NAPLES, FL. – Following months work, the commemorative artwork “Mosaic of Memories: The Naples Pier Project,” was officially unveiled during a public celebration. This unique artwork depicts the historic Naples Pier and is an art-driven fundraiser to benefit local first responders and rebuilding of the pier in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Emillions Art, a Naples-based art gallery and consultancy, partnered with photo-mosaic artist Robin Austin to create the iconographic masterpiece of the Naples Pier in a limited edition as a fundraising medium. This unique masterpiece was created using over 1,600 photographs submitted by the community to form the mosaic “tiles” for this artwork.

During the unveiling, two of the very first limited-edition prints were presented to Naples City Council for display in Naples City Hall and to First Responders for Fire & Rescue Station #1 near Cambier Park. There also were speeches from city officials and the artist.

“We are delighted to gift these commemorative pieces to the city and to our first responders,” said Marlissa Gardner, president of Emillions Art. “We also have a select few that we are selling to the community with part of the proceeds going to great causes.”

In all, just 100 Limited Edition prints (35 x 65) will be produced, with 80 of them being sold and 20 percent of the proceeds going to the Collier County 100 Club to support the families of local first responders through these difficult times following the hurricane as well as the City of Naples for community restoration efforts, including the Naples Pier.

Another 20 of the prints will be auctioned off during a series of public events with a floor price of $5,000 each and 100 percent of those proceeds going directly toward the cause.

As they are produced to order, buyers can arrange to have their copy personalized by providing additional photos to be included by the artist along with the over 1,600 individual photos already in the piece. The inclusion of up to 20 of their own unique photos will not change the overall artwork itself, but might make all the difference to them and their family or their clients and business when they visit and see it on display.

All versions of the prints will be accompanied with a booklet consisting of a one-page history of the Naples Pier, a profile of the artist and the names of everyone who has a photo included within the mosaic artwork. In addition to purchasing the artworks, individuals will have the opportunity to provide a monetary contribution as a donation.

Initially constructed in 1889 to service a newly built hotel, the original Naples Pier spanned 600 feet and was used primarily for loading and unloading passengers and freight as there were no roads at the time. The pier remained in use until a hurricane in 1910. The pier was rebuilt (100 feet longer) and stood firm until a cigarette fire in 1922.

The pier was once again severely damaged by another hurricane in 1926, and repairs held firm, even though the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, until the hurricane of 1944. The repeated damage brought on stricter building standards with which the pier to be rebuilt.
In 1960, Hurricane Donna decimated the pier and the hotel. The hotel never reopened, but the pier came back – as the icon of Naples that it had always been. Through donations and tax support, the Naples Pier has and will forever remain the iconic heart of Naples.
The painstaking process of creating the artwork fell with Austin. A respected English artist, Austin is known for his photographic mosaic artwork and digital art which reflect his love and devotion to storytelling. Among those he has immortalized are cultural icons such as Mick Jagger, the Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Nelson Mandela.

Those interested in purchasing the limited-edition print or making a contribution may visit www.emillionspierproject.org or contact Emillions Art at info@emillionsart.com.

Located at 837 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 202, Emillions Art is a respected source for modern and old master pieces. The gallery also is well known as a purveyor of contemporary works for collectors beginning to access the art market or established collectors looking to diversify their collections. For additional information, visit www.emillionsart.com.