2017TOCJAC1-X3
On February 23, 2017, more than 150 people gathered to bid in a charitable auction during the annual Third on Canvas in support of PAWS Assistance Dogs and Friends of Foster Children Forever. This, the 10th Third on Canvas, event brings together dozens of talented painters in a celebration of Third Street South and the Old Naples Historic District. On February 19 and 20, these painters were situated along Third Street South and stretching from the Naples Pier to the City Docks. Their original creations, ranging in style and subject matter but all evocative of the Old Naples community, were auctioned in both live and silent auctions during a reception hosted by Ken and Nathalie Ralton.
Representatives of PAWS Assistance Dogs, along with, to the delight of guests, several of their dogs currently in training, and Friends of Foster Children Forever attended on behalf of their organizations. PAWS Assistance Dogs trains and places specially trained service dogs with combat-wounded veterans and children with disabilities. Friends of Foster Children seeks to provide targeted educational and enrichment programming for children in foster care. Auction-goers generously bid thousands in acknowledgement of these worthy charities’ missions and impact in our community. A Fund-A-Need contributed an impressive $23,000 towards the total donations made during the evening.
This year’s Third on Canvas newly featured juried prizes for the submitted art, with expert judging provided by Juliana Meek, co-owner and director of Harmon-Meek Gallery. Of 30 paintings considered by Ms. Meek, prizes were awarded to Thom Millsap for Best in Show, Peter Garon for 1st Place, Jorge Narvaez for 2nd Place, and Mimi Little for Judge’s Choice, recognizing excellent in technique and composition. Third Street South happily plays host to this annual event, providing a picturesque backdrop to inspire artists as the birthplace and continuing historical center of Naples.