This March, the Naples Art District takes flight with a celebration of nature, culture and creativity. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the District will present Wings of Wonder: The Miraculous Migration of the Monarch Butterfly to Central Mexico in partnership with ARTE VIVA!, Collier County's vibrant celebration of Hispanic heritage.

This immersive event blends art and environmental storytelling to honor one of nature's most awe-inspiring journeys and the cultural traditions that surround it.

Wings of Wonder, a special event honoring the Monarch's extraordinary 2,000-mile multigenerational and multinational annual journey, will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. with Naples Art District's Second Saturday Open Studio event.

"Our artist studios will come alive with artwork inspired by the Monarch's beauty and cultural significance," said Paula Brody, president of the Naples Art District. "The Monarch journey is an inspiring symbol of endurance, resilience and transformation."

One hundred local artists, including painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, fiber and glass artists and woodworkers, will showcase beautiful butterfly-themed artwork in this special free community event.

The Monarch butterflies fly north in the summer months and south as the weather cools. The Monarch butterfly carries deep meaning across cultures. In Mexico, Monarchs are believed to embody the souls of departed loved ones, returning to Central Mexico each October in time for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). More broadly, they symbolize hope and transformation.

The Wings of Wonder celebration also coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the Naples Art District. From January through April 2026, the District will be transformed with butterfly-inspired public art installations, including large-scale murals and hand-painted three-dimensional butterflies. Sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, these works will be displayed throughout the district's 50+ studios and galleries along Shirley Street, J&C Boulevard and Yahl Street.

"Butterflies are a perfect symbol of transformation," Brody said. "As we celebrate 20 years, it is remarkable to reflect on how the District has grown from just five founding artists to a thriving community of more than 100 working artists."

For more information visit NaplesArtDistrict.com or contact Brody at paulabrody@me.com or 239-272-7110.

About Naples Art District

The Naples Art District is the largest concentration of art galleries and studios in SWFL with over 100 artists in 50+ galleries located in a ½ square mile industrial area of Naples, located north of Pine Ridge Road and west of Airport-Pulling Road. Founded in 2006 and celebrating its 20th anniversary, the art district has blossomed into a vibrant network of 100 independent painters, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, fiber artists, glass makers and wood artisans. In 2016, the Naples Art District became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 2020, Collier County recognized the Naples Art District as a County "Cultural Arts District," with the high concentration of artist studios offering a unique destination for cultural tourism. The Naples Art District offers self-guided tours, open studios, art classes, workshops and events. To learn more, visit NaplesArtDistrict.com or call 239-249-1977.