ARTIS—NAPLES, THE BAKER MUSEUM ANNOUNCES MAJOR GIFT OF CONTEMPORARY GLASS AND CERAMICS
Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum is proud to announce a major gift to the museum’s permanent collection: The Dr. Laurence and Rita Sibrack Collection of Contemporary Glass and Ceramics. Donated by longtime Naples residents and passionate collectors Dr. Laurence and Rita Sibrack, the collection comprises 74 works by 60 renowned artists, significantly expanding the museum’s holdings in contemporary studio glass and ceramic works.
This transformational gift includes works by key figures in the studio glass movement, such as Dale Chihuly, Amber Cowan, Preston Singletary, Judith Schaechter and Lucio Bubacco, among many others. The collection embraces every major process of glass and ceramic art, including flame-worked, blown and cast, and is distinguished by its rich focus on form, color, texture, shadow and the expressive power of light.
“The Sibracks have long been valued supporters of Artis—Naples, and their contributions have enriched our organization in countless ways,” said Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen. “Their decision to make Naples their home, inspired in part by the cultural vibrancy of Artis—Naples, is a testament to the lasting impact of our multidisciplinary mission. This remarkable gift deepens that legacy and reflects their unwavering commitment to contemporary art.”
“I am deeply grateful to the Sibracks for their generosity and for entrusting us with a collection of such remarkable depth,” said The Baker Museum Director and Chief Curator Courtney McNeil. “For many years, glass and ceramics were often categorized separately from fine art, but that perception has evolved. With this gift from the Sibracks, we have an exciting opportunity to fully integrate these extraordinary works into our broad permanent collection—presenting them alongside painting, sculpture and other media to tell a more expansive and inclusive story of artistic expression.”
“Our passion for collecting art has contributed to our love for living with our art,” the Sibracks shared. “Seeing and experiencing the inaugural exhibition of Chihuly masterpieces at The Baker Museum in 2000 had a major influence on our decision to come to Naples. Our decision to donate our collection to this museum, in particular, was a natural evolution of our cultural commitment to the museum and to…