power of sueños (dreams), this year’s Inspiring Dreams Art Exhibition will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Immokalee Foundation, 908 Roberts Avenue West, in Immokalee.

With additional support and guidance from Naples Art and the Marco Island Center for the Arts, Inspiring Dreams is poised to inspire more than dreams. With every good deed directed toward the Immokalee community, lives can change for the better.

“We are thrilled to encourage these students and this talented community in their artistic pursuits,” said Hyla Crane, Executive Director for the Marco Island Center for the Arts. “Having attended last year’s exhibition, I assure you, it’s absolutely worth the drive. Immokalee is a very special part of Collier County and always worthy of our support and encouragement.”

Though the Foundation has an established emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) educational programming, President & CEO Noemi Y. Perez acknowledges the powerful movement from a STEM to a STEAM approach to learning, with the arts receiving equal billing.

“Art and creativity are inextricably linked to so many aspects of education, professional development, business and success,” says Perez. “Through our support of the arts and creative thinking, our students learn to communicate different thoughts and ideas as they discover new ways to express themselves—whether on canvas, in writing, or in person.”

The annual art exhibition was created by a former Immokalee Foundation student and Florida State University alumnus who was inspired by bringing the arts to Immokalee. As the Art Education Specialist at The Immokalee Foundation, Jonathan Martinez continues to empower artistic students through this annual art show and other activities throughout the year.

Inspiring Dreams attendees will have the opportunity to walk from table to table, meet the artists, and learn about the inspiration behind their work. The art will be for sale, with 100% of the funds going directly to the artist, whether an Immokalee Foundation student, staff member or community member.

Koi Fish by Briana Nunez

“Last year’s art show was exciting and fun to participate in. It made me feel like me, and my art was being seen by new people,” said Daisy Hernandez, an artist and Immokalee Foundation student following the Foundation’s Business Management & Entrepreneurship Career Pathway. “I’m not as scared to show off my art to others as I was before. Because of the art show, I also gained the confidence to enter my artwork in other art shows.”

The Immokalee Foundation’s Inspiring Dreams Art Exhibition will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Immokalee Foundation, 908 Roberts Avenue West, in Immokalee.

Admission is free. Reservations are not required.

For more information, email dalinda.gamez@immokaleefoundation.org or call (239) 657-2461.