NAPLES, Fla. — Inside the woodshop behind Naples’ iconic Cocoon Gallery, giant slabs of wood imported from Southeast Asia are being transformed into one-of-a-kind tables, mirrors, and sculptures. Founder Mitchell Siegel calls it “functional art.”
In the 20,000-square-foot workshop on 5th Ave North in Naples, artisans carefully dry, flatten, hand-sand, and sometimes fill natural cracks with colored epoxy, turning raw wood into unique designs.
WATCH TO SEE WHERE THE COCOON GALLERY'S ART IS MADE BY HAND:
“We’re creating pieces of art from nature. We’re enhancing nature,” Siegel said.
Each creation is custom-built, designed to be both beautiful and functional.
“Art doesn’t have to go on the wall,” Siegel said. “It can go on the floor. It can be a sculpture in the corner. People assume art is for walls — but we create functional pieces you can use, like a dining table or a coffee table," he explained.
Siegel emphasizes sustainability. For every tree removed, another is planted, making each piece both responsible and built to last.
