The International Network of Creatives will honor six influential women under the broad canopy of the arts at its second annual Spring into the Arts Gala Luncheon and Fashion Show, 11 a.m. on March 5 at Naples Grande Beach Resort.

With more than 400 guests expected to attend, the gala promises a day of gourmet dining, high-profile auctions, an art exhibition and live music by the Zach Bartholomew Trio. It aims to raise awareness about the International Network of Creatives’ mission of improving lives, honoring distinguished women who influence arts and culture and highlighting the expanding Arts in Recovery program. According to INC founder and President Dr. William Barnett, this event is not just a celebration, but a significant step toward a more vibrant and inclusive arts community in Southwest Florida.

The 2025 honorees are:

• Honorary gala chair Emily James, a visual artist, is most known for her landscapes, seascapes, abstract, contemporary work and portraiture. On display at her art gallery, acclaimed as “Best in Naples,” are sea, beach and tropical works. “As a painter, you get lost in the creative process, and it’s a healing and peaceful place. Dr. Barnett’s goal for those with issues is to help them see the healing beauty of art and in being creative.”

• Patty Baker, known for her philanthropy, is a veritable patron of arts, a London and Broadway producer of shows including Beautiful, Gypsy, To Kill a Mockingbird and more. She was a Tony Award recipient in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

• Harriet Heithaus, a senior editor at The Naples Press who has brought the best in theatre, art and culture to local readers with her reporting.

• Lois Thome of WINK News, recognized as “Best News Anchor,” is the gala’s mistress of ceremonies and has been cited as one of the “Top Women of the Year” by Gulfshore Life magazine.

• Jeanie Darnell, professor of music and head of vocal studies at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music, is a concert artist in the U.S. and throughout Europe.

• Sue Huff, marketing and manage- ment guru, brings a background in graphic arts, broadcasting and theater to her dealings with Southwest Florida businesses and nonprofits.

Fundraiser for INC

The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the INC Arts for Recovery Life Skills Program. This program, which has been providing hope and healing to those battling addictions for 11 years, offers a blend of artistic expression and practical life skills. It features presentations by poets, musicians, artists and Biblical teachers, and is set to expand this spring to support those facing trauma and mental illness.

“Our enhanced life skills program will launch this spring for those battling other challenges like trauma and mental illness,” Barnett said. “We will be upskilling and re-skilling persons; uncovering and encouraging the nurturing of skills already in place; and teaching new skills to acclimate with their daily lives for success in mind, body and soul.”

The program will be in cohorts of 24 people for 10 weekly sessions, ending with a career fair. Classes will include art, dance and health and fitness, and will teach skills such as balancing checkbooks, buying and cooking food and managing a home. “We will show participants how to build positive and healthy relationships and connect them to a supportive faith community to face life challenges successfully,” Barnett said. “NAMI Collier has given us space until we can find a larger permanent space.”

INC is a Southwest Florida faith-based global nonprofit that disciples and teaches creatives of all persuasions, involving them in acts of kindness and outreach. It brings hope and healing to the underprivileged and adults battling addiction and mental illness.

Other INC programs include Creatives Connect Groups, where creatives grow, reflect and proclaim Christ in their lives and work, and Get Creative, a faith-based community outreach to underprivileged families that brings hope and healing through music, art, writing, drama and storytelling.

“I started the organization in 1992 in New York City,” Barnett said. “We relocated to Naples in 2003 and incorporated in 2012. We have some 500 members in Africa, Japan, Russia, Romania and Greece, 200 of which are in Florida. Each year, we touch the lives of over 400 adults in recovery.”