Political animals new exhibit at von Liebig

COURTESY PHOTO Paul Arsenault, Go-Go and His Donkey, Costa Rica - oil on canvas

While the candidates are campaigning for office this winter, the von Liebig Art Center in Naples is offering voters another choice. A new exhibition entitled "Political Animals: Donkeys and Elephants in American Art" is on view Jan. 25 to Feb. 24 and showcases 40 works - 20 of each animal - in media ranging from watercolor to pastel to sculpture. Visitors to the art center, which offers free admission, will be invited to vote for their favorite work in the exhibition using an actual voting machine from the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office.

"Being able to vote on the works is like having our own straw poll," said J. William Meek III, guest curator of the exhibition. "Without exception, when people hear about this show, they can't wait to see it. They think it's such a novel idea."

Meek, who owns the Harmon-Meek Gallery in Naples and serves on the Naples Art Association Board of Directors, enjoyed contacting artists nationwide to acquire pieces for the exhibition. The earliest work is an Eliot O'Hara watercolor from 1930. One of the newest is a pencil drawing by 95-year old Will Barnet, who created the piece specifically for the show. "Will told me he'd never painted a donkey but he was so enamored with the idea of the exhibition that he did one for us."

COURTESY PHOTO Valerie Aune, Rogue, oil on canvas - 18 x 30 inches

The von Liebig Art Center, located at 585 Park Street in downtown Naples, is open with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A catered Preview Reception for the Political Animals exhibition takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 24 and is free for members and $10 for non-members. For more information, visit naplesart.org or call (239) 262-6517.