NAPLES, FL.-The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center presents Art Encounter 2007 from May 12 to July 1. The fine art and contemporary craft exhibition will be installed in the center's six galleries to present the works of artists residing in the state of Florida. Guest juror Frank Holt, executive director of the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, selected 69 works by 50 artists from the 416 entries submitted by 155 artists. Entries came from as far away as Crystal River and Jupiter.

"As is usually the case, the encounter with a new group of artists always provides the juror with the possibility of seeing new work, discovering new directions and experiencing new visual thoughts," Holt said in his juror's statement. "As the viewer can see [when visiting the exhibition], the entrants have submitted work that has an honesty of style, originality of subject matter and perhaps most importantly, the understanding of the materials being used for creation. There is great diversity, but even so, when all of the creative elements combine, there is a 'wholeness' that has both strength and beauty. The works range in size from the very small to the very large. Whatever the format, there is a sense of pride and professionalism in the finished image. Whether stone, paper, metal, paint and canvas, glass or any combination of various materials, the joy of the artist is present."

The Naples Art Association will present $3,000 in awards to eight artists during an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 11 at the art center. The catered reception is free for members and $10 for non-members. The von Liebig Art Center is located at 585 Park Street in Naples, Florida. The galleries are open admission-free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 239-262-6517 or visit naplesart.org.