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- Thank you for tuning into another episode
of Lavish Living in Naples.
I'm your host, Kim Menkhorst.
And today we're here at one of the most iconic places
in Naples, the Mercato.
The Mercato is a place where residents
and visitors alike come.
It's really the epicenter in North Naples
for people who are looking for something to do.
With stores like Whole Foods, Z Gallerie, J.Crew,
and over 20 restaurants, they have office space,
and even places to live.
It actually is probably one of the only places
in Naples that has a nightlife.
But what I really want to talk to you guys
about today is the fact
that Mercato is trying something new,
which I love.
They're helping to showcase local businesses, artists,
and small business owners, and giving them a chance
to have a space here where everyone comes.
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I'm here with Silvina Marzari,
local artist, in Naples, Florida
and I've been following Silvina's art
for probably five years.
I actually have had her commission a few pieces for me.
Most recently for a buyer of mine,
who sold his home on the beach.
She did an amazing job.
She painted the view.
He was there for over 35 years.
It was unbelievable.
So we actually shipped it to Switzerland and he loved it.
So I wanted to interview her today
and just ask her a few questions and showcase her artwork.
Okay. So I know that you're not originally from Naples.
So tell me what brought you to the area?
- Well, I am originally from Argentina
and I lived in New York, most of my adult life.
And for the past 21 years,
I was visiting Naples and coming here on vacation.
And I just fell in love with the light
and the colors and just the serene feeling of being here.
I just felt like I was on vacation.
I'm so inspired by the colors
and the vibrancy of the people, the beach,
the flowers.
Every day is a new source of inspiration.
- So I can really see that in your artwork.
That's what I like the most is it brings out the colors
and brings out some of my favorites are the Naples Pier
that you have,
different local spots around Naples,
but then you bring the very vibrant, cool colors
which I love.
So, I know you're at Mercato right now.
What brought you to Mercato?
How were you able to get a studio over here?
- So Mercato rotates among local artists
and gives everyone an opportunity to showcase their work.
And this was our chance.
I'm sharing this space with two other amazing local artists,
Sandee and Ray, and our styles are very different
from each other.
But at the same time we compliment our art work.
- [Kim Menkhorst] Yeah, no,
there's some very cool pieces around here.
I know you're at Mercato, obviously,
like we just talked about.
So what stores are your favorite around here?
- Well, if it's happy hour, I love to go
to Bar Tulia for a quick bite and a great drink.
Otherwise, Narrative Coffee Roasters,
they have the best coffees
for a great coffee break and just every restaurant
and store around here are just top of the line.
- Perfect. So out of all the art you've created,
which one in this gallery is your favorite piece so far?
- I would have say the one closest
to my heart is the one that I named to "Be Still and Know."
And it just showcases a moment
in time where there's a young boy looking at some birds,
they're eating some crumbs off the ground,
and he's meditating on the fact that sometimes
in the waiting, we grow, and we are closer to God.
- So I also, we talked about earlier too
kind of along those lines, how every painting tells a story.
So I know, she's actually created artwork
of my own children.
So she's done that for my baby, the picture of my baby.
I just love it.
So I know everybody kind of creates art.
So besides buying things in your gallery,
you can also commission art obviously directly through you.
Where can they find your artwork?
- Sgm.fine.art on Instagram.
- Let me clarify.
That's sgm.fine.art.
- Yes.
- All three of these artists have amazing pieces.
I would come down and check them out next time
you're at Mercato.
And thank you, Silvina for taking time today
to show us around.
- Thank you for coming.
- [Kim Menkhorst] In addition to local artists, the Hand
and Harvest Market has their displays twice a month.
Some of the vendors include Concreate Garden,
which showcases planters, candleholders,
and home accessories.
French Ostrich, which does mixed-media jewelry.
Happy Calm, which has trays
and coasters that are really cool.
Juicelation, they offer fresh, cold-pressed juice.
KP FireBowl Shoppe,
they do custom fire bowls in all different sizes and colors.
Naples Honey Company has local raw honey.
Oh Wow Candles offers hand-poured, 100% soy wax candles.
Market Spa has handmade skincare and aromatherapy.
Another favorite is the Woodland Treasures
which shows fine-wood cutting boards, utensils, and more.
Thanks for watching this episode of Lavish Living in Naples.
I'm your host, Kim Menkhorst, luxury realtor here
in Naples, Florida.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow.
See you next time.
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