Michelle Finnegan Book Signing Event

June 14, 2019 is Flag Day as well as the birthday for the US Army and this year it is also the date artist and author Michelle Finnegan chose to sign her newest book “What Does Your Garden Grow” from 4-6 in Kaj Art Gallery, one of Naples newest art galleries in Naples’ new Design District. Michelle chose that date specifically because it is the Friday before Father’s Day and her father, Joseph M Finnegan also served in the Army. One year ago, Michelle chose Father’s Day as her goal to “re-enter the land of the living” knowing her father fought for her to survive his death. Last Father’s Day, Café Nutrients allowed Michelle wall space to showcase her art and this year Café Nutrients are generously providing garden inspired organic delicacies for the book signing in the KAJ Art Gallery and invite everyone back to Café Nutrients at 285 9th Street S, for Mocktails from 7-11.

Former Mrs. U.S of A Globe, Philanthropist and local realtor Kristen Weardon from KW Consulting is proud to be sponsoring and aligning her #outandaboutwithkristen event promotions with this day as part of her ongoing support to the Naples community. Kristen’s hashtag #OutAndAboutWithKristen can be followed on social media.

“What Does Your Garden Grow” was written in memory of her father and other victims and survivors of Hurricane Irma’s only special needs shelter whose generators failed leaving hundreds of oxygen dependent people without oxygen converters or AC. Traditionally on Flag Day, Americans remember their loyalty to the nation and observe the nation’s unity. Michelle acknowledges the brave action of the Army National Guard in her book, acknowledging their actions kept people alive during the night of the storm, as well as a community of citizens who came together in the aftermath. Michelle Finnegan also founded EssentialArt.org when she relocated back to Naples in 1999 after producing her first independent film in Boston, which received major kudos from a film contest in Chicago. Michelle served on many local and national boards and was given a humanitarian award for her international work before giving up her international travels to launch a community wide event about 15 years ago, benefiting 10 local charities with her “Prints of Freedom” which donates proceeds of each limited edition print to the charities matched to it in perpetuity to help people inside the US who were falling through the cracks. When a local shelter asked for her help because they were $86,000 in debt, Michelle produced commercials for them with “The Voice” Peter Thomas providing voice overs reading a poem by William Blake; “The Bird, a nest; the spider a web; man friendship.” That shelter soon covered its debt and made a surplus.

Michelle Finnegan and KAJ art gallery owner Kos invite all members of the community to celebrate friendships new and old on June 14, from 4-6pm. Books are $30 but entry is free and no purchase required. Fruit of the Spirit is the central theme but like life itself which can be chaotic and traumatic, Michelle hopes we all learn to focus on the beautiful core values to manifest more goodness and beauty. Also on display in the gallery is one of Michelle’s limited edition prints, “Remembering Roots” which is reflective of the Apollo 11 lunar patch Michelle saw often as a child because her uncle designed the original patch and served on Apollo 11 as an astronaut. Michelle replaced the body of the eagle with a hand print of her relative to incorporate the painting into her Prints of Freedom portfolio which turns people’s hand prints into works of art meant to embody who they are and what they do to celebrate their freedom.